Urhobo Man

SAINT GIDEON MERIODERE URHOBO (1903 - 1952): A PROUD URHOBO ICON

Gideon Meriodere Urhobo is an indigiene of Agbarha Warri kingdom originally from the Ukoli family. He is the founder of Gods Kingdom Society (GKS) with headquarters at Salem City close to hausa quarters Igbudu market in Agbarha Warri kingdom.

A pan Urhobo man that deserves to be celebrated, he was among the first crop of Urhobos who were proud to promote their Urhobo heritage.

His names were originally Gregory Mogboruko Ukoli born at a time when some Urhobo answered names belonging to other ethnic group. This proud Urhobo man was not comfortable answering names that doesn't reflect his tribal identity so he decided to change the names. He went to the then colonial office in Benin and changed his name from Gregory Mogboruko Ukoli to Gideon Meriodere Urhobo.

Today all his descendants are answering the name Urhobo instead of Ukoli all thanks to Saint Gideon Meriodere for taking this bold step to reject names that doesn't reflect his tribal ancestry.

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The Case for Urhobo State: A Vision for Economic Independence and Growth

By Ochuko Edafe

Nigeria is a nation of diverse ethnic groups, each with unique strengths and resources that contribute to the country's development. Among them, the Urhobo people stand as the fifth-largest tribe in Nigeria, yet they remain without a state of their own. The creation of Urhobo State is not just a matter of ethnic recognition—it is an economic necessity that would unlock the full potential of this industrious and resource-rich people.

Urhobo State: A Self-Sustaining Economic Powerhouse

Unlike many regions that depend heavily on the federal government for survival, Urhobo State has the capacity to thrive independently. Our land, resources, and strategic location give us an advantage that, if properly harnessed, could make Urhobo State one of the most economically vibrant states in Africa.

1. A Mega Seaport: The Gateway to Africa

Urhobo land has the potential to host the biggest seaport in Africa. With our access to the Atlantic Ocean and major waterways, an Urhobo deep-sea port would revolutionize trade, attracting international businesses and turning our state into a global maritime hub. This would not only boost our economy but also reduce Nigeria’s overreliance on the congested Lagos ports.

2. An International Airport of Global Standards

A world-class international airport in Urhobo State would serve as a central hub for air travel across Africa, linking international markets and boosting tourism and commerce. Given our central location in the Niger Delta, such an airport would ease air traffic congestion in Lagos and Abuja while opening our state to foreign investors.

3. Industrial Parks and Free Trade Zones

Urhobo State can become Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade zone, attracting multinational corporations, manufacturers, and tech industries. With vast land space and an abundant labor force, the state could host massive industrial estates producing everything from consumer goods to advanced technologies.

4. River Ethiope: A Global Tourism Destination

The River Ethiope, known as one of the purest rivers in the world, holds immense tourism potential. By dredging and transforming it into a natural water resort, we can build five-star hotels along its banks, offering luxury tourism like the Maldives or Dubai. This would create jobs, attract foreign investments, and make Urhobo State a global tourism destination.

5. Energy Independence: 100+ Years of Uninterrupted Power

Urhobo land is rich in natural gas, which can be harnessed to generate 24-hour electricity for over a hundred years and beyond. With our gas resources, we can build independent power plants to supply uninterrupted electricity, fueling industries, businesses, and households. This will make Urhobo State one of the most energy-efficient regions in the world.

6. Manufacturing: Gas and Electric Cars

With abundant gas deposits and growing advancements in renewable energy, Urhobo State has the potential to manufacture its own gas-powered and electric vehicles. Establishing a car manufacturing industry would place Urhobo on the global map as a leading producer of clean energy vehicles.

7. Agriculture: The Food Basket of the Nation

Urhobo land is fertile and well-positioned to lead in large-scale agriculture. The state could have:

The largest palm plantation for oil production

Massive rubber and cocoa farms for local and international export

The biggest fish farm in Africa, boosting food security and export revenue

With these initiatives, Urhobo State can not only feed Nigeria but also export agricultural products to the world, creating wealth and employment for millions.

