Top 10 Fascinating Facts About the Urhobo Tribe in Delta State

The Urhobo tribe  is one of the most prominent ethnic groups in southern Nigeria, known for its deep-rooted traditions, rich cultural heritage, and strong community values. Based in Delta State, the Urhobo people have a fascinating history, vibrant customs, and distinct social structures that continue to shape their identity today. This article offers an in-depth look at their origins, beliefs, marriage rites, attire, food, and more—giving you a full glimpse into the life and legacy of the Urhobo tribe.

Urhobo Tribe in Delta State: History, Culture & Traditions

1. Location of the Urhobo Tribe

The Urhobo tribe, located in Delta State of Nigeria, is home to approximately 120 million people and is the seventh largest tribe in the country. The tribe is divided into twenty-two social units, or kingdoms, inhabiting the lower reaches of the Niger Delta. They are bordered by the Isokos to the south, Itsekiris to the west, Binis to the north, Ijaws to the south, and Ukwanis to the north. The tribe’s territory spans about 1,417 square miles.

During the rainy season, areas such as Ewu, Evwreni, and Uwherun experience year-round rainfall. The Niger floods often overflow into the Asse River, affecting the Owhe and Bethel swamps. The Ewu and Forcados Rivers also flood surrounding regions.

2. Origin of the Urhobo People

Urhobo was an ancient hero believed to have migrated across the Benin River. The people speak the Urhobo language, with slight variations among the clans. While much of Urhobo history is preserved through oral traditions, three major origin theories exist:

• Autochthony Theory: Some Urhobos believe they have always lived in their current location, without migrating. This view is supported by Otite and Alfred Okotete.
• Benin Migration Theory: Other narratives trace Urhobo origins to ancient Benin under the Ogiso and Egbeka dynasties, pointing to linguistic and cultural similarities.
• Ile-Ife Origin Theory: A third view suggests a migration from the Ile-Ife region in Western Nigeria. Some Urhobos still reside in and around this area.

While these theories differ, the Benin connection is the most widely accepted due to historical and cultural alignments.

3. Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

Urhobo religion centers on “Ọghẹnẹ” (Almighty God), along with recognition of divinities such as Edjo and Erhan. Worship is performed using Orhen, regarded as an impartial judge.

Key spiritual practices include:

• Ancestor Worship (Erivwin): Focused on honoring the spirits of deceased forebears.
• Belief in Duality: The Erhi, or spiritual essence, determines a person’s destiny and well-being.

Despite traditional beliefs, Christianity is now widespread among Urhobo communities.

4. Marriage Rites in Urhobo Culture

Marriage in Urhobo culture involves several traditional steps:

1. Initial Inquiry: The groom’s family secretly investigates the bride’s background.
2. Proposal Process: A family intermediary formally approaches the bride’s family.
3. Acceptance: The bride’s family conducts their own investigations and responds.
4. Bride Price Payment: This includes kola nuts, bitter kola, and other symbolic gifts.

Additional payments and rituals:

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

5. Traditional Wedding Ceremony

The traditional marriage ceremony in Urhobo culture is rich in symbolism and guided by longstanding customs. It is officiated by several key figures, each playing a unique role in the process:

• Ọkpako-ro-orua – the head of the bride’s family

• Ọtota – the spokesperson for the bride’s family

• Usuọvwa – the groom’s lead representative

Ceremony highlights include:

• Presentation of kola nuts and drinks, which symbolize hospitality and acceptance.

• A symbolic act where the groom drinks from a glass, which is then passed to the bride. Her acceptance to drink signifies her consent to the marriage.

• Libation is poured, invoking the blessings of God and the ancestors.

• The bride is formally handed over to the groom’s family, signifying the union and transfer of responsibility.

• Isuo is the last rite of the ceremony, where the bride is escorted by her family members to her husband’s family home. Upon arrival, they are greeted by the husband’s parents and family, and her escorts are entertained before leaving. The marriage has been fully contracted, and the couple spends the night together for the first time as husband and wife.

 

This traditional sequence emphasizes family involvement, community validation, and spiritual blessing—making the Urhobo wedding a deeply meaningful celebration of love and heritage.

 

Interested in learning about other Nigerian tribes? Check out our Tribes of Nigeria section for more rich cultural insights.

