In this article, platinum times.ng explores the diverse aspects of the Ikwerre tribe in Nigeria.
The Ikwerre are the largest ethnic group in Rivers state with a population of about two million people, they are mostly involved in oil mining activities and have a unique sense of culture that is greatly influenced by their traditional beliefs and customs.
This area is seen as a home to several major oil fields, including the Eleme Petrochemical Company, one of Africa’s largest petrochemical complexes. The oil industry has played an important role in the economy of the Ikwerre people, providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth in the region.
History and Location
The Ikwerre are a subgroup of the Igbo people of Nigeria. They are descendants from an Igbo migration from Awka and Orlu areas towards the south. They are part of the Southern Igbo.
When Port Harcourt was conquered by Nigeria during the Biafran War, Igbo people from other parts of Igboland fled the territory, the Ikwerre decided to claim that the Ikwerre were non-Igbo for convenience. The Ikwerre are recognized officially as a separate group in the 1979 Nigerian Constitution.
Some of Ikwerre people moved from Ika, a subgroup of Igbos in Delta State and Edo state while some from Ngwa, Arochukwu and Ohaji/Egbema. The Ikwerre people are also known as Iwhuruọha.
Traditional history has classified the Ikwerre into seven groups called “Ikwerre Essa,” which include Elele, Isiokpo, Rumuji, Emohua, Choba, Aluu, Igwuruta, and Obio. This classification was recognized by Forde and Jones in their ethnographic study of the Igbo-speaking peoples of South Eastern Nigeria.
Presently,the Ikwerre people can be found in Rivers State, Nigeria, they predominate Ikwerre, Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt and Emojis Local government areas of the state.
The Ikwerre cultural area is bounded by Ogba to the northwest, Ekpeye and Abua to the west, the Ijoid groups of Degema, the Kalabari and Okrika to the south, the Eleme and Oyigbo to the southeast and the Etche to the east. The four main clans which make up the Ikwerre tribe are the Elele group (Ishimbam), the Igwuruta-Aluu (Ishiali) group, the Rumuji-Emohua-Ogbakiri (REO) or Risimini group, and the OPA group (Obio/Port Harcourt/Akpor). These clans are formed by several communities which believe in a common ancestor for their existence.
Language
The Ikwerre people speak the Ikwerre language, which is a dialect of the Igbos. The language is spoken by over 2 million people in Nigeria, they have a rich tradition of proverbs especially common among the elders to advise and caution the young generation.
Ceremonies and Festivals.
Just like every other ethnic group,the Ikwerre people have ceremonies and festivals which shows the uniqueness of their culture.
These festivals help to unite their people and promote their cultural heritage. Amongst these festivals is the popular New Yam festival also known as “Iri-ji” or “Iri-ji-mmuo.”
This is an annual festival done in the middle of the year to celebrate the bountiful harvest and also mark the end of the farming season when farmers relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
During this festivals, sacrifices,are made, libations are poured to placate the gods or deities of the land for a fruitful farming season.
After this festivals, new yams can then be eaten in Ikwerre land as it is seen as a taboo to eat new yams before the festival.
Another important festival in Ikwerre land is wrestling competition. During this competition, different types of drums are used, such as Ikwiriku, Ekwenkalu, Ngele, Mbamba, which are of different types, shapes and sizes.
The aim of the wrestling competition is to throw down the opponent. Whoever does this wins. If they are unable to throw each other, they are said to have equalized (Ogba-oga).
Other cultural activities include the Eregbu cultural dance, Ekpo and Ekpe masquerades are also important features of their tradition.
Ceremonies performed in Ikwerre land include coronation, child naming, marriage amongst others.
The traditional marriage ceremony is a significant event that involves several steps, including the man asking for the woman’s hand in marriage, paying the bride’s price, and the traditional engagement ceremony.
The bride price, also known as “Iku Akwukwo,” is a payment made to the woman’s family to symbolize respect and appreciation. It is usually paid as money or other valuable gifts, such as cows or goats.
The traditional marriage is always elaborate and the traditional attires worn are usually elegant. Men adorn a loose-end wrapper on top of etibo (flowing shirt) with a hat to match. Hand staff/walking stick completes the men’s attire while the females adorn wrapper with some traditional top. Beads are an essential part of the females’ dressing. It is worn on the head, neck and wrists.
Some delicacies perculiar to the Ikwerre people are; oha soup, okpotoro and okasi soup, vegetable soup, periwinkle soup and others. Periwinkles (Isam) are important parts of their dishes. These dishes are usually served during these festival and Ceremonies.
Beliefs
The traditional belief of the Ikwerre people is associated with their culture and heritage.
They believe in a supreme being, known as Ndichie, who is the creator of the universe and is responsible for the welfare of all living things.
They also believe in traditional gods responsible for specific aspects of life, such as fertility, protection, and prosperity. For example, Ojukwu Diobu is the god of war and protection, Amadioha is the god of justice and thunder, and other deities and spirits are responsible for different aspects of life.
Ancestor worship is also an important aspect of the Ikwerre traditional religion. The spirits of deceased ancestors are believed to significantly influence the lives of the living.
Sacrifices, rituals, and libations are poured to honor and communicate with the ancestors.
Many Ikwerre people have adopted the practices and beliefs of Christianity while still maintaining their traditional beliefs and customs. This has led to a unique blend of traditional and religious practices among the Ikwerre tribe.
Some prominent people in Nigeria which belong to the Ikwerre tribe are;
Elechi Amadi (writer),, Obi Wali (Rights activist), Tonto Dikeh (actress), Monalisa Chinda (actress), Duncan Mighty (musician), Nyesom Wike (former governor of Rivers State), Celestine Omehia (politician), Mercy Chinwo (gospel artist) amongst others.
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