Ijala

Last updated
Ijala
Community
Country Nigeria
State Delta State
Local Government Area Warri South
Kingdom Kingdom of Warri
FoundedPre-1480
Founded byIfe migrants
Government
  Traditional Ruler Ògíamẹ̀ Atuwatsé III CFR, The Olú of Warri Kingdom
Demonym Itsekiri
Time zone UTC+1 (WAT)

Ijala is a historic community in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, within the traditional boundaries of the Warri Kingdom. It holds significant cultural and historical importance as the original capital of the Kingdom of Warri, established by Olu Ginuwa I around 1480 CE, and serves as the royal cemetery for the monarchs of the Warri people. Ijala is recognized for its potential as a World Heritage Site due to its historical relics and its pivotal role in the kingdom's heritage. The community is being developed as a tourist and industrial destination under the Greater Warri Metropolitan Dream. [1] [2]

Contents

History

Origins and founding

Ijala is one of the earliest settlements in the Warri Kingdom, predating its establishment by Olu Ginuwa I around 1480 CE. According to Itsekiri oral tradition, Prince Ginuwa, the eldest son of Oba Olua of the Benin Kingdom (reigned 1473–1480), founded the kingdom of warri after leaving Benin due to political tensions. The Benin chiefs, perceiving Ginuwa as a threat, planned to eliminate him. Oba Olua facilitated Ginuwa’s departure with an entourage of 70 first sons of prominent Benin nobles. [3] The group traveled through several locations, including Ugharegin, Efurokpe, Amatu, and Oruselemo, before settling in Ijala, where he was welcomed by the people living in the land. [4] Ginuwa married Urowoli during the journey and had two sons, Princes Ijijen and Irame, before arriving at Ijala. [5]

Ijala served as the first capital of the Warri Kingdom and the residence of Olu Ginuwa I, marking it as the political and cultural center of the nascent kingdom. After Ginuwa’s death, he was buried in Ijala, establishing it as the royal cemetery. [6] The royal entourage later relocated to Ode-Itsekiri under Prince Ijijen guided by a magical spear thrown by an Idibie (diviner). [7]

Role as royal cemetery

Since 1500 CE, Ijala holds immense spiritual and cultural significance as the royal burial ground of the Warri Kingdom, All deceased Olus of Warri are buried here in a sacred grove marked by ancient iroko trees. These trees are believed to house the spirits of departed kings and are considered untouchable. [8] [9]

The royal cemetery includes:

According to Itsekiri custom, following the death of an Olu, the Olu-elect must first visit Ijala to undergo the Iken rites and pay homage to his ancestors before his formal coronation at Idaniken in Ode-Itsekiri. This practice preserves the spiritual continuity of rulership in the Warri Kingdom. [10] [11]

The site remains a sacred ground and is strictly protected by traditional priests and select Warri royal family members. Public access is highly restricted, though efforts are underway to document and preserve the site. [12]

European contact

In 1500, Portuguese traders visited Ijala during their first voyage to the Warri Kingdom, introducing cassava to Olu Ginuwa I. This significant gesture made the Itsekiris the first set of people to grow cassava in this part of the world. Between 1505 and 1522, cassava became a staple in the homes of most Nigerians. The Portuguese also traded beads with the community. [13] [14]

Cultural significance

As the original capital and royal cemetery of the Warri Kingdom, Ijala is a sacred site for the Itsekiri people. The community is integral to the kingdom’s monarchical traditions, particularly the burial rites of the Olus. After an Olu’s death, the Olu-elect participates in the Iken Rites at Ijala’s royal cemetery before proceeding to Idaniken for three lunar months prior to coronation. [15] [16]

Modern development and tourism

Ijala is being repositioned as a tourist and industrial destination under the Greater Warri Metropolitan Dream. Key initiatives include the restoration of the Royal Cemetery and the development of the Falcorp Mangrove Park and Mini Zoo. These projects aim to enhance Ijala’s appeal as a cultural and ecological tourism site, with its historical significance as the original capital supporting its potential as a World Heritage Site. [17] [18]

Economy

Ijala’s economy is linked to the Warri Kingdom, a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. While not an industrial hub, its tourism initiatives, such as the Falcorp Mangrove Park, suggest potential for economic growth through eco-tourism and local employment. [19] [20]

Governance

Ijala falls under the traditional authority of the Olu of Warri, currently Ògíamẹ̀ Atuwatsé III CFR , crowned on August 21, 2021. Local administration is managed by traditional chiefs and community leaders, consistent with the Warri Kingdom’s monarchical system. [21] [22] [23]

See also

References

  1. "Ijala: Delta State community where the Kings never die – www.africatravelherald.com" . Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  2. Edeme, Victoria (2021-08-20). "Warri Kingdom, according to history dating back 541 years". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  3. "History of the Itsekiri People | Culture | Economy | Naijabiography". Naijabiography Media. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  4. "Itsekiri people: Kingdom History and culture of the Iwere | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  5. Ayida, Allegra Otsaye (2022-07-25). "How to Make a Warri King". The Republic. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  6. Ayomike, J. O. S. (1988). A History of Warri. Ilupeju Press. p. 77.
  7. Amos (2015-12-11). "Why we coronate Olu of Warri at Ode-Itsekiri". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  8. Nation, The (2015-10-15). "Olu of Warri-designate leads others to monarch's funeral rites". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  9. Nation, The (2021-05-10). "Funeral rites begin Monday for 20th Olu of Warri | The Nation". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  10. "Olu of Warri stool: Itsekiri must close ranks —Prince Yemi Emiko - Tribune Online". tribuneonlineng.com. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  11. THEWILL, Aina Ojonugwa (2021-05-11). "Goodbye, Welcome… Warri Begin Final Rites For Deceased Olu, Coronation Process For Successor" . Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  12. Okogba, Emmanuel (2020-01-08). "Investigation: Illegal oil exploration destroying Warri Royal Cemetery". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  13. Moore, William A. (1936). History of Itsekiri. Stockwell. p. 14.
  14. Lloyd, P. C. (1963). "The Itsekiri in the Nineteenth Century; An Outline Social History". The Journal of African History. 4 (2): 207–231. doi:10.1017/S0021853700004035. ISSN   0021-8537. JSTOR   179535.
  15. eribake, akintayo (2015-10-16). "Olu of Warri-elect performs traditional Iken rites for predecessor". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  16. "Final burial rites of late Olu of Warri begins". pmnewsnigeria.com. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  17. "Falcorp Mangrove Park". Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative (CMADI). Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  18. "Nigeria: Unfolding Treasures of Delta's Tourism, Leisure Sector".
  19. Jeremiah, Urowayino (2024-07-06). "Itsekiri highest producers of oil in Delta, Edo not Urhobo – Expert". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  20. olufemiajasa (2024-05-19). "Itsekiri marginalised despite contributions to Nigeria's oil wealth — Edema". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  21. Patrick, Anita (2021-08-23). "A new king was crowned in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta region and young Nigerians are inspired". CNN. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  22. "Olu of Warri Emiko coronation: Ogiame Atuwatse III reverse curse, declare key titles". BBC News Pidgin. 2021-08-21. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  23. "Nigerian oil hub Warri hails coronation of new king". South China Morning Post. 2021-08-22. Retrieved 2025-07-03.