 

6. Traditional attire

Urhobo tribe traditional attire for Urhobo women consists of a pair of wrappers tied around the waist (overlapping) down to the heel of the foot and another one tied on top, which is shorter, usually almost the same length as the first. The longer one is called Oseba, while the shorter one is Aniku. A blouse (Ewu) and a headgear (Gele), known as Onerho or Uriofo in Urhobo, complement the two wrappers.

The traditional attire for men comprises a wrapper (sometimes overflowing) tied around the waist, a shirt, and a hat known as Eru. But at times, the men use a pair of wrappers like the women, one tied around the waist and the other tied around the body over the shoulders like a toga.

The Urhobo woman wears a row of beads around her neck at all times during ceremonies. The coral bead is worn around the neck and both wrists. The bead is called Evwarha, while the coral bead is called Ivie. The men also wear beads around their necks and wrists, as the women do.

7. Urhobo Food

Food plays a central role in Urhobo culture, reflecting both their agricultural lifestyle and deep culinary traditions. The tribe’s dishes are hearty, flavourful, and rooted in local ingredients, many of which are grown or fished from the region.

• Ukodo (Yam Pepper Soup):
  Ukodo is a warm, comforting dish made from yam and unripe plantain cooked in a spicy pepper soup base. It’s typically prepared with either beef, chicken, or fresh fish, and seasoned with fragrant lemongrass and a pinch of potash, which enhances the texture and flavor. Ukodo is often served during significant family gatherings, weddings, and festive occasions, and is valued for its nourishing qualities.
• Oghwevwri and Usi:
  This is one of the most iconic food pairings in Urhobo cuisine. Oghwevwri is a richly emulsified soup made with palm oil, local seasonings, and assorted meats or fish. It is typically enjoyed with Usi, a stretchy starch made from processed cassava, which acts as the perfect companion for scooping up the thick soup. The dish is a staple at both everyday meals and traditional ceremonies, showcasing the tribe’s mastery of bold, earthy flavors.

Together, these dishes highlight the Urhobo people’s connection to their land and environment, blending farming, fishing, and cultural identity into every meal.

8. Occupation

The Urhobos are predominantly farmers and fishermen based on their geographical location. They engage in fishing, particularly in flooded areas, while arable farming is more for subsistence living or local consumption in the Olomu and Agbon clans. 

The Uwherun, Ewu, and other clans bordering riverine areas primarily engage in fishing, with the Urhobos being nearly as skilled as the Ijo and Itsekiri. Other clans also engage in canoe-making, animal hunting, and palm tree tapping, making the Urhobos one of the largest producers of palm oil and kernels in the Niger Delta. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

For travellers planning to explore Urhobo territory or the broader Niger Delta region, it’s wise to consider Nigeria travel insurance companies that offer coverage for adventure, cultural, and rural experiences.

 

9. Urhobo Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

The Urhobo people celebrate several vibrant festivals that reflect their cultural identity, spirituality, and community values. One of the most notable is the Ohworu Festival, celebrated by the people of Ogor and Ughelli. It is held in honour of the water spirit and includes masquerade displays, traditional music, and dancing. These festivals serve as a platform for cultural expression, social unity, and the preservation of ancestral traditions.

 

10. Political Structure and Leadership

The Urhobo tribe has a well-organized traditional political system. Each kingdom is governed by an Ovie (king), who is supported by a council of elders and chiefs. This leadership structure plays a vital role in conflict resolution, cultural preservation, and community development. The respect for traditional authority remains strong, even with the rise of modern governance systems.

FAQs About the Urhobo Tribe

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 tribe is located in Delta State, Nigeria, primarily inhabiting the lower Niger Delta region.

What is the origin of the Urhobo tribe?

The Urhobo people are believed to have either originated from Benin, Ile-Ife, or been indigenous to the Niger Delta. The Benin theory is the most widely accepted.

What are some Urhobo traditional foods?

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

What is the Urhobo traditional wedding ceremony like?

It involves a series of rites including bride price payment, libation, symbolic drinks, and handing over of the bride.

Do the Urhobo people still practice their traditional religion?

While traditional beliefs in divinities and ancestor worship still exist, Christianity is now widely practiced.

What attire do Urhobo men and women wear?

Women wear double wrappers, blouses, headgear, and beads, while men wear wrappers, shirts, hats, and beads.

What are the main occupations of the Urhobo people?

They are mainly farmers, fishermen, canoe makers, and palm oil producers.