Orri, Korring | |
|---|---|
 Orring people of Ebonyi | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Ebonyi, Benue, Cross River States, Nigeria | |
| Languages | |
| Korring, Igbo | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Igbo(Ezza, Izzi, Ikwo and Ngbo), Idoma, Tiv, Bahumono, Ekoi |
The Orring people (also called Orri or Korring) are an ethnic group in southeastern and central Nigeria with communities in Ebonyi, Cross River and Benue states. They speak the Korring language.
The origin of the Orring people is unclear, some speculate that they migrated from the Kwararafa kingdom. [1] The Orring consider themselves descendants of Lukpata Akpa, their ancestral progenitor, and a proto-branch of the Akpato (Okpoto) people. [2] From their ancestral homeland, Orring groups expanded southeastward into forested areas. One historic migration, led by Okum (Okun), established settlements at Ntezi-Aba, in present-day Abakaliki. [3]
The Orring were historically referred to themselves as the WanOkun and were governed by a centralized monarchy with the title of Ede olun [4] It is believed the Orrings were once settled in contiguous territories, including those of the Ba'kelle, Uffia, and Ba'humono, before being separated. [1] They dwelled alongside their neighbors—the Mbembe and Ekoi communities, while interacting with the Kwararafa kingdom, Aro Confederacy and Igala Kingdom. [5]
The Orring are believed to be the aboriginal settlers of much of northern Ebonyi and Abakaliki prior to the coming of the Igbos. Scholars such as C.C Ugoh in his book Gods of Abakaliki stated that the Orring people settled in Abakaliki territory prior to the coming of the four major Igbo groups of Ezza, Izzi, Ikwo and Ngbo. [6] In colonial intelligence reports, A. E. Cook noted that the Orring once held vast Abakaliki lands, which diminished with the arrival of later settlers. [2] The Orring accommodated and intermarried with the Igbo and created a hybrid culture. By the time the British set up their administration in the hinterlands, five of the original seven Orring communities had been assimilated by the Igbo. [4] . Regardless, the Orring continued to maintain their roots, culture and language.
The Orring people are divided into three separate communities amongst three different states in Nigeria. In Ebonyi, Orring communities are found in Ishielu, Ohaukwu and Ezza North local government areas consisting of Amuda (Idzem), Ntezi (Eteji), Okpoto (Lame), Effium (Uffiom), and Okpolo (Okpomoro). In Cross River, the Ukhelle are in Yala Local Government Area. In Benue State, the Utonkon or Ufia people are found in Ado Local Government Area. [7]
The Orring traditionally speak the Korring language (also called Korri). in Eteji (Ntezi), the dialect is K'eteji, while Lame (Okpoto) speak Ki'lame, Idzem (Amuda) speak K'idzem, Okpolo (Opkomoro) speak K'okpolo, Uffium (Effium) speak K'uffium in Ebonyi State. Ufia (Utonkon) in Benue State speak K'ufia. Ukelle, in Cross River State, speak K'ukelle.
During the colonial period, British missionaries in favored the use of Anambra Igbo as the language of worship and education in the then Abakaliki province. Indigenous teachers came from elsewhere such as Onitsha and Old Korring names were often replaced by Igbo-Christian names. This policy contributed to the diminishing of Orring linguistic and cultural identity. [5] As a result, many Orring people, especially in Ebonyi, today speak both Korring and Igbo. [8]
The Orring people are also known to be skilled craftsmen, with basket-making being a notable occupation among people. In Ntezi, nearly every household has a basket-making setup and the practice is so widespread that in neighboring towns many baskets originate there. [5] Aside from farming and agriculture, trading is another important economic activity. [1]
The Orring celebrates numerous occasions year-round. Festivals and cultural gatherings continue to affirm their kinship ties and inter-community cooperation across state boundaries. The Oviode festival, Ntezi's primary cultural gathering takes place annually during the first new moon of February. It is a very important celebration observed by all the five villages of Ntezi. The community convenes to commemorate their shared history, showcase their arts, and offering gratitude to god and their ancestors. [5] It usually takes place after the five villages have concluded their own individual festivals. [1]
The Orrings also have Orring Day, held annually late in the year (usually in Ntezi) where all the clans gather to celebrate and preserve their language and culture.
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