Ewu

Last updated

Ewu Flour Mill Building Ewu Flour Mill Building.jpg
Ewu Flour Mill Building

[1] [2] Ewu is a Nigerian town situated in Esan Central Local Government Area in the Edo State of Nigeria. [3] [4] The city, an Esan tribe, lies on 200 feet in the plateau region of central Edo State, 100 kilometres north of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Nigeria.

Contents

Ewu city comprises the communities of Eguare-Ewu, Ehanlen-Ewu, Ihenwen-Ewu, Uzogholo-Ewu, Ukhiodo-Ewu, Idunwele-Ewu, Eko-Ojeme, Oghodogbor, and Ukpeko Ori. Ewu is bounded in the north by Agbede, in the south-east by Irrua, in the south-west by Ekpoma.

History and governance

The Ewu-born playwright, historian and poet Saintmoses Eromosele described Ewu as 'The Holy City of Commerce, Industry and Hospitality' in his book, The History and Chronicle of Ewu Monarchy: Since 1440. [5] The monarchy of Ewu is believed to have been organized by Oba Ewuare, at about 1460 (Common Era) and was associated with Bini princes and warriors who made it their garrison in their quest to subjugate cotton and fabrics producing Esan tribes, especially the once powerful Uzea kingdom. Prior to the coming of Oba Ewuare in the mid 15th century, the Ewu community was organized and governed by an ancient gerontocracy where a council of the oldest people called Edion administered the various communities that constituted Ewu, independently. But Oba Ewuare of imperial Benin Kingdom overturned the gerontocratic system of administration he met in his conquest of Esan land and enthroned some of his princes as viceroys in its place, and a Benin general Ozaine (a tradition renders his name as "Oza" became a viceroy of the Oba in Ewu and thus first Onojie of Ewu kingdom. These princes of Benin Empire checked the frequent rebellion and insubordination of the ancient, once powerful Uzea kingdom in Esanland, and co-opted the Esan kingdoms into the then fast-expanding Benin Empire., [5]

Notwithstanding the origin of the Benin Empire occupation of Ewu in about 1460, Ewu people have various accounts of oral tradition which trace their pre-Benin-Empire-occupation existence to time immemorial. In all the accounts of origin, it is generally accepted that the people of Ehanlen were the aboriginals in the ancient land of Ewu. It is also believed that the people of Idunwele were migrant farm settlers and hunters from Emaudo in Ekpoma. It is believed that the people from Benin Kingdom were settled at Ihenmwen and Ukhiodo, especially among the families that occupy the area of Ewu known as Idumu-igun quarters. The people are believed to have originated from Igun in Benin City. It is also traditionally believed, especially among the Aru Ose worshippers, that Ewu was indeed the original home and tap root, Eilu, of the Esan race being the ancient custodian of the Edion River (now in Agbede) and the Ihiala (ancient moat dug around Ewu).[ citation needed ]

The Ewu kingdom is currently ruled by the Ojeifo dynasty, which traces its roots via Ekpebua to Ozaine, the first Onoje of Ewu, who was a viceroy of the Oba Ewuare of Benin. The aboriginal peoples of Ewu are the Ehanlen people. Other settlers came from Igun and Ugbekun Quarters of Benin kingdom during the occupation of Ewu by the Benin imperialists. These settlers settled at Ihenwen at the quarters known as Idumigun. Later nomads and emigrants came from Emaudo in Ekpoma and settled in the areas known as Idunwele and Eko. Other waves of Benin emigrants fled from the tyranny of Oba Ewuare to Ewu and settled at Uzogholo, Idunwele and Ehanlen. [5] [6] [7] [8]

Religion

Ewu has three major religions: Ebor; Islam; and Christianity. Islam was introduced in the early 20th century in 1908 through Onojie Omosun. Ewu is home to the Ewu Saint Benedict Monastery, a monastery of the Roman Catholic Church. [9] It is also home to an advanced theological seminary owned by the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria, known as the Nigerian Advanced School of Theology (NAST). [10]

People in Ewu

Festival

Ewu plays host to the annual Ighele festival, which is celebrated annually in Ewu in the month of June. The festival is important to the Ewu people and the inhabitant of Ewu because of the belief that Ighele brings peace and prosperity. [16]

Academic Institution in Esan Central (Ewu)

1. Irrua Girls Secondary School

2. Ujabhole Grammar School Uwessan Irrua

3. Opoji Secondary/commercial School

4. Ebudin Secondary School - Ugbegun

5. Ikekato Secondary School Irrua

6. Opoji Grammar School

7. A.c.c Esan Central

8. Ugbegun Grammar School

9. Idunwele

10. Afuda Secondary School Irrua

11. Umeah Secondary School, Irrua

12. Ewu Grammar School

13. Government Secondary & Technical School

14. Advanced School of Theology [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esan people</span> Ethnic group in Nigeria

