Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage - Culture - Nairaland
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W.y.c Kumasi 2017 Preserving The Rich Cultural Heritage Of Yoruba / Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage / A Brief History Of The Ikwerre People Of Rivers State. (2) (3) (4)
| Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:06pm On May 06, 2015 |
The niger delta region is a home to many ethnic groups regarded as minor by the nigerian government. Whereas Hausa,Yoruba and Igbo are the major ethnic groups in nigeria.. The Ikwerre nation is the largest ethnic nationality in present day Rivers State in the Niger delta. With over 2.6million people, It is made up of not less than four major Local Government Areas, and occupies the largest land mass in the state. Like most ethnic groups in Nigeria, the history of Ikwerre could be contested. However, several researchers have linked their origin to benin, edo state in Nigeria, Ikwerre is listed as an ethnic group by the nigerian govenment, Ikwerre is often highlighted as the richest and most industrious nationality in Rivers State, an observation that could have been due to the quality indigenes it has produced in recent time. Head of Ikwerre Cultural Organisation, Worldwide, Chief Agbaru Ogbakor, who gave credence to this in a narration of the history of the place and its people said: “Ikwerre is one of the ethnic nationalities that make up the many Nation-States that were amalgamated by Lord Luggard in 1914 to form what we have today as Nigeria. They have their identifiable and distinct culture, tradition and language. “Ikwerre spans four Local Government Areas in Rivers State. These LGAs are those of Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua. It has a population of about 2.6 million people.” 1 Like
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| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:07pm On May 06, 2015 |
Speaking on the people, Ogbakor said: “Ikwerre
people are hospitable, warm, very accommodating
and generous. They readily appreciate when a good
deed is done to them. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:10pm On May 06, 2015 |
Speaking on the people, Ogbakor said: “Ikwerre people are hospitable, warm, very accommodating and generous. They readily appreciate when a good deed is done to them. “In terms of dependability, they are a people you can always count upon, once an agreement is reached (Brief on Ikwerre People), Agbaro was quoted during a Grand Civic Reception in Honour of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, by Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation five years ago. The Ikwerre have volunteered their land to host important landmarks and institutions of economic relevance in Rivers. Notable among these are the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, University of Port Harcourt, International Airport Omagwa; Seaport, largest Oil Palm Company in Africa, University of Education, Nigerian Air Force Base, Nigerian Naval Base, Nigerian Army Base, Oil multinationals such as Shell, Agip, Mobil and Elf, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 52 oil wells and four Flow Stations. With the above, it could be seen that only Ogoni ethnic nationality could be said to have the kind of economic potentials that can compete favorably with the Ikwerre nation with two refineries, petrochemicals, trade zone, seaport and numerous companies doing businesses there. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:13pm On May 06, 2015 |
Politics: Ikwerre people generally have been most blessed in the politics of Rivers State. Since the dawn of democracy in 1999, they have occupied strategic offices at the national to the state levels. Notably, two Ikwerre kinsmen have been Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, namely, Chibudom Nwuche and Austin Opara, between 1999 and 2007. In 2007, Rotimi Amaechi, who was then the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly since 1999, was strongly believed to be the one that would succeed his political godfather, Dr Peter Odili, as governor of the state. He was believed to get the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in 2007 because he was one of the governor’s kitchen cabinet members. Amaechi an indigene of Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State enjoys the support of his kinsmen, many of whom believed that he was the brain behind Odili’s victory in 2003 governorship election, having allegedly worked against his brother, the acclaimed ‘Bulldozer of Rivers Politics’, Chief Sergeant Awuse . Eventually, he became the governor by providence in 2007. Shortly after the reins of Odili, Celestine Omehia, Amaechi’s cousin, became a governor for justfew months before the Supreme Court vacated him in October 26, 2007, which therefore, made the way for Amaechi to ascend the throne. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:15pm On May 06, 2015 |
