By Kenneth Ibe (Omoku, Rivers State).
The late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa Akenzua, revealed in his book “I Remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant,” that the Ikwerre and Etche people are undeniably Igbo. In this memoir, the Oba narrated his experience serving as a district officer in the Ahoada District of the former Eastern Region of Nigeria from 1954 to 1965. During this period, he resided in the Rivers Province, specifically in Ahoada, which was predominantly an Igbo district, though it also included the Abua and Engenni, two non-Igbo ethnic groups.
The district comprised the Igbo-speaking Etche, Ikwerre, Egbema, Ogba, and Ekpeye people. In his book, Oba Erediauwa, who was then known as Prince Akenzua, mentions that some groups such as the Ogba, Ekpeye, and Engenni had cultural traditions that suggested they once sojourned in Benin. However, he clarifies that this aspect of their history is not documented in Benin’s historical records, as it reflects borrowed customs. Therefore, he asserts that these groups are of Igbo origin. Notably, he strongly emphasized that the Ikwerre and Etche people are “pure Igbos.”
At that time, no individual from the Ikwerre, Etche, Ekpeye, Egbema, or Ogba groups claimed to have originated from Benin. Oba Erediauwa’s account challenges the narrative propagated by some individuals who, driven by external influences, claim descent from Benin. These claims are seen as an attempt to distance themselves from their Igbo heritage.
Akalaka, an Igbo leader, is credited with leading a migration from Benin during the multi-ethnic Benin Empire, giving rise to groups like the Ogba and Ekpeye. This explains the minor traces of Benin tradition in their cultures. Nevertheless, the Ikwerre, Etche, Egbema, Ndoki, Ndoni, Opobo, and related groups are pure Igbos and have no history of migration from elsewhere.
For those seeking more clarity, Oba Erediauwa’s detailed account can be found on page two of his book. This testimony from a revered Benin monarch confirms the long-standing truth about the Igbo heritage of these communities. As Kenneth Ibe from Omoku, Rivers State, asserts, “I am a proud Igbo man, and we are all part of the great Igbo race.”
