Urhobos Of The Niger Delta: History, Culture & Modern Challenges

By FREDRICK BARNABAS OGHENERIOKE

THE Urhobos, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, are predominantly found in Delta State, with significant populations in Bayelsa, Edo, and other states, as well as urban centers like Lagos, Ondo, and Kwara. Numbering around seven million, they speak the Urhobo language, which features distinct dialects across various Urhobo kingdoms.

Origins and Migration

Historical records and oral traditions trace the Urhobos’ origins to migrations from the Benin Kingdom during the reigns of Obas such as Ewuare the Great (1440–1473) and Ozolua the Conqueror (1483–1504). Key clans have unique ancestral narratives:

• Ughelli and Agbon kingdoms: Founded in the 14th century, linked to Ughene, son of Oghwoghwa, a Benin prince.

• Okpe Kingdom: Predates Portuguese contact in the 15th century.

• Uvwie, Agbarha, and Abraka: Migrations shaped by inter-kingdom conflicts, slavery, and territorial expansion.

Culture and Traditions

The Urhobos maintain a rich cultural heritage:

• Religion: Central belief in Ọghẹnẹ, the supreme deity, alongside divinities (Edjo and Erhan). Ancestor worship through the Erivwin cult underscores the bond between the living and the dead.

• Calendar and Festivals: A four-day week—Edewo, Ediruo, Eduhre, Edebi—guides sacred observances. Festivals such as Ohworu, annual fishing celebrations, and masquerade performances remain central to community life.

• Cuisine: Staples include Banga soup from palm kernels, Oghwevwri with smoked fish or bush meat, and starch (Usi).

• Social Structure: Kingdoms are led by an Ovie (king), supported by councils of elders (Ilorogun), with traditional titles and roles varying across communities.

Modern History and Challenges

Colonial administration initially grouped Urhobos with the Itsekiris, creating friction and struggles for political autonomy. The Urhobo Progress Union, established in 1931 as the Urhobo Brotherly Society, became a unifying platform for development and advocacy.

In contemporary times, petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta has brought economic opportunities but also environmental degradation and socio-political challenges. Land disputes, pollution, and resource control remain pressing issues affecting the Urhobo communities, shaping ongoing debates over development, rights, and cultural preservation.

The Urhobos today are a resilient people, blending a rich historical legacy with modern aspirations, yet navigating complex socio-economic and environmental pressures in Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta region.