Urhobo People of Delta State: History, Culture & Traditions

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The Urhobo people are one of the most prominent ethnic groups in southern Nigeria, widely recognised for their deep-rooted traditions, rich cultural heritage, and strong community values. Predominantly found in Delta State, the Urhobo people have a fascinating history, vibrant customs, and well-defined social structures that continue to shape their identity today.

Often referred to as the Urhobo tribe, this ethnic group has preserved its language, beliefs, festivals, and way of life despite centuries of change. This guide offers a comprehensive look at the origins, beliefs, marriage rites, attire, food, festivals, and political structure of the Urhobo people, giving you a complete understanding of their life and legacy.

Location of the Urhobo People

The Urhobo people are located mainly in Delta State, Nigeria, inhabiting the lower reaches of the Niger Delta. They are bordered by the Isoko people to the south, the Itsekiri to the west, the Bini to the north, the Ijaw to the south, and the Ukwani to the northeast.

The Urhobo homeland spans approximately 1,417 square miles and consists of 22 kingdoms, sometimes referred to as clans or social units. These areas are characterised by rivers, creeks, and wetlands, which play a major role in the lifestyle and occupations of the Urhobo people.

During the rainy season, communities such as Ewu, Evwreni, and Uwherun experience heavy rainfall. Flooding from rivers like the Niger, Asse, Forcados, and Ewu shapes both agriculture and fishing activities in the region

Origin of the Urhobo People

The origin of the Urhobo people is preserved mainly through oral traditions. According to legend, Urhobo, an ancestral hero, migrated across the Benin River and became the progenitor of the people.

There are three major theories explaining the origin of the Urhobo people:

1. Autochthony Theory

This theory suggests that the Urhobo people have always lived in their present location without migrating from elsewhere. Scholars such as Otite and Alfred Okotete support this view.

2. Benin Migration Theory

This is the most widely accepted theory. It traces the origin of the Urhobo people to ancient Benin, during the Ogiso and early Oba dynasties. Linguistic similarities, cultural practices, and traditional institutions link the Urhobo tribe closely with Benin history.

3. Ile-Ife Origin Theory

Another narrative suggests migration from Ile-Ife in present-day southwestern Nigeria. Some Urhobo descendants are still said to live in that region today.

Despite differing accounts, historical and cultural evidence strongly supports the Benin connection.

Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

Traditional religion among the Urhobo people centres on Ọghẹnẹ, the Almighty God. Alongside Ọghẹnẹ, they recognise various divinities, spirits, and forces such as Edjo and Erhan.

A key spiritual object is the Orhen, believed to serve as a moral judge that ensures truth and justice.

Important beliefs include:

• Ancestor worship (Erivwin): Honouring deceased ancestors who are believed to influence the living.
• Dual existence (Erhi): The belief that every individual has a spiritual essence that determines destiny and well-being.

Today, Christianity is widely practised among the Urhobo people, though many traditional beliefs still influence cultural life.

Marriage Rites Among the Urhobo People

Marriage is a sacred and communal institution among the Urhobo people. It involves several traditional stages designed to ensure compatibility, family approval, and spiritual blessing.

Key Marriage Stages

• Initial inquiry: The groom’s family discreetly investigates the bride’s character and lineage.
• Formal proposal: A family intermediary approaches the bride’s family.
• Acceptance: The bride’s family conducts its own investigation before giving consent.
• Bride price payment: Includes kola nuts, bitter kola, drinks, and symbolic gifts.

Additional traditional payments include:

• Igho-rẹ-erhu: Gifts to the bride’s father.
• Igho-ugbe-rha-re: Tribute to the bride’s mother for childbirth.
• Emu-ra-aye: Negotiated bride fee.

Traditional Wedding Ceremony

The traditional wedding ceremony of the Urhobo people is rich in symbolism and guided by custom. Key participants include:

• Ọkpako-ro-orua: Head of the bride’s family
• Ọtota: Family spokesperson
• Usuọvwa: Groom’s lead representative

Highlights of the ceremony include:

• Presentation of kola nuts and drinks as a sign of acceptance
• A symbolic drink shared by the groom and bride to signify consent
• Libation to invoke blessings from God and ancestors
• Formal handing over of the bride

The final rite, Isuo, involves escorting the bride to her husband’s family home, marking the full completion of the marriage.

 

Traditional Attire of the Urhobo People

Women’s Attire

Urhobo women traditionally wear two wrappers:

• Oseba: The longer wrapper tied to the heel
• Aniku: A shorter wrapper worn over it

These are paired with a blouse (Ewu) and headgear (Onerho or Uriofo). Beads play an essential role, including:

• Evwarha: Waist or neck beads
• Ivie: Coral beads worn on the neck and wrists

Men’s Attire

Urhobo men wear a wrapper tied at the waist, a shirt, and a traditional hat known as Eru. In some cases, men also wear double wrappers similar to women.

Urhobo Food and Cuisine

Food is central to the identity of the Urhobo people, reflecting their farming and fishing heritage.

Popular Dishes

• Ukodo: Yam and unripe plantain pepper soup cooked with meat or fish, lemongrass, and spices
• Oghwevwri and Usi: A rich palm-oil-based soup served with cassava starch

These meals are common at festivals, weddings, and family gatherings.

Occupations of the Urhobo People

The Urhobo people are traditionally farmers and fishermen, influenced by their riverine environment. Fishing is common in flooded areas, while farming supports local consumption.

Other occupations include:

• Canoe making
• Palm wine tapping
• Palm oil and kernel production
• Hunting and trading

 

Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

The Urhobo people celebrate several festivals that preserve their cultural heritage. One of the most notable is the Ohworu Festival, celebrated in Ogor and Ughelli to honour water spirits.

Festivals often feature masquerades, music, dance, and communal feasting, reinforcing unity and tradition.

 

Political Structure and Leadership

Each Urhobo kingdom is governed by an Ovie (king), supported by chiefs and a council of elders. Traditional leadership plays a vital role in dispute resolution, cultural preservation, and community development.

Conclusion

The Urhobo people of Delta State represent a rich blend of history, culture, spirituality, and tradition. From their origins and beliefs to their food, festivals, and marriage rites, the Urhobo tribe continues to preserve a strong cultural identity in modern Nigeria.

Exploring Urhobo culture offers valuable insight into the diversity of Nigeria’s ethnic heritage and the enduring strength of indigenous traditions.

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FAQs About the Urhobo People

What language do the Urhobo people speak?

The Urhobo people speak the Urhobo language, which has minor dialectical variations across different clans.

Where are the Urhobo people located?

The Urhobo people are located in Delta State, Nigeria, primarily inhabiting the lower Niger Delta region.

What are some traditional foods of the Urhobo people?

Popular dishes include Ukodo (yam and plantain pepper soup) and Oghwevwri served with Usi (starch).

Who is the current traditional ruler of the Urhobo people?

The traditional ruler of the Urhobo people is known as the Ovie. Each Urhobo kingdom has its own Ovie, who serves as the custodian of culture, customs, and traditional governance within that kingdom. There is no single monarch ruling all Urhobo people collectively.

Are the Urhobo people and Isoko people the same?

No, the Urhobo people and the Isoko people are not the same, but they are closely related. Both ethnic groups share historical ties, similar languages, and cultural practices, which often leads to confusion. However, they are recognised as distinct ethnic groups with their own identities, traditions, and leadership structures. Today, the Urhobo and Isoko people occupy different areas of Delta State and maintain separate cultural and political systems, despite their shared ancestry.

This article is part of our broader journey to understand ethnic heritage,  learn about Nigeria’s ethnic groups and cultures.