Ogiso Igodo

The Kingship institution in Idu Land developed from the Odionwere system as villages combined and new governmental concepts arose. The Odionwere system faced difficulties with new challenges, prompting the creation of Iko-Edionwere councils, which included Edionwere from nearby communities to address shared issues. The Ogieship, or kingship, originated from this council structure.

Leadership among the Iko-Edionwere was not solely determined by seniority or age, as some Edionwere opposed relinquishing their communities' autonomy. The leadership roles were open to competition, enabling individuals with leadership skills and ambition to seek higher positions. This often benefited younger, more dynamic individuals, since the oldest members were often senile.

Around 40 B.C. in the Evbuoto community, Igodo established himself as the leader of the Ogieship institution. A cough epidemic that severely affected the elderly in Ivboto allowed younger men to take on leadership positions. This situation enabled Igodo, at approximately forty years old, to become the Odionwere of Ivbioto and join the Iko-Edionwere, the council of Edionwere of Evbuoto.

His youth, leadership experience in Ivbioto, and wisdom provided him an edge over the older Edionwere. His outstanding contributions and sound judgment garnered him respect and acceptance in decision-making at Iko-Edionwere, prompting other Edionwere to seek his counsel.

Igodo achieved leadership of the Iko_Edionwere through patronage. As noted by O.S.B. Omoregie, when blacksmiths from Eyanugie killed an elephant in Okhorho forest, Igodo ordered the meat to be shared among all Evbuoto communities. This unprecedented act increased his influence and popularity, leading people to regard him as "God sent" and liken him to a divine figure. He was described as “O ye vbe Ogie ne o rre Iso,” meaning “he is like someone sent from the sky.” This description led to the title “Ogie” or “Ogiso,” which became his and subsequent rulers' title before the Eweka dynasty was founded in 1200 A.D.

A significant number of individuals, including senior Edionwere, were attracted to Igodo and accepted his leadership, creating a faction of royal supporters and warriors to uphold his rule. Some became his aides or couriers, known as Odibo-Ogiso, who engaged in gift exchanges with the Edionwere, thereby extending his influence outside of Evbuoto. By the conclusion of his reign, his authority stretched to the Ovia and Orionmwon rivers, and he designated the region as Igodomigodo, meaning towns of towns, as it represented a union of numerous towns and villages.

Igodo's new political authority faced resistance from some Edionwere and communities, who viewed it as a breach of tradition. Even in his birthplace, Ivbioto, opposition arose, prompting him to relocate to Ugbekun, where he was welcomed. As a skilled iron smith, he armed his followers, training them in archery and wrestling. He used this force to intimidate adversaries like Eyanugie, Oregbeni, Evbuorhiarhia, Uselu, and Ugbowo, who initially resisted. When intimidation failed, he employed persuasion and patronage to gain their submission. However, Udo refused to submit, and others who disliked his rule chose to migrate.

Igodo kept the Iko-Edionwere in a subordinate position as his council of state, with five key members called the Edionisen or five elders forming an additional council. He assigned the administration of distant regions to his sons: Ikhimwin to Evbo-Ikhimwin in Esan, Ighile to Ughelli in Urhoboland, and Obo to Oboro-Uku in Iboland. His eldest son, Odion, passed away before he could govern, and his grandson Ere succeeded his grandfather Ogiso Igodo.

Igodo strongly promoted crafts such as iron smiting, carving, weaving, pottery, and aesthetic designs, as well as agriculture and trade. He brought the people together under a monarchy to enhance unity.