Removing Monopoly and Embracing True Federalism

One of Nigeria’s biggest challenges is the monopoly of resources and power in the hands of a few. The creation of Urhobo State would break this monopoly, allowing for fair resource distribution and true federalism, where each region develops based on its strengths.

Urhobo is blessed beyond measure and geographically positioned by God to be a world-class economic hub. If given the chance, Urhobo State would become an economic giant, self-sustaining, innovative, and independent.

My dream is to see Urhobo State become a reality.

Ochuko Edafe

IKENIKE – The Dance Of The Spirits
(By Prince Ejenavi E.Isodje)

Kẹrẹ gidi Igede! Kẹrẹ-kẹrẹ Igede!
It is the esoteric sounds of the Ukiri
and the Ozu drums of the ancient
People of the central south-south.

The Harmattan sun smling down on earth
in her full glare at this time of the year
It is the emergence of the Ikenike.
The dance of the spirits of antiquity.

The hinterland is heated up by the
rhythmic sounds of the goat and
antelope skin drums, the women in
their small groups sings and dances.

It is the emergence of the Ikenike
As the men beating the drums wield
their drumsticks the blood boils and
It is only the Ikenike who knows how.

I hear you Odjigede wizard of drums,
beat, beat the drums, beat them hard!
The blood boils and it is only Ikenike
the dance of the spirits who knows how.

Ikenike, sight of whom dumbfounds and
leaves its onlookers in utter astonishment.
Like the Baboon of the dense tropical forest
he dangles steadily upsidedown on tight-rope.

Ikenike whose legs are like the secretarybird's
One leg of his is a spirit's springboard
Masquerade whose praised name is Ẹdjenu.
He sits on tree-top and the ground is his footstool.

Ikenike, the swiftest par excellence
whose legs are as tall as Uloho-tree in Urhoboland
Lanky and agile yet walks with a swaggering gait
It is the dance of the spirits

Ikenike who goes wild as the drumbeats
reaches its crescendo yet tamed by the
exciting roar and applauds of the spectators,
is the integral part of the Ikenike's sobriquet.

Ikenike, spirit clad in human form who twirls
in delight to show off an ancient artistry.
The dance of the spirits of our heritage
that must not be allowed to go into oblivion.

Urhobo Man felicitates with the entire people of Urhobo and especially Olomu kingdom as they celebrates the longevity of blessed king today.

Hip! Hip!! Hip!!! Hurray!

CANNON SHOT
(Written by Prince Ejenavi E.Isodje)

Cannon shot is known in Urhobo as Egbanẹ. Although in some parts of Urhobo it is called Owurun while, others call it Ikurusu.

In actual sense, this very art in the photo below whose English name I am not sure of, was a vital ancient tool used way back the days of long ago by our forefathers and fathers before us during festivals, burials and in-laws' condolence greetings. Even though we still see them being used in burials these days, the art is gradually fading away.

The shooting of the cannon shot was one form of craftmanship that was so unique and seldom practised by a few. Those gifted with it. In some families, it was said to be hereditary, passed on from father to son. In the early days of old, women were not allowed to practice it maybe because of the risks involved in the shooting and the energy required in loading it (Ẹkanrọ). Anyways, that is in the past now. Some of the women have taken over and even do it better than their men counterparts.

Furthermore, it won't be of any benefit having said all these about the Egbanẹ (cannon shot) without shedding a little light on its use and significants. Though it varies in some parts of Urhobo, but from Agbarho where I hail from, egbanẹ and ikurusu (which is much more bigger with wheels, mostly used by the military) was fired into the air depending on the number of shots paid for, during festivals or burial of a wealthy or a great personality (especially kings). It was not a common funfare every Tom, Dick and Harry could afford back then.

On the other hand, Owurun was the shots fired on rare occasions during traditional marriages and in-laws' condolence greetings. This in-laws' condolence greeting is one rite only fully traditionally married Urhobo man can perform. It is not meant for ''paperbag marriage'' or ''credit marriage'' as it is called in where I come from. No wonder it is often said in our local parlance that; ''ọgọ r'igberadja s'owurun.''

Note that this art has its own rules and regulations and are strictly adhered to by the artisans. So, anywhere you see these cannon shots (egbanẹ) being fired in Urhoboland henceforth, you should know that it is an age long tradition of our people.