Ovia River

Last updated
Ovia River
Nigeria relief location map.jpg
Red pog.svg
Location of the lower mouth of the Ovia River in Nigeria
Location
Country Nigeria
State Edo State, Kogi State, Ondo State
Region West Africa
Physical characteristics
Mouth Benin River
  coordinates
05°54′36″N05°16′12″E / 5.91000°N 5.27000°E / 5.91000; 5.27000
Length120 km (75 mi)
Basin size2,500 km2 (970 sq mi)
Discharge 
  average42 m³/s (1,483 cfs)

The Ovia River or Osse River is a perennial watercourse in Southwestern Nigeria, flowing through the states of; Kogi, Ondo and Edo, before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea. Its watecourse spans approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) through diverse terrain. [1] [2]

Contents

Geography

The Ovia (Osse) River originates in the Apata hills section of the Yorubaland plateau, a region of mildly undulating terrain and rolling hills west of the Niger-Benue confluence and north of the town of Kabba in the region between the present day Ekiti and Kogi states of Nigeria. [3] This local watershed is also the source of various other rivers in the region, including the Ogun and Osun rivers.

The river then begins its southerly flow course, first through Kogi state, after which it forms the local state boundaries between Ondo and northern Edo state before re-entering southern Edo state where it is joined by its major tributary; the Ogbese River before emptying into the lower mouth of the Benin Estuary in the Gulf of Guinea. [4] [5] [6]

History

The history of the Ovia River is deeply intertwined with Nigeria's heritage, spanning centuries. [7] [8]

Cultural significance

The Ovia River has a cultural and spiritual significance in the region. [9] According to local beliefs, Ovia was a beautiful woman transformed into the river, making it the largest river in the kingdom of Benin. [10] [11] She is worshipped in many communities, but there are strict customs in place. Women are not allowed to enter her sacred groves. [12] [13] [14]

During the Ovia festival, an integral part of the river's cultural heritage, most men in the community go into seclusion in the groves around the shrine for varying periods, ranging from a week to three months. [15] They wear masks and emerge periodically to dance, often in elaborate attire. [16] [17] Each dancer represents the spirits of past worshippers, and each impersonates their most patrilineal ancestor. [18] [19] These spirits are believed to exist on the threshold between the visible world and the sacred realm. [20] [21]

The festival is accompanied by various prohibitions and rituals, with the community observing bans on sexual relations and quarrelling during this period. [22] [23] Women are forbidden from touching the masqueraders or participating in their activities. [24]

The Ovia Festival features dances, accompanied by the beating of Ikpasa sticks, clappers, and songs. [25] The festival culminates in the obodo, a stage of acrobatic performances. [14] [21]

The festival is also a time for the community to come together and express solidarity. [26] [27] Blessings and curses sought from Ovia during the festival are considered particularly potent. [21] [28] [29] [30]

At the end of the festival, the women of the community perform the Agbala dance, signifying the return of the men to the real world. [31] [32] The festival concludes with a rite of reconciliation between the sexes, reinforcing the importance of cooperation within the community. [33] [21]

Pre-colonial era (circa 14th - 19th century)

The Ovia River basin served as the cradle of indigenous cultures and communities for generations. [34] [35] Its verdant banks bore witness to the rise and fall of various ethnic groups, notably the Bini and Esan people. [36] [37] These communities established settlements, relying on the river's bounty for sustenance. [38] [39] The Ovia River became the lifeblood of agriculture, with fertile soils nourished by annual floods, fostering the growth of yams, cassava, and various crops that sustained the local populations. [40] [41] [42] [43] [44]

The river held profound spiritual significance. [45] [46] Local folklore abounds with tales of river deities and spirits, with rituals and ceremonies performed along its shores to appease and seek favor from these supernatural entities. [47] [48]

Trade flourished along the river's course, connecting inland communities with coastal trade routes. The Ovia River became a crucial conduit for commerce, facilitating the exchange of agricultural goods and crafts. [49] [50] The riverbanks bustled with markets and trading posts where ivory, spices, and exotic materials exchanged hands, attracting traders from distant regions. [51] [52]

Colonial influence (19th - 20th century)

The arrival of European colonial powers in the 19th century heralded significant changes along the Ovia River. [53] [54] The British, in particular, recognized its strategic importance and established settlements such as Benin City along its banks. [55] [56] [57] This marked the beginning of a new era as colonial administrators imposed their governance structures on the region. [41] [58]

The river's significance in the colonial period extended beyond trade. It became a vital transportation route, with steamships navigating its waters. [33] These steamships connected the inland communities to the coastal ports, facilitating the export of commodities like palm oil, rubber, and timber. [59] [60] The riverbanks evolved with the construction of ports, warehouses, and administrative centers. [61] [62]

While the colonial presence brought infrastructure development, it also introduced challenges. [63] [64] Land disputes and resource exploitation became contentious issues as colonial powers exerted control. [65] [66] Indigenous communities struggled to retain their land and traditional ways of life. [29] [67] [68]

Post-independence and modern era (20th century - present)

Nigeria's independence in 1960 marked a new chapter in the Ovia River's history. [69] [70] Irrigation schemes were established, enhancing agricultural productivity and providing livelihoods to farmers. [71] [72] [55] [73] The river's waters powered small-scale hydroelectric projects, contributing to the electrification of nearby communities. [74] [75] [76]

However, the modern era has also brought environmental challenges. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to pollution of the river, impacting water quality and aquatic life. [77] [78] Conservation efforts, led by government agencies and local communities, aim to address these issues and protect the river's ecosystem. [79] [80]