Presently, Chief Nyesom Wike, a lawyer and former
Minister of State (Education), also an Ikwerre, from
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, won the just
concluded governorship election in rivers state. This
means that three Ikwerre sons may governed the
state interruptedly for 16 years. It will also go a long way to prove that Ikwerre has been using its size and majority advantage to garner the political interest of the state to its favour. Though Amaechi has been warning indigenes of the state not to allow another Ikwerre to succeed him as governor, many see this as a selfish protest on his part. As it stands, majority of the Ikwerre have already thrown their weight behind the candidature of Wike and would not hesitate to continue to dominate the politics of the state for as long as it suites them. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:17pm On May 06, 2015 |
Delicacies: Ikwerre people are known to be very hospital set of people in Rivers State. This hospitality is defined in the way they take care of their guests at a given time. They thrill their guests with their traditional meals. The most common of these are the cocoyam, foo foo (fun fun in Yoruba) and okazi soup. Chief Adi Wali, a social critic, told Sunday Independent that the okazi soup is prepared by first going to the green forest in search of the okazi leaves. “These leafs are sliced to tiny rings and then is pounded. Because a typical Ikwerre man is a fisherman, we use dry fish and bush meat to garnish the soup. You will add periwinkle to it, plenty grey fish and then add red oil. You cannot resist the aroma of this soup when you are served. Stockfish could also be added to make the soup worthwhile”, Wali said. He explained that eba (cassava flour) is an “alien” food to the Ikwerre people. Cocoyam flour has been “our staple food for many years now. Many homes in Ikwerre Kingdom cannot do without this. It does not matter your social status in the society, an average Ikwerre family enjoys this delicacy” |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:20pm On May 06, 2015 |
Traditional marriage: Traditional marriage in Ikwerre, as it is with every other ethnic nationality in Nigeria, is a sacred process that is highly revered. Accordingly, the man would go for a formal introduction, often referred to as the “Door knocking” the moment he identifies the woman he wants to marry. He does this by taking few elders of his family to the girl’s family for the “Introduction”. He goes there with a keg of palm win and dry gin (okanme). While this process lasted, the girl is not defiled. Both are kept away from having sex before the marriage. On the day of the marriage, what the man wears is of a great essence. He spots a loose end wrapper atop of etibo (flowing shirt) with a hat to match. He may decide to wear sandals or hard shoes. In some cases, he may complete the process with a hand staff. The girl may go in wrapper with some traditional top. She spots traditionally made beads round her waist and some more round her wrists. The details of the conjugal process may not be necessary at this point, but what is most interesting is the fact that the atmosphere at the marriage venue is always electric, as it is spiced up with some traditional displays by the youths of the community. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:21pm On May 06, 2015 |
Festivals: During festive periods like Christmas, the entire kingdom is agog with rich cultural heritage. One of the fantastic traditional displays of the Ikwerre people is the traditional wrestling. This is mainly engaged by the able-bodied youths to test their physical strength. Festival wrestling is an integral part of the culture of the Ikwerre people. “In our wrestling competition, different types of drumming the instruments are used such as: Ikwirikwu , Ekwenkalu , Ngele, Mbamba of different types, shapes and sizes”. Normally, two competing camps would gather opposite one another, led respectively by a motivator. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:22pm On May 06, 2015 |
Festivals: During festive periods like Christmas, the entire kingdom is agog with rich cultural heritage. One of the fantastic traditional displays of the Ikwerre people is the traditional wrestling. This is mainly engaged by the able-bodied youths to test their physical strength. Festival wrestling is an integral part of the culture of the Ikwerre people. “In our wrestling competition, different types of drumming the instruments are used such as: Ikwirikwu , Ekwenkalu , Ngele, Mbamba of different types, shapes and sizes”. Normally, two competing camps would gather opposite one another, led respectively by a motivator. “The motivator holds some grasses, which he uses to whip the wrestlers’ hands and buttocks excite them to action. “ Whoever throws the other down wins. If the wrestlers were unable to throw each other, they are said have ‘equalised’ or ‘ogba- oga. The side of the wrestlers that throws his opponent will lift him up with utter jubilation. They will dance round the playground where the wrestling takes place. Women will dance around in a manner that arouses the wrestlers. “ Apart from the wrestling competition, which is mainly for the young men, there is also the Eregbu cultural dance, Ekpo and Ekpe masquerades. These are important cults, which the young must belong”, Chinedu Wosu, a journalist , told the reporter. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:24pm On May 06, 2015 |
