Abraka, is a town in Delta state, Nigeria.[1] It is also home to two of the main 24 urhobo kingdoms. It is mostly known as a university town and has the main campus of the Delta State University located there. Abraka town is a favourite destination for domestic and international tourists. The Abraka beach is famous for its natural flowing spring water, and has sports recreational facilities for outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, swimming, barbecue and picnicking.[2]
The Abraka people are a major subgroup of the Urhobo nation, located in the present-day Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Their territory is strategically situated along the banks of the River Ethiope, one of Nigeria's most iconic inland waterways, renowned for its clear water and spiritual significance. Abraka is also a key urban center near the boundary between the Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic groups. Its proximity to the state capital, Asaba, and its commercial hub, Warri, has made it an important economic and educational crossroads in the region.
Origin and Migration
The Abraka people are historically significant as the first group of Urhobos to migrate from the ancient Benin Kingdom around 1370 AD. Their migration was led by Prince Avweake (also spelled Awaeke), a son of Oba Ohen of Benin.
Prince Avweake was forced to flee Benin due to a bitter succession dispute following his father's death. The controversy stemmed from the circumstances of his birth; his mother, an Ishan woman, did not immediately announce his birth to the Oba and his council. Instead, the birth of his younger brother, born on the same day, was announced first. This created a legitimacy crisis, and when the throne was contested, Avweake lost to his brother, who became Oba Egbeka (or Igbeka). Under these extenuating circumstances, Prince Avweake and his followers left Benin to establish a new kingdom.
Settlement and Founding of the Kingdom
The group first settled at Orogho, then moved across the River Ethiope at Sambi to Urhuoka, before finally establishing their capital at Otorho Avwaeke (Otorho Abraka). This final move was a strategic decision following intermittent warfare waged against them by Oba Egbeka.
The defining moment in their struggle for autonomy was the Battle of Adakaji. As the Benin army advanced and attempted to cross the valley near Abraka, a sudden and powerful flood from the Owuvwe stream swept away many soldiers, leading to a decisive victory for Prince Avweake and his people. They believed this event was a spiritual intervention, cementing the stream's significance in their history.
After this victory, Prince Avweake was crowned the first Ovie (King) of Abraka by prominent citizens acting as king-makers. To commemorate their victory, he instituted the Uyo festival, an annual celebration that continues to be observed.
Early European Contact
A pivotal yet often overlooked part of Abraka's history is its role in early European contact. Historical records indicate that Abraka was the first location in what is now Delta State where Portuguese explorers and traders first hoisted their flag in the 16th century. This event marked the beginning of direct European influence in the western Niger Delta region, preceding their established trade with kingdoms like Itsekiri and Benin in the area.
Social and Political Structure
Upon its foundation, the Abraka kingdom was organized into two main sections:
1. Oruarivie Section (The Royal Family): This section comprises the four quarters founded by Avweake's children and their descendants: Urhuoka, Urhuogo (Erho), Urhuovie (Ogodo), and Ekrejeta. By tradition, the Ovie (King) of Abraka is chosen from these four quarters. 2. Umiaghwa Section: This section was originally made up of two quarters named after Avweake's trusted aides: Ovwodo and Oruaber. In recent times, two additional quarters Eseme and Oviedo have been created.
The first rulers succeeded directly from father to first son: Avweake was succeeded by his son Orovworho (Anaja) Anaja is an Abrakanised Itshekiri word for Alaja, who established contact with Prince Ginuwa, the founder of the Itsekiri kingdom. Orovworho was succeeded by his son, Ogwezi. However, due to Ogwezi's autocratic and tyrannical rule, the institution of Ovie was abolished upon his death. It was replaced by the system of Omorovie (a Regent), where the oldest surviving male citizen from the Oruarivie section would act as the ruler.
The Evolution of Delta State University, Abraka
Abraka's transformation into a major educational hub began in the 1990s. What is now Delta State University (DELSU) began as the Abraka Campus of the former Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma).
With the creation of Delta State in 1991, the Abraka campus was excised and established in 1992 as a separate institution named Delta State University, Abraka. It started with four faculties: Arts, Education, Science, and Social Sciences.
Over the years, the university has expanded significantly, adding faculties like Law, Engineering, Agriculture, Management Sciences, and Health Sciences. It now operates multiple campuses within Abraka, with the main campus located at Site III along the Abraka Warri highway. DELSU has become the economic and intellectual heart of the Abraka community, attracting students and scholars from across Nigeria and beyond.
Modern History and the Division of the Kingdom
For a long period, the kingdom functioned without a king under the Omorovie system. This interregnum ended in the 20th century with the coronation of HRH David Dafe (Orovworo 1st). He was crowned at an advanced age (over 90) after personal negotiations and agreements and reigned for ten years until his death in 1990.
His death triggered a protracted and bitter succession struggle, leading to the reign of multiple factional kings (including HRH Luke, Tete, and Atigogo) and extensive legal battles. To resolve the crisis, the Delta State government, under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, formally recognized two separate kingdoms
· Oruarivie Abraka is ruled by HRH Uku Odjevworo Akpomeyoma Majoroh (Ojeta 2nd). · Umiaghwa Abraka is ruled by HRH AVM Lucky Arharire.
Sources
1. HRH David Dafe (Orovworo) funeral pamphlet 2. Coronation Pamphlet of Oba Akenzua 3. Royal historical records in Benin
Climate
Abraka has a tropical wet and dry climate, with a lengthy wet season and relatively constant temperatures throughout the course of the year. Abraka's wet season runs from March through October, though August sees somewhat of a lull in precipitation. This lull nearly divides the wet season into two different wet seasons. The remaining months forms the city's dry season. Like a good portion of West Africa, Abraka experiences the harmattan between the months of November and February.
Education
Abraka is home to the prestigious Delta State University, Abraka. The Delta State University, was established in the year 1992,[3] with its main campus at Abraka and a campus at Anwai, Asaba. With the 1995 Amended Edict, a new campus was established at Oleh. The University runs a multi-campus system with three campuses within a distance of about 200km apart. Currently, with a student population of about 36,000 (in the 2007/08 session), the University offers a range of programmes from the full-time certificate, diploma and degree programmes to part-time evening and weekend degree programmes. The University offers post-graduate studies up to a doctoral level. A staff/student counselling centre, an e-learning centre, student accommodation and sporting facilities amidst others are available support services.[4]
DELSU Abraka Main Campus Gate
Tourism
Abraka is a destination for domestic and international tourism.[citation needed] It attracts numerous tourists. Abraka's Rivotel is famous for its natural flowing spring water, and has recreational facilities for outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, swimming, barbecue. Abraka Turf and Country Club nestles at the Delta State University town of Abraka.[5]
==Notable people Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru HRH Akpomeyoma Majoroh HRH AVM Lucky Arharire Prince Ukuanovwe Godstime OJ Chief Justus Esiri(Nollywood actor) Sydney Esiri(Dr Sid)(Musician) Prof Victor Jike
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