In recent decades, the Ovia River has gained recognition as a site of ecological importance. [81] [82] Efforts to conserve its diverse flora and fauna have led to the establishment of protected areas and wildlife reserves along its course. [83] [84] [85] Scientific research into the river's ecosystem continues, shedding light on its unique biodiversity and ecological significance. [86] [87] [88]

Environmental concerns

In recent years, the Ovia River has faced environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial and agricultural activities. [89] [83] Conservation efforts and initiatives to preserve the river's ecosystem are ongoing, with the aim of safeguarding its natural beauty and ecological significance. [90] [91] [92]

In 2012, an auto-crash occurred at the Ovia River bridge involving lecturers of Igbinedion University, Okada, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives when a car plunged into the river. [93] [94]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo State</span> State of Nigeria

Edo, officially known as Edo State, is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria. As of 2022, the state was ranked as the 22nd most populous state (4,777,000) in Nigeria. The estimated state population is around 4,777,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and largest city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, it is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the north for 133 km and across the Niger River for 81 km to the northeast, Anambra State to the east for about four km across the Niger River, Delta State to the southeast and south for 350 km, and Ondo State to the west.

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

The Edopeople, also referred to as the Beninpeople, are an Edoid-speaking ethnic group. They are prominently native to seven southern local government areas of Edo State, Nigeria. 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 Edoid ethnic groups, such as the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko and Urhobo as well as other southern ethnic groups, such as the Yoruba and the Igbo.

The Ika people are an Igboid ethnic group found primarily in Delta State Nigeria & Edo State. The Ika people have two(2) Local Governments in Delta State, and are also indigenous to Igbanke and Ekpon communities of Orhionmwon, Uhunmwonde and Igueben Local Government Areas in Edo State. They speak Ika, an Igboid language. Most linguists consider Ika to be a dialect of the Igbo language as it is mutually intelligible with other dialects of the language.

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

Ovia North-East is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Okada.

Ikpoba Okha is a Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in the town of Idogbo, along Benin/Abraka Road. The LGA is made up of several towns and villages such as Evbuomodu, Uwusan, Obazagbon, Agedo, Evbumufi, Etiosa, Obadoloviyeyi, Obenevbugo, Obe, Oghoghobi, Okha, Obanyantor, Ekae, Utezi, Uhie, Ogheghe, Obagie Obaretin and so on. The estimated population of Ikpoba Okha is about 301,447 inhabitants, with the majority of the area’s dwellers being members of the Bini ethnic division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingdom of Benin</span> West African kingdom (1180–1897)

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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.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/primates-in-flooded-habitats/diversity-and-conservation-of-primates-in-the-flooded-forests-of-southern-nigeria/476B9196B6049DA25A8EA18647FB42C0Village+in+Edo+State,+NigeriaGelegelehttps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/primates-in-flooded-habitats/diversity-and-conservation-of-primates-in-the-flooded-forests-of-southern-nigeria/476B9196B6049DA25A8EA18647FB42C0 is a village located in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The village is situated on the left flank of the Ovia (Osse) River and it shares boundary with Ughoton village. Gelegele is notable for its sea port on the river which was opened by Oba Ewuare the Great prior to the European exploration of the Great Benin Kingdom.

Chief Ovia Idah (1903–1968) was a Nigerian sculptor, painter, carpenter, designer, and educator. He worked in many mediums including in ebony wood, ivory, plastic, as well as terracotta and cement. Idah's was active in Lagos in Lagos State, and Benin City in Edo State, but showed his work internationally. He is also known by the names Igbolovia Ida and Ovidah Ida.

The Benin Moat, also known as the Benin Iya, or Walls of Benin, are a series of massive earthworks encircling Benin City in Nigeria's Edo State. These moats have deep historical roots, with evidence suggesting their existence before the establishment of the Oba monarchy. Construction began around 800 AD and continued until 1460 AD, involving large-scale manual labour and the repurposing of earth from the inner ditch to build the outer berm. Some traditional sources claim that these earthworks spanned approximately 16,000 kilometres (9,900 mi), enclosing about 6,500 square kilometres (2,500 sq mi) of land, but very little remains today.

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Ovia is a deity in the traditional religious beliefs of Nigeria, particularly among the Edo people of Benin City. This deity is associated with concepts of peace and providence. Ovia's historical origins can be traced back to the ancient Kingdom of Benin, known for its cultural traditions and governance structure. Emerging during a period of relative stability, Ovia was regarded as a symbol of peace and prosperity within the kingdom. Oral traditions and cultural practices have preserved the significance of Ovia across generations. Ovia was believed to bestow blessings that contributed to the well-being of the kingdom, fostering an environment of harmony and abundance. The deity was invoked during ceremonies, including royal coronations and harvest festivals.

Ewedo, originally known as Prince Efabo, was the fourth Oba of the Kingdom of Benin who reigned from c. 1255 AD – c.  1280 AD. He was the only son and successor of Ehenmihen. He is credited with moving the seat of his government from Usama to the present palace site, introducing various gods and laws, and changing the name of the country from Ile or Ile-Ibinu to Ubini (Benin). He also reformed the political and administrative system of the kingdom, established a palace bureaucracy, and expanded the territory and influence of Benin.

<i>A Short History of Benin</i> 1934 non-fiction book by Jacob Egharevba

A Short History of Benin is a non-fiction book by Jacob Egharevba, first published in 1934 by the Church Mission Society Press in Lagos. The book offers a historical perspective on the Benin Empire, a pre-colonial African state now part of Nigeria. The book is an English version of the author's earlier work in Edo, Ekhere Vb' Itan Edo, which was published in 1933. The book explores the beginnings, culture, and political structure of the Benin Empire, as well as the events leading to its British invasion and Ovonramwen's exile in 1897. It also includes a chronology of the Obas (kings) of Benin from the 13th to the 20th century.

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