How Ugep Evolved From A Colonial Settlement Into One Of Nigeria’s Largest Indigenous Cities
From Colonial Records to Modern Reality: Reassessing Ugep’s Historical Identity
A Community Whose History Challenges Popular Perception
PUBLIC conversations about Ugep often reduce the Yakurr community to the status of a “village.” However, historical records, colonial documentation, demographic evidence and traditional institutions present a far more complex picture.
Historical accounts indicate that while Ugep was regarded as a village during the early decades of British colonial administration, its extraordinary population growth, political significance and urban development transformed it into one of Nigeria’s most important indigenous urban centres by the mid-twentieth century.
Today, historians argue that describing contemporary Ugep as merely a village overlooks decades of documented social, administrative and demographic evolution.
Colonial Research Revealed an Exceptionally Large Settlement
One of the earliest scholarly accounts of Ugep came in 1935 when renowned British anthropologist Professor Daryll Forde of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, conducted an extensive anthropological study of the Yakurr people on behalf of the British Colonial Office.
His survey estimated the population of Yakurr communities as follows:
- Ugep (Umor) – 10,900
- Ekori – 7,100
- Mkpani – 4,400
- Nko – 2,600
- Idomi – 1,900
Forde described Umor (Ugep) as “exceptionally large for a single compact community,” an observation that distinguished it from many indigenous settlements across colonial Nigeria.
At a period when many communities had much smaller populations, Ugep had already emerged as an unusually large settlement with considerable demographic significance.
Urban Status Came Decades Ago
Supporters of Ugep’s historical status argue that its classification changed significantly after the colonial era.
Government records from the former Eastern Nigeria reportedly recognized Ugep as an urban centre during the 1950s, reflecting rapid expansion in population, governance and infrastructure.
This official recognition marked an important transition from its earlier classification as a rural settlement.
Today, proponents note that referring to Ugep solely as a village ignores this administrative evolution.
A City Built Around Traditional Institutions
Rather than existing as a single homogeneous settlement, Ugep developed around several historic communities.
The town consists of five traditional towns:
- Ijom
- Bikobiko
- Ijiman Okurubong
- Ikpakapit
- Katabebe
These are further organised into 12 clans and approximately 145 officially gazetted villages under the laws of Cross River State.
This layered administrative and cultural structure reflects a sophisticated indigenous system of governance that predates colonial administration.
Traditional Leadership Extended Beyond Local Boundaries
Historical records also illustrate Ugep’s political importance within the former Eastern Region.
In 1958, when the Eastern Nigeria Government established Provincial First Class Chiefs for the region’s twelve provinces, Obol Neil Ubi Ofem of Ugep was appointed First Class Chief representing Abakaliki Province in the Eastern Nigeria House of Chiefs.
At the time, provincial boundaries differed significantly from present-day state boundaries.
Earlier, between 1945 and 1958, Ugep and the Obubra Division were administered under Ogoja Province before subsequent administrative restructuring expanded the number of provinces.
The appointment reflected the influence traditional rulers from Ugep exercised within regional governance during Nigeria’s late colonial era.
Royal Succession Reflects Indigenous Political Traditions
Historical accounts further describe periods of succession challenges within the royal family.
Following the deaths of Obol Ubi Mbui and Obol Etim in quick succession, community traditions led to the appointment of Obol Michael Enang Obeten, an Okpan rather than a member of the ruling Leboljima royal lineage.
The decision was reportedly taken to restore stability after repeated royal misfortunes.
Such developments illustrate how indigenous political institutions balanced hereditary succession with spiritual and communal considerations.
Population Growth Reinforced Urban Identity
Modern demographic estimates increasingly rank Ugep among Nigeria’s largest indigenous urban communities.
Supporters argue that its combination of population size, traditional governance, administrative history and cultural influence places it well beyond conventional definitions of a rural village.
The community’s annual cultural festivals, expanding commercial activities and regional influence have further strengthened its urban profile.
Historical Identity Continues to Shape Contemporary Debates
For historians and cultural scholars, Ugep’s story reflects more than demographic expansion.
It illustrates how indigenous communities evolve over time through migration, traditional governance, colonial administration and post-independence development.
While historical records acknowledge Ugep’s origins as a village during the colonial period, subsequent administrative recognition, sustained population growth and political prominence demonstrate a transformation into one of Nigeria’s notable urban centres.
The debate surrounding Ugep’s identity therefore remains less about terminology than about accurately reflecting its documented historical evolution.