The Esan people are an ethnic group of southern Nigeria who speak the Esan language. The Esan are traditionally known to be agriculturalists, trado-medical practitioners, mercenary warriors and hunters. They cultivate palm trees, Irvingia gabonensis (erhonhiele), Cherry (Otien), bell pepper (akoh) coconut, betel nut, kola nut, black pear, avocado pear, yams, cocoyam, cassava, maize, rice, beans, groundnut, bananas, oranges, plantains, sugar cane, tomato, potato, okra, pineapple, paw paw, and various vegetables.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ewuare</span> Oba of Benin (1440 AD–1473 AD)

Ewuare, originally known as Prince Ogun, was the twelfth Oba of the Benin Empire from 1440 until 1473. Ewuare became king in a violent coup against his brother Uwaifiokun which destroyed much of Benin City. After the war, Ewuare rebuilt much of the city of Benin, reformed political structures in the kingdom, greatly expanded the territory of the kingdom, and fostered the arts and festivals. He left a significant legacy in the Kingdom of Benin

The Afemai, also spelled Afenmai, are an ethnic group living in the northern part of Edo State, South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Afemai people occupy six local government areas of Edo state: Etsako West, with headquarters in Auchi it has an area of 944.8 km² with a population of 198,975 at the 2006 census, Etsako Central, with the headquarters in Fugar it has an area of 659.7 km² with a population of 94,228 in the 2006 census, Etsako East, with the headquarters in Agenebode it has an area of 1,131 km² with a population of 147,335 in the 2006 census, Owan East with Afuze as the headquarters it has an area of 1,239 km² with a population of 154,630 in the 2006 census, Owan West with Sabongida-Ora as the headquarters it has an area of 731.4 km² with a population of 99,056 in the 2006 census and Akoko Edo,Igara being the headquarters It has an area of 1,371 km² with a population of 262,567 at the 2006 census.These make up the Edo-North Senatorial District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo people</span> Nigerian ethnic group

The Edopeople, sometimes referred to as the Bendel people, are an Edo-speaking ethnic group. The Edo tribe who predominantly reside in 8 southern local government areas of the State of Edo, Nigeria, are known as 'ÉDO'. They are speakers of the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Kingdom Ogiso Igodo. They are closely related to other southern Nigerian tribes, such as the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko, the Igbo, and the Urhobo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esan North-East</span> LGA in Edo State, Nigeria

Esan North-East is a Local Government Area located in Edo State of Nigeria. It has an estimated population of 119,346. Its headquarters are in Uromi/Uzea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uromi</span> City in Edo state, Nigeria

Uromi is a city located in north-eastern Esan, a sub-ethnic group of the Edo people in Edo state, Nigeria. At various points in Uromi's history, the city and people have been an important part of the Benin Empire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esan Central</span> LGA in Edo State, Nigeria

Esan Central Local Government Area is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its administrative headquarters is located in the town of Irrua.

Igueben is a local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are located in the town of Igueben, which has an area of 380 km2 (150 sq mi) and a population of 69,639 according to the 2006 census. The postal code is 310.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ekpoma</span> Town in Edo State, Nigeria

Ekpoma is a town in Edo State, Nigeria. It is the administrative headquarters of the Esan West Local Government Area. Ekpoma lies on the geographical coordinate of latitude 6°45′N6°08′E. The town has an official Post Office, and it is home to the Ambrose Alli University. Currently Ekpoma town is developing with major infrastructures, hospitals, schools, modern eateries and roads. The town is also secured.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igue festival</span> Festival in Nigeria by the Binis

Igue festival is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, southern Nigeria. One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere. Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.

Ogwa is a town in Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State, Nigeria. It is among the constituent communities of Esanland. The people of Ogwa speak the Esan language. The language of the Esan people shares the same name as the name of the land itself. Esan and Ishan are interchangeably used to refer to the same place, language and people. Ishan is the anglicized variant for Esan. The Ogwa people in Edo State identify themselves as Esan or Ishan people. Ogwa has four clans: Eguare, Ukpogu, Izogen and Eha. These clans are headed by most elderly men in each of them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esanland</span> Cultural Region in Nigeria

Esanland, otherwise known as Esan Nation, is a cultural region located in Edo State, Nigeria. It is composed of five Local Government Areas in Edo State. Esanland lies west of the banks of the Niger River. It is bordered by Kogi State, Delta State, Edo South Senatorial District, and Edo North Senatorial District. Esanland covers about 2,800 square kilometers and is home to over half a million people. The Esan people and culture of Esanland are generally homogenous.

