11/06/2022
THE GREAT URHOBOLAND
We have our system of governance in Urhobo before the colonial masters came. We have the gerontocracy system in most towns and villages. At other levels are the monarchial, republican and plutocracy. The structure of the gerontocracy which is still in place at the village level is as follows (Standard Urhobo): OKARORHO - Oldest man. He heads the Elders Council (Ekpako). OTOTA RODE - Chief\Senior Spokeman (Prime Minister of sort appointed by the Elder Council but it is rotated among recognised Quarters\Kindreds). He takes brief from the Elders Council and update them on the matters of the village, Clan, government at all levels, etc. A man of wisdom, charisma, with leadership qualities and culturally and historically grounded. A man of stable in mind and temperament. OTOTA OTETE - Deputy Spokeman or Asst to the Chief\Senior Spokeman. He is chosen from among the College of Spokesmen of the Kindreds. He must be able to under study the Chief. He represents the Chief when inevitable. INOTU - Admin\Welfare Officers. This is the Administrative Arm of the government. It is headed by an 'ONOTU ODE' Senior Adm Officer. They organise sanitation, contruction, enforcement, maintenance, etc. They form the delegate to missions. They keep tab of the kinsmens in other lands. They receive all reports on matters. Once a matter gets to the Inotu, it has become a community matter and due process must be followed to resolve it. They take matters to the Village Council Assembly for hearing and resolution. IGBU - Warriors. They defend the community against external aggression. They are not noticed and play no part in internal affairs of the community. IDUGBU - Security men. They are a vigilante group to secure the community at night. IYINKO - Messengers. They issue summons, notice of meetings, queries, penalties, etc. OGHWOGHWO - Towncrier. He desseminates information. Other relevant groups that form the parliament include EGHWEYA headed by the oldest woman OKPAKO EGHWEYA This include the EMETE daughters and EYA wives. Others are IGHENE youths, IRHEREN Priests & Priestesses of the community deities. EKRUN Kindred.
