I love to find out new stuff and during the weekend, there was just a constant nagging in my head to know more about my African roots. I am partly an Urhobo lady so this post is a little personal. I was able to unearth a few interesting facts about the Urhobo people and culture and I obviously couldn’t help but share
- The Urhobos believe that a man’s destiny is tied to his name and usually take a lot time before choosing a name for their child. Urhobos can name their children based on gender, thanksgiving, philosophy, colour, social status and challenges
- The Urhobos believe in a supreme being called Oghene (God) and the importance of Eriwvin (ancestors) in their lives. They also have other deities some of which are attributed to water, trees and animals.
- Ewa is a special Urhobo dance usually done by royals. It is quite complex and requires a lot fast paced movements.
- Urhobo political system is of two types. Gerontoracy and Monarchy. Elders and Kings play huge leadership roles in Urhobo society.
- The first indigenous monotheistic religion in Nigeria is Kokori originating from Urhobo with a central belief in the worship of God (Oweya) through dancing and consumption of native chalk
- The Urhobos share geography with other interesting tribes some of which are closely similar in culture. Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Ibo-speaking tribes.
The Urhobo tribe is a very interesting one; though not as large and widespread as the three major ethnic tribes in Nigeria. They are indeed an intriguing people.
