| The Urhobo Kingdom of Olomu
Geography
The Olomu kingdom is a very prominent Kingdom and located in the south
eastern part of Urhoboland. Olomu shares boundaries with the following: On
the North with Ughele, on the South with Okparabe, Arhavwerien and Ewu, on
the East with Ewu, and on the west with Jeremi, Kiagbodo and
Ephron-Otor. The Okpari river is the most conspicuous boundary.
Olomu Kingdom comprises of fourteen towns and villages. They are: Agbon,
Akperhe, Aloba, Iwrogoni. Oguname, Okpari, Okpavuerhe, Okpe, Ovhori,
Ovhorigbala, Oviri-Olomu, Ovwodokpokpor, Ovwor and Umolo.
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The Ohworode of Olomu
HRM R.L. Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro I, JP |
History
The origin of Olomu was long a subject of dispute. Some historians say theyoriginate
from Igbon (Ibo) while others say they migrated from Benin. However,
antiquities, investigations cultural traditions and language show that they
originated from Aka (Present day Edo). Like the rest of the Urhobo Nation.
The Olomus are considered very prudent and diplomatic, their peculiar
physical traits are: generally slender and medium built, fair
complexioned and characteristically atractive looks.
A sub kingdom Village of Umoghoro was founded from the union of an Ijaw man
called Oghoro reputed to be the most handsome man alive in their time. He
visited Alaka, the grandson of Olomu at Otorere-Olomu, He was so taken by
the good looks that he gave his daughter to him in marriage and they founded
and settled in Umoghoro.
Edo Warrior Prince Igboze, and the establishment of the first
Olorogun Society in Urhoboland.
The history of Olomu took a higher tempo when Igboze, a son of the
Oba of Benin, grandson of Urhobo, and a war monger, attempted to usurp the
throne of his father, he was marked for execution, when he got wind of it
and escaped from Benin with his household and took refuge with his maternal
Uncle in Olomu. Igboze's escape boat capsized at URHUVWARE near Oviri-Olomu
and his beloved wife drowned as a result. Upon arrival at Otorere-Olomu
Igboze had an image of his wife made, which he placed in his shrine. The
image can still be seen at the Igboze shrine in Agbon-Olomu.
Igboze arrived Olomu with his Olorogun Insignia. He also brought with him
the knowledge of efficient public and social administration. Igboze began by
setting up the OLOROGUN Society - A social, military, executive and judicial
institution which he headed. This institution gained the enthusiastic
approval of the Olomu people. Igboze, through the Olorogun Society, then
trained effective and efficient military, judges and administrators. He
introduced the famous OLOROGUN "EMA" dance.
Upon the death of his father, the Oba of Benin, Igboze returned to Benin and
was crowned. Before leaving Olomu to take his throne, He decreed that
henceforth the Olomus did not have to come to Benin to seek the endorsement
of the Oba of Benin to become an Ovie as it was the practice then because
the are already EBA (SUPREME KINGS) He also decreed that any Urhobo coming
to Benin for endorsement as Ovie must obtain the recommendation of the Olomu
before proceeding to Benin.
Excerpt from A Short
History of Olomu by Ejedafetar Birhiray; Edited by Olorogun Raphael Dema |
