UGHIEVWEN KINGDOM
- Obruke Orodje
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
History of the Ughievwen Kingdom, Urhobo People
The Ughievwen Kingdom has a rich and intricate history, intricately linked with the Eghwu Kingdom. These two kingdoms are united by a profound connection originating from a common ancestry.
Historical accounts suggest that the founder of the Ughievwen Kingdom is regarded as a direct descendant of the same progenitor as the founder of the Eghwu Kingdom, establishing a familial connection that has persisted over time.
The origins of the Ughievwen Kingdom can be traced to Óborerugba and his influential son, Ifiegba. They hailed from Udo, a place founded by Udo, son of Akan of the Urhobo people, which was eventually captured by Ogiso Odoligie of the Igodomigodo Kingdom. Óborerugba and Ifiegba left Udo during a conflict with Akpanigiakon of Udo, which concluded when Oba Oguola defeated his adversary at the Battle of Urhezen around 1285 AD.
Ifiegba and his father ultimately settled among the Mein clans of the Ijaw people, where Ifiegba emerged as a prominent and respected leader. The Ijaw community affectionately referred to him as Dirimiogbia, acknowledging his esteemed status. Ifiegba's migration and the establishment of his lineage among the Ijaw marked the beginning of a rich cultural history that evolved into the Ughievwen clan.
Following Ifiegba's passing, his legacy was upheld by his four sons: Imeyi, Eghwu, Óbo, and Ughievwen. Each son played a vital role in preserving their father's heritage, and as a gesture of respect and unity, the brothers established a biennial festival. During one notable festival, a significant event took place with lasting implications for the family. Eghwu's son, Orere, demonstrated his skill by successfully hunting an antelope, an achievement celebrated by all. However, tensions emerged when Imeyi, the firstborn with certain privileges, requested the antelope's head. This request, grounded in tradition, symbolized his status within the family. The denial of this request led to a civil conflict between factions led by Imeyi and Eghwu, underscoring the complexities of family relationships and the fragile nature of unity among the brothers.
In the aftermath of the conflict, Eghwu and Ughievwen, both descendants of the same mother, decided to relocate to the Patani territory and eventually to their current locations. This move was not merely physical but strategic, laying the foundation for the Ughievwen Kingdom.
According to Obruke O. Orodje, a distinguished Urhobo historian, at around 1370 AD, Ughievwen established the Ughievwen clan, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. The lineage of Ughievwen continued through his children: Erhohwe, Owhahwa, Ukpedi, and Uphurie, who later formed sub-clans under Ughievwen.
The eldest son is Erhohwe.
Erhohwe's first child, Otitiri, founded Iwhrekan near Otughievwen. Otitiri, also known as Iwhrekan, was the eldest grandchild of Ughievwen. The name Iwhrekan derives from the bitter kola trees, referred to as 'EKAN' in the Urhobo language, due to the area's abundance of this crop. Otitiri named the place Iwhrekan, meaning "town of 'Ekan' trees." Iwhrekan holds significant importance in Ughievwen customs and traditional rites.
The second child of Ughievwen is Owhahwa. The third child is Ukpedi, and the fourth is Uhurie.
Communities in Ughievwen
Orhohwe Sub Clan
Ighwreekan
Edjophe
Oto-Edo
Owahwa Sub Clan
Otor-Owahwa
Egbo-Ide
Esaba
Ophorigbala
Otutuama
Ighwreogun
Okwemor
Otegbo
Otitiri
Ukpedi Sub Clan
Otughievwen
Eyara
Imode
Agboghwiame
Erhunwaren
Agbaghare
Ayagha
Oginibo
Okwagbe Water-Side
Okwagbe Inland
Ighwreoku
Uphurie Sub Clan
Ekprokpe
Ekakpamre
Urhiephron
Ekrejegbe
Ughevwughe
Otokutu
Egbo-Uphurie
Ighwrekreka
Arhagba
Sources
Obruke O. Orodje - Author/Editor
Obanor Unmujanor - Oral Author / Grandfather
Unmujanor Erikefe - Oral Author / Great-grandfather
Comments