Unuamen also spelt Unuame is an ancient village community by Ovia river in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Unuame is about 15 kilometres (9 mi) from Benin City and 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Benin Airport. Unuame is one of the ancestral homes of Oba Esigie's maternal grandfather and home town to some group of Binis. The people of Unuame have remained loyal to the monarch since the establishment of the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Being a part of the Kingdom of Benin, Unuame is at the heart of the tropical rainforest in the southern part of Nigeria, way to the west of the delta of the Niger River and inland from the coast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ebelle</span> A town in Igueben LGA

Ebelle, one of the major Esan kingdoms in Edo State, Nigeria, is a populated place located in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Within Ebelle are the villages of Owa, Ologhe, Okuta, Okpujie, Idumowu, and Eguare.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clifford Ordia</span> Politician

Clifford Ordia is a Nigerian engineer and politician who hails from Usugbenu Irrua in Esan Central local government area of Edo State. A Senator of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria from 2015-2023,who represented the people of Edo Central senatorial District, Edo State. in the Nigerian Senate and he is a member of the People's Democratic Party, PDP.

Agba N'Ojieof Uromi, originally called Agba, was the ruler of the Esan people from 1483 AD until 1507 AD. He is an important Onojie in the history of the Esan people. He was instrumental in the independence of Esanland from the old Benin Empire. He stopped tributes from Enijies in Esanland from being paid to the Oba of Benin and stopped any appeal cases being taken from Esanland to the Oba's Palace for retrial during the time of Ozolua n'Ibarmoi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idoa, Nigeria</span> Esan community in Edo State, Nigeria

Idoa is an Esan community in Edo, Nigeria. The city, an Esan tribe, stretches through the highlands and plains of central Edo State. It is 120 kilometres north of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, having boundaries with Ekpoma in the west, Ukhun in the south, Ewu in the east and Agbede in the north. Residents are mainly farmers and grow crops, including yams, rice, cassava, taro and cocoa. The city of Idoa is currently made up of the following five clans: Afuku-N'Edo, Afokolo, Atologua, Ubi and Ofie.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irrua</span> Town in Edo state, Nigeria

Irrua is a town in Edo state and the administrative seat of the Esan Central local government area in Edo State Nigeria. Irrua was established by decree 92 of 1993 to provide tertiary services to people of Edo State and beyond.

Agbede is a Muslim town in the Northern part of Edo State. It has been in existence since the 13th century. It is the door way into the North of the State.

Gideon Obhakhan is a Nigerian politician and the immediate past commissioner for education in Edo State. He contested for the House of Representatives during the 2015 general election.

References

General
Specific
  1. ↑ "Ewu History written for over 40 years by Instony Kristofferson to be published soon - We Africa Preview". wap.org.ng. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  2. ↑ "REVUE: Ighele Age Group Festival Thrills In Uneme Akpama". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 5 July 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  3. ↑ "Ewu: Chieftaincy tussle that will not go away". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 26 February 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  4. ↑ "Ewu – Channels Television" . Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 Eromosele, Saintmoses (2003). The History and Chronicle of Ewu Monarchy: Since 1440. The Pedagogues Publishing, in association with Ewu Students' Association of Nigeria.
  6. ↑ Okojie, C.G. 1960. Ishan Native Laws and Customs; Lagos, John Okwere Publishers Limited. cf. Page 139
  7. ↑ Okoduwa, Anthony, 2006. Tenacity of Gerontocracy in Nigeria: An Example of the Esan People. cf. Page 106
  8. ↑ "Ewu Kingdom: I'll lead my people with fear of God – Jafaru". Vanguard News. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  9. ↑ Ibiam, Agha (11 October 2007). "Nigeria: Ewu – Where Tradition and Christianity Mix". This Day.
  10. ↑ "Domain Error". Archived from the original on 14 June 2013. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  11. ↑ "Nigeria: Oyakhilome, Now a Septuagenarian". Daily Independent. 11 April 2009.
  12. ↑ Ibagere, Eniwoke (6 June 2000). "Drugs: The Nigerian connection". BBC News.
  13. ↑ "Nigeria: Politicians Want Edo Speaker to Resign". Daily Champion. 11 November 2003.
  14. ↑ Adekoye, Vincent (28 February 2006). "Nigeria: Anenih Group Sacks Edo Speaker". Daily Champion.
  15. ↑ "Home". Archived from the original on 5 September 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2010.
  16. ↑ "IGHELE FESTIVAL". www.edoworld.net. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  17. ↑ "Educational Institutions in Esan Central, Edo State". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 27 January 2023.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.