cybertyrant:
TRASH , u dnt give igbo conditions, u beg igbos to give u conditions

Fcvk igbos

OZAOEKPE:

Fcvk igbos

But de are great people

WilyWily:

u got it wrong, with or without Edo, Biafra hav come to stay, Biafra project is on de move and nothing on dis earth can stop it.

Have you watch Spartan 300? Go and watch it, you will learn and apologise for what you just said. You will know when it come to war, everything is important.

That is why as powerful as United State is, he never go to war without ensuring some small country like Japan, Australia etc are on thier side.
It is not out of weakness they do that, but out of wisdom!!!

WilyWily:

But de are great people

Greed will kill the biafran course. How I wish you understand me, the capital can never be taken to igbo state, its either edo or bayelsa

OZAOEKPE:

You did it alone and it didn't work, why not expand your scope.

Ojukwu made a mistake by including those that didn't want it, that's why it was sabotaged and that's why it didn't work..Nowadays, Biafra is for those who wants freedom oppression inequality. It's gonna be a place where everybody is equal in everything. Hardworking, honesty, dedication and patriotism is gonna be our guiding principle. If Edos want there own country good for them, if Ijaws or other Niger Deltans want there own country, good for them. If they wanna join Biafra or remain in Nigeria, also good for them.

cybertyrant:

TRASH , u dnt give igbo conditions, u beg igbos to give u conditions

This is d reason you can only have Biafra in your dream.

atbu1983:


Have you watch Spartan 300? Go and watch it, you will learn and apologise for what you just said. You will know when it come to war, everything is important.

That is why as powerful as United State is, he never go to war without ensuring some small country like Japan, Australia etc are on thier side.
It is not out of weakness they do that, but out of wisdom!!!

God bless you wisdom my brother, I pity that course called biafra

atbu1983:


Have you watch Spartan 300? Go and watch it, you will learn and apologise for what you just said. You will know when it come to war, everything is important.

That is why as powerful as United State is, he never go to war without ensuring some small country like Japan, Australia etc are on thier side.
It is not out of weakness they do that, but out of wisdom!!!

So tell me wat do u want from Biafra?[b][/b]

OZAOEKPE:

Greed will kill the biafran course. How I wish you understand me, the capital can never be taken to igbo state, its either edo or bayelsa

Thank you. let them continue to dream.

EdCure:

They know that Biafra will fail without us. That's the reason for the forced attachment.

Biafra is a project to fuel ibo greed for the resources, subjugation and domination of the SS. Resist it!

no de form SS here because you and ur useless state is nothing but a liability..

WilyWily:

So tell me wat do u want from Biafra?[b][/b]

We can never allow the capital to be in core biafran states, it should be in edo state or bayelsa. Any Niger deltan state that is ibo free.

CyberWolf:
no de form SS here because you and ur useless state is nothing but a liability..

Watch it

oghenetega100:
And who are you to speak for the whole of Niger delta,

Are you for us or against us

OZAOEKPE:

Watch it

watch what? Edo state was included in the SS because they have no where to go. If SS heavyweights are talking on national issues that concerns them, Edo state is never included in the scheme of things because they are nothing but a useless liability to SS..

CyberWolf:
watch what? Edo state was included in the SS because they have no where to go. If SS heavyweights are talking on national issues that concerns them, Edo state is never included in the scheme of things because they are nothing but a useless liability to SS..

Pride

OZAOEKPE:

We can never allow the capital to be in core biafran states, it should be in edo state or bayelsa. Any Niger deltan state that is ibo free.

Biafra is gonna practice what we call true federalism where every political province will manage whatever the have and pay certain percentage to center for the welfare of our military and other foreign affairs responsibilities...So the issue of capital is highly insignificant here..Left for me, I will prefer the capital to be Calabar..

OZAOEKPE:

Pride

funny guy

Amansu:


You are very funny! Once you become part of Ibo's Biafra, they will never let you leave.

They will wage terrifying war against your small Edo. In fact they will annihilate you completely and give your land and property to Ibos.

Nigeria can't take you back because your land will be recognised internationally and by UN as part of Biafra.

If Nigeria tries to take you back it will result in international war with a much stronger and better equipped Biafra.

So, be careful what you wish for lest it comes true that you become second class citizen under Ibos in Biafra!

Freely I joined, freely I will leave

CyberWolf:
funny guy

It goes before a fall

WilyWily:

I will like Benin City to be Capital of Biafra, So go now and join Biafra movement

Its too late

OZAOEKPE:

It goes before a fall

the thing is you wanna die for your country Nigeria, so stick with Nigeria. Biafra does not want Edo and all other ethnic groups that don't like Biafra. We are not forcing anybody.

OZAOEKPE:

I am speaking on behalf of all Niger Deltans on this forum.