Language: According to him, the Ikwerre people speak Ikwerre Language. Before the advent of colonialism, they were already relating with the Igbos which led to the language similarities between the igbos and the ikwerres, including name similarities. At the advent of colonialism, they were exposed to English language and special English called pidgin. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:27pm On May 06, 2015 |
Dance: One of the most popular dance steps in Ikwerre is the Eregbu. In this dance, two drummers, mostly males, sit opposite each other and play selected styles that give different tones to the dancing pleasure of people who do so in circular fashion to the admiration of spectators. This is a beautiful dance that is highly cherished by the Rumuchorlu people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality. They also have the Eri-Ndudu dance that is mainly played by women. The drummers used different instruments like Ndudu, Ngele, Osha, Kwirikwe , among others. At times, the men assist the women in drumming, while the other women dance in circle, or as they may find convenient for the moment. Spectators watch with utmost joy, happiness and admiration. Ikwerre also has another dance called the Eri- Oboh, whereby the chief drummer directs the play using rhythms from locally made instruments. The main instrument, known as Oboh is made of thick calabash, with strong strings. This is used alongside other instruments to orchestrate the dance. While the play is on, some people dig the lkwere dance according to the rhythm of the instrument and song to cheers from spectators. The dancers could be male or female. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Ikwerreboy(m): 7:33pm On May 06, 2015 |
Mod pls Front Page,.. Facts abt Igbos- Made Front page. Facts abt Yoruba- Made front page. Facts abt Urhobo- Made front page. Facts abt Efik- Just recently made front page.. Mod pls the topic is in the right category oh as instructed.. Abeg dnt be Pacial ooooh.. Lolz.. Love yaaa.. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by htconeline: 7:59pm On May 06, 2015 |
FP |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Wulfruna(f): 8:57pm On May 06, 2015 |
Informative. I consider myself a Port Harcourt girl - by birth at least. It's the only Nigerian city I feel a connection with. OP, can you possibly also include a list of Ikwerre names and their meanings. I particularly would like to know what the following names mean: Otonti, Achinewhu, Aguma, Bekwele, Mandah, Nsirim, Egelege, Wahua 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Nobody: 9:11pm On May 06, 2015 |
Wulfruna: Interesting. And here I thought you were Yoruba. Not that it matters that you're a PH lady by birth and feel a connection to it though. 2 Likes |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Wulfruna(f): 9:19pm On May 06, 2015 |
9jacrip: LOL. No I'm not Yoruba. But every Nigerian ethnic group interests me, and I always seize every opportunity I can get to learn as much about them as I can. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Nobody: 9:25pm On May 06, 2015 |
Wulfruna: Makes sense. Your posts on Yoruba topics and depth of arguments made me conclude. Regardless, I'm still a fan of your posts and maybe someday we'll find out what ethnic group you're from. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Wulfruna(f): 9:31pm On May 06, 2015 |
9jacrip: The ethnic tension on nairaland is too high for my system. The only way I think I can remain neutral and immune to it is to keep my ethnicity to myself.  But I have already hinted on other posts that I'm Niger Deltan - or rather part-Niger Deltan. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Udmaster(m): 9:56pm On May 06, 2015 |
Ikwerreboy:Nobody have a problem with you exhibiting your Ikwerre pride BUT do not use it to insult the Igbos.. Keep ur ikwerre to urself because I Am Very PROUD TO BE from the MIGHTY IGBO TRIBE.. 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Nobody: 10:57pm On May 06, 2015 |
Wulfruna: Indeed, the ethnic tension is high but toxic. Shrowding your ethnic leaning would only keep you immune and neutral if you blind yourself to politics section - else you'd find yourself drawn into the tension. Many folks on here never intended to engage in the nonsense but overtime these people will hit a nerve somehow (I wonder how they do it) LOL! We will see how far the neutrality will go  |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by phyllosilicate(m): 12:30am On May 08, 2015 |
