OROGUN KINGDOM

OKPARA UKU OF OROGUN KINGDOM

The Kingdom of Orogun traces its origins to a distinguished warrior named Orogun, son of Efe, from the Oliha family of Aka, which is now part of the Benin Kingdom. The Oliha family of Benin is directly connected to Ogiso Ere, acknowledged as the foremost leader of the Edion-iyori or Edionisen of the Igodomigodo Kingdom. The true founders of Igodomigodo, known as Ogiso Igodo and his descendants, are from Aka's lineage, identifying them as Urhobos. Ogisos Ere and his Oliha brothers are grandsons of Ogiso Igodo. Orogun's mother, Orhiarhia, was the daughter of Oghwoghwa, a prince from the Igodomigodo Kingdom of the Ogiso Owodo family.

Efe, a member of the Oliha family, relocated to the Asaba Ase creek near Abiri, where he established his residence. He subsequently married a woman from the Ukwuani community, with whom he had numerous children. These children went on to establish settlements in areas such as Abbi, Amai, and Ogume. In due course, Efe married Orhiarhia, the daughter of Oghwoghwa, and they had a son named Orogun after an extended pregnancy. Orhiarhia was a full sister to Ughene, sharing both parents, and a sister to Ogor and Agbarha through their father, Oghwoghwa.

The name Orogun derives from his successful defense against a war general named Obiegbe, who launched an attack on the territory of his half-brothers in Ukwuani. Orogun acted decisively, defeating Obiegbe by beheading him. This victory was credited to the supreme deity, Oghene, through Erouse, the deity of Efe's settlement in Ukwuani. This deity in Orogun is widely recognized as Erouse-Efe, named after his father, who established dominance in the Ukwuani region. To this day, Erousefe is honored as part of the traditions and customs of the Orogun people.

Festivals

Erose-Efe Festival: The Erose shrine, introduced to Orogun by Efe, is an Ukuani cultural site celebrated annually to commemorate Orogun's martial achievements. This festival includes a reenactment of war strategies, featuring the preparation of protective potions. The festivities commence with a war dance, where youths parade through Orogun's main streets wielding guns and cutlasses. Subsequently, communities within the Orogun Kingdom proceed to the Erose shrine for a cleansing ritual performed by their war leaders (Ochu).

The Ochu wear headgear adorned with eagle feathers, and the cleansing ceremony involves the use of a white cock and special native chalk. In the evening, village groups return home, and women and girls participate in the "Ighomon" dance, marked by singing and expressive gestures. The festival continues with social gatherings, and for the following seven days, pleasantries are exchanged. During this period, farming and burial ceremonies are not permitted.

The Significance of the Festival

Initially established as a war festival, it was believed that the "juju" provided empowerment to warlords and protection to the sons and daughters of Orogun. In perilous times, this juju was thought to guide them to safety. As a result of this belief, both the Iguana and Dog hold sacred status and are considered taboo by the Orogun community. The Iguana, in particular, is venerated because it once served as a bridge for escape, earning its place as a revered deity and savior. Consuming Iguana is said to cause rashes, which can only be treated by visiting the Erose shrine to obtain native chalk and sand, applied over a period of seven market days. Thus, the Iguana remains a sacred entity, not to be harmed or consumed by the people of Orogun.

Over time, Orogun embraced the language and traditions of his Urhobo mother and Aka father, ultimately establishing himself in Ukwuani. He came to identify with his mother's Urhobo heritage while maintaining his Ukwuani roots. This cultural integration is reflected in their bilingualism and the title of their king, Okpara-Uku, which originates from the Ukwuani language. However, unlike neighboring tribes that claim communities based on linguistic influence, the Ukwuani people do not assert a claim over Orogun.

Orogun is distinct in its resistance to colonial influence, particularly in its monarchy system. The British replaced traditional monarchy with Warrant chiefs, reducing traditional roles to spiritual leaders. This prompted many Urhobo societies to transition from Gerontocracy to Monarchy, establishing Ruling houses. Remarkably, Orogun maintains its Gerontocracy, with kingship typically going to the oldest man from the Umusu Ruling House, reflecting a belief in divine will over birthright or wealth. This commitment to tradition highlights Orogun's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.

Chronological List of Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom

• Descendants of Orogun

• Omoga

• Eduozor

• Umudakpo

• Igboh

• Eborbor

• Egwuenu Oba

• Erorioma

• Imite Omiri

• Odumoro

• Ohwojare

• Obaro

• Izomor

• Onyema

• Eferharo

• Atakurhievwe

• Ohwojaro

• Itebite

• Ogbiete

• Onomuodaka

• Iwhemjivwe

• Wanogho Afunjuenya (1971)

Between 1971 and 1977, there was a six-year interregnum following the tenure of the 22nd Okpara-Uku, His Royal Majesty Wanogho Afunjuenya. After Chief Wanogho Afunjuenya, several distinguished individuals assumed the role of Okpara-Uku, upholding the esteemed legacy of the Orogun Kingdom:

Under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Omoefe Ozenikpe I, the current Okpara-Uku, and Chief Barrister Benson Ndakara, serving as President-General, the kingdom is strategically positioned. It is home to a Federal Polytechnic, a Power Sub-station, a campus of the Nigerian Law School, an Oil and Gas Park, and a Defence Space Academy, all established through the efforts of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate.

Orogun's accessibility is significantly enhanced by a well-connected road network, positioning it as a key hub for potential development. Its proximity to neighboring communities further elevates its importance. Orogun is a 15-minute drive from Agbarha and Ughelli, a 10-minute drive to Kokori in the Agbon Kingdom and Eku in Agbon, and just a 5-minute drive from Abbi in Ukwuani.

Orogun is strategically located, sharing boundaries with Emevor and Owhelogbo in Isoko, as well as Abraka via Eboh Orogun, all of which are accessible within a 10-minute drive. This advantageous geographical position establishes Orogun as a crucial nodal settlement, enhancing connectivity and fostering potential development.

Beyond its geographical importance, Orogun has made substantial contributions to the Urhobo nation by producing prominent leaders, including a Deputy Governor, a Deputy Senate President, and esteemed judges.