Nwokem, people lost millions of lives in the late sixties for Biafra. The capital of Biafra will only be decided by the direct relatives of those that died for Biafra, and definitely not by Edo state that is not known as a hotbed for Biafran resurrection.
We know the ethnic groups that starved for Biafra. We know the ethnic groups that were massacred all over the north e.t.c
Benin will probably be tenth on the list of options

My choices are
1. Enugu
2. Calabar
3. A new capital territory (situated in a non-oil bearing land to avoid polution in such a city) perhaps named Biafra city or Sunrise city

Before Benin is considered, these cities will have to be tone through and they are, Owerri, Yenagoa, Awka, Umuahia, Portharcourt, Abakaliki, Asaba, Uyo, Ikot-Ekpene, Umuahia, Bonny e.t.c

Amansu:


You see what I mean?
You have not gone anywhere yet, you people are already trading insults.
At this rate, war is the next definite stage.

let the war come. We are ready. I'll personally fight on the side of the Nigerian army when that day comes and I'll behead any igbo I see and occupy their properties. These igbos are a curse.

mcvaeey:
let the war come. We are ready. I'll personally fight on the side of the Nigerian army when that day comes and I'll behead any igbo I see and occupy their properties. These igbos are a curse.

Supported

mcvaeey:
let the war come. We are ready. I'll personally fight on the side of the Nigerian army when that day comes and I'll behead any igbo I see and occupy their properties. These igbos are a curse.

You are funny

Pray so that peace prevails at all times.

HISTORY OF IKWERRE PEOPLE (They are from Benin)

Chambers Dictionary (William Geddie, ed. 1962) says: “A nation is a body of people marked off by common descent, language, culture, or historical tradition: the people of a tribe.” However, S.O.L. Amadi-Nna (1993) avers that: “A tribe is a group of clans under recognized chiefs and usually claiming common ancestry. Ikwerre can therefore not be a clan but a tribe. The Ikwerres claim a common ancestor. Ikwerre is an independent small tribe.” In the words of K.O. Amadi (1993), “Traditions suggest that Ikwerre is a nickname given to Iwhnuruọhna people…..They have ever since regarded themselves as a distinct group and have happily come a long way in their struggle for self-identity as evidenced by the recognition of their language as one of the Nigerian languages.”

Amadi-Nna (1993) added that: “The Ikwerres are a small but distinct tribe. The Ikwerres have distinct linguistic, social and cultural traits and formations that distinguish them from other close neighbouring tribes like the Ijaws and the Ibos. Majority of the Ikwerre settlements have their roots traceable from the old Benin Empire.” Iwhnurọhna people descended from the ancient Bini Kingdom. The name of the grand ancestor is Akalaka. Their relations in Rivers State are Ekpeye and Ogba people. The reigning Oba of Benin when Akalaka, the ancestor of Ihruọha (later called Iwhnurọhna) fled was Oba Ewuare (Ogwaro). Akalaka, a member of the Benin royal family, fled in the 13th century on allegation of plotting assassination of the Oba. He died in 1462. Iwhnurọhna his third son settled east of the Sombrero River by 1538 AD, as detailed below.

Chief N.M.T. Solomon (2004), native of Ikodu Ubie in Ekpeyeland, in his narrative draws heavily from the now authenticated written historical records delivered by various informed sources including “Eketu (Weber) of Ubeta, assumed to have lived for over two hundred (200) years as the oldest man in all Ekpeye, Ogba and Iwhnurọhna (or Ikwerre), at that time (and) was asked to narrate the history and customs of Ekpeye people” as unfolded in his lifetime. Here is what he said, which has been validated by the accounts of the current generation through responses to our questionnaires and direct interviews thereby increasing our level of confidence on the data:

Ekpeye, born in Benin, was the first of the three sons of Akalaka. While in Ndoni, he married a second wife to gain the love and favour of the people. The new wife gave birth to a son, which he named Ogba. Akalaka was still in Ndoni when his first wife, the mother of Ekpeye, gave birth to his third son called Ihruoha (Ikwerre).

Similar historical fact by J.N. Olise (1971) averred that: “Akalaka, a member of the Benin royal family, fled with his wife from Benin to Ndoni, a community located close to the River Niger, to save the life of his new born baby (Ekpeye) … While at Ndoni, Akalaka took a second wife. … Akalaka had two sons, Ekpeye – born to him by his Benin wife, and Ogba – born to him by his Ndoni wife. According to F.E. Otuwarikpo (1994): "After the death of Akalaka in 1462 AD, his two sons, Ekpeye and Ogba had conflict, which compelled Ogba, the younger son, to move northwards where he founded Ohiakwo (Obigwe) and settled with his family. Ekpeye who remained at Ula-Ubie had seven sons – Ubie, Akoh, Upata, Igbuduya, Ekpe, Awala and Asa. The last three sons – Ekpe, Awala and Asa – crossed to the other side of Sombreiro River (present day Ikwerreland and settled there since 1538 AD.” He added that: “Ekpe migrated to present day Rumuekpe and spread through Elele (Alimini), Ndele, Rumuji and part of Ibaa. Awala migrated to present day Isiokpo …”

Amadi-Nna (1993) also said Akalaka migrated with his half brother called Ochichi from the area of Benin Empire. Ochichi sons were Ele (Omerele, now Elele), Elu (Elumuoha, now Omerelu), Egbe (Egbeda) and Mini (Alimini, Isiokpo).