Interesting read. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by tonychristopher: 9:57am On May 28, 2015 |
I said it...confused one...... Wulfruna: |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Wulfruna(f): 10:00am On May 28, 2015 |
tonychristopher: LMAO! He actually went snooping on my previous posts.  Explain what you mean when you said 'confused'... if you don't mind. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by tonychristopher: 10:02am On May 28, 2015 |
CALL IT BACK GROUND RESEARCH SO THAT I CAN KNOW THE MENTAL STATE OF WHOM I AM TALKING WITH AND I HAVE NOTED IT SO KA ODI.... Wulfruna: |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Wulfruna(f): 10:04am On May 28, 2015 |
tonychristopher: This doesn't explain what you meant by 'confused' though. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by tonychristopher: 10:18am On May 28, 2015 |
you said that you keep it in chest and that is the confusing ...it boils down to the question do i say am igbo or am i confused in man made Niger Delta nomenclature ...this i think you should purge yourself That is the meaning of my term "confused" but you can still keep it in heart...now we are talking ..but anything Igbo i can see your always lurking around their threads yet no stand..dearie try make one Wulfruna: |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Wulfruna(f): 10:26am On May 28, 2015 |
tonychristopher: This makes zero sense. I know who I am, and I'm not confused about that. On Nairaland I prefer not to disclose my ethnicity for one simple reason: I do not want my comments and contributions to be unfairly (mis)interpreted in the light of my ethnicity, seeing as NL is very charged ethnically. How that qualifies as 'confused' is something you will still have to explain further. BTW, I do not have to take a stand; this isn't a war. And I don't only comment on Igbo-related threads. I'm there on Yoruba threads...even Somali threads as well. 1 Like |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by PabloAfricanus(m): 7:17am On May 29, 2015 |
Ikwerreboy: IkwerreBoy I guess you lots are one confused bunch walahi! Chibudom Nwuche Austin Opara Elechi Amadi Amaechi Adi Ikwerres bear these names because they were "relating" with Igbos which lead to the "similarities"  ?What similarities? Languages have roots, sources and origins. On the other hand languages also have borrowed words while still retaining the base structure. Independent researchers and linguists have ascertained and proved that your "bini" language..which you call "Ikwerre language" is just another Igbo dialect. There is no trait in any form or appearance of bini or other culture in your tiny enclave. Informed elders even told me when I made enquiries that some clans in Imo have a culture of importing the Amadioha deity from Ikwerre! Your elders and leaders know this. If infact you are actually Ikwerre and can speak the language...you probably know this. And no amount of invented origins or creative mythologies will change that. The funny thing is you lots are not even ashamed at the ridiculousness of your claims! Benin and her nobles have never till date recognized any affinity in any capacity with Ikwerre. Even the name of your so called bini migrant ancestor "akalaka" is not in any form edo...nor does it have any meaning in edo. I'm sure your leaders who came up with that whole Bini origin nonsense know they're only fooling themselves? But with a straightface deluded men like Okachikwu Dibia, and Elechi Amadi spew the untruths in public! Its a shame actually. Do you folks ever listen to yourselves talk? So in your mind...the language you lots speak is different from the brand of Igbo spoken in Nkwerre, Owerri and environs? So oil wealth will last forever? Also the stigmatization from losing the civil war will last forever? You lots are just pathetic and deluded. Keep speaking Igbo, bearing Igbo names and practicing Igbo culture and traditions....while deluding yourselves as to your origins. I'm sure the Igbos treat you lots as unserious comedians. Nonsense. 3 Likes |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by UnknownT: 1:49am On May 30, 2015 |
Wulfruna:ikwerreboy should be the last ikwerre man to ask the meaning of those names, looking at the lazy copy and paste work he did here, are we even sure whether he is Ikwerre |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by bigfrancis21: 3:22am On May 30, 2015 |
PabloAfricanus: Ikwerreboy isn't even Ikwerre to start with. He is a Yoruba boy masking as Ikwerre to cause division with other Igbos. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Nobody: 9:50pm On May 30, 2015 |
bigfrancis21: I noticed that, those questions directed to him by wulfruna will take google search and referencing to be answered. |
| Re: Ikwerre: People With Rich Cultural, Political Heritage by Mapletraks: 10:40pm On Jun 03, 2015 |
Ikwerreboy: |
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