The crucial point here, which is of great importance in tracing the joint origin of the ancestors of the Old Ahoada Division (in the Governor Diete-Spiff administration), is the mention of the number of children that Akalaka had, namely: Ekpeye, Ogba and Ihruọha (Ikwerre). It is noteworthy that the pedigree and name of Ikwerre people, Iwhnurọhna, obviously took its root from this original name – Ihruọha. Chief Solomon therefore establishes a very vital historical link, which has been missing in literature on Ikwerre origin that would assume more significance in the discourses of Ikwerre genealogy in the future – the fact that Akalaka was the direct father of Ihruọha (Ikwerre). Iwhnurọhna, in Ikwere parlance, means the face of the community (town, city or village).

Nigerian colonial history records that the name "Ikwerre" was given by the colonial administration when they wanted to acquire the Rebisi waterfront to build the wharf. Using an Ibo interpreter to talk to the illiterate Rebisi (Port Harcourt) chiefs, they asked them: Would you permit us to use the waterfront to build the wharf for ships to berth? And they answered: A KWERULEM, meaning - "We have agreed." What the white-man was hearing was "Ikwerre," so he recorded it in the official gazette that the IKWERRE PEOPLE have agreed for the colonial administration to build the wharf. And since it was the official record of government, the name Ikwerre became the name of the Iwhnurohna people in all official documentations till date.

Similar cases of Anglicization of native names in the Niger Delta region by the colonial administration are Benin for Bini, Okrika for Wakrike, Degema for Udekema, Abonnema for Obonoma, Brass for Gbara sni, Bonny for Ibani, Pepple for Perekule, Ahoada for Ehuda, etc

Even so, “… there were dissenting voices, … who believed that Ikwerre origins lay outside Igbo land, … in the Benin Kingdom of old. It is, therefore, obvious that the interminable debate about Ikwerre origins and migrations including the repudiation of the Igbo tradition is not a phenomenon of the post-civil war period. The controversy, as it were, is not necessarily the product of the present political realities wherein groups which hitherto were seen to have cultural affinities now find themselves in different states or administrative systems.” -- K.O. Amadi (1993)

The Ogbakor Ikwerre Convention, a cultural organization of Ikwerre people, in a paper presented to the Human Rights Violation Commission headed by Rtd. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa on 10 October 2001, said: “Ikwerre ethnic nationality is not and has never been a sub-group of any other tribe in Nigeria including Ndi-Igbo. There is no doubt that the advent of the British and later regionalization put Ndi-Igbo at the helm of affairs in Eastern Nigeria. This brought Ndi-Igbo into Ikwerre land. In course of time, the Igbo took advantage of their position in the then Eastern Regional Government to grab land in Ikwerre and occupy political positions such as the mayor of Port Harcourt. In the process, Ikwerre along with other minority groups were marginalized and driven to the background.”

Professor Godwin Tasie noted that in 1913 the Rt Rev Herbert Tugwell, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, undertook an experimentation tour of Ikwerre towns and villages assumed to be Ibo-speaking to test the Union Ibo Bible Nso being introduced in Iboland. "Tugwell discovered from the tests he carried out that although the Ikwerre were often regarded as Ibo… the Union Ibo Bible translation, surprisingly, was not easily understood by the Ikwere." This is obviously why Igbo vernacular was compulsorily introduced and taught in all schools in Ikwerreland before the Nigerian Civil War to the assimilation (i.e. destruction) of the Ikwere language.

This also obviously led to the Rumuomasi Declaration in 1965. " … in their meeting at Rumuomasi in 1965 the Ikwerre had, under the umbrella of a highly promising new body that was to get the Ikwerre together as a people of new and clearer vision, they had declared themselves as a people of the distinct identity of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality - not Ibo, not Ijo, not anything else but Ikwerre, Iwhnurọhna. This was the historic Rumuomasi Declaration of 1965 (G.O.M. Tasie, 2000). The full implication is that Ikwere people began to assert themselves forcefully as an ethnic nationality of their own and not Ibos or Ijos, and efforts were made to revert to the original Ikwere names for families, villages, communities and landmarks. For instance, there was the change from Umuola to Rumuola, Umuoro to Rumuoro, Umukrushi to Rumuokwurusi, just to name a few.




T O N Y E N Y I A, PhD, MNIM
CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
IWHNURỌHNA CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
Saturday, 5 February 2011