SOCIO-POLITICAL HISTORY OF OGWASBI- UKU IN DELTA STATE (1983 - 2007)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE/FRONT PAGE

CERTIFICATION

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

RESEARCH METHOOOLOGY.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE S1UDY

PLAN OF THE STUDY

ENDNOTES

CHAPETER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

ENDNOTES

CHAPTER THREE:

EARLY POLITICAL LIFE OF OOW ASlH-UKU

THE EKUMEKU MOVEMENT

ENDNOTES

CHAPTER FOUR:

OLD BENDEL STATE (1963 - 1991)

POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OGWASlH-UKU

ENDNOTES

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BIBLIOGRAPHY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

At the outskirts of the Northern part of Delta State in the Niger Delta area of the South-South region of Nigeria lays the abode of the Ogwashi-Ukwu people. The people ·of 'Ogwash' as they are popularly called are from the Anioma group of communities which is a blend of a subdivision of the Ibo and Benin race, according to historian Chris Okafor,

The reason for the turning of the spotlight on the people of Ogwashi-Ukwu is not far to seek. The people of this region have been making headlines in recent times because of the contributions of their sons and daughters to the growth of the political entity called Nigeria with their numerous activities that are based on the spirit of loyalty and nationhood.

Although this town might appear nondescript on the Nigerian map, the contributions of these people as mentioned above have put them on a pedestal as far as national recognition and deeds for the fatherland is concerned. Some of the well-known names from this small town and its surrounding, Anioma communities include the present of Finance. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, football midfield maestro and former Super Eagles captain, Austin 'Jay Jay’.

Okocha, Co-founder of Zenith Bank Eddy Egwuenu, Tony Elumelu, MD of United Bank for Attica, Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank and Professor Pat Utomi. Indeed, as at the time of this research, Dr. Okonjo-lweala's father, a professor was the Obi of the town.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Having said all the above, it is somewhat surprising to note that quite a little is known of the way of life of this increasingly important people in the state of Delta; Since the major purpose of traditions is to help the people preserve their past while also making way for their future, the aim of this research is.to see how the traditions and customs of the people of Ogwashi-Ukwu have contributed to the presently increasing status of the small town in the contemporary activities in the nation of Nigeria.  

A great significance lies in exploring the traditions and customs of the Ogwashi-Ukwu and determining if these are in anyway responsible for the impressive feasts, being recorded by the people of this town.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

The major objectives of this study therefore include exploring traditional activities of the Ogwashi-Ukwu people with the view to understand their way of life. The research will also attempt to:

Determine what extent these traditions and customs determines the performance of the Ogwashi-Ukwu people.

It recommends that the findings of the study can be applied in other areas 'of the country if necessary.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The method of gathering data employed in this research work is historical. As such, it relied on both primary and secondary sources of information. The secondary sources include published works like text books, academic journals, magazines and newspapers while the primary source includes interviews with village elders and the custodians of the oral history of the 'Ogwash' people.

This will enable the gathering of more oral evidence about the people of the village. Also, the internet will be explore for more information, most especially - web portals of the Anioma people.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research work will focus mainly on the traditions and customs of the people of Ogwashi-Ukwu of Delta state, Nigeria. It would seek to understand the development of their many traditions over time and how these influence their lives in these modern times.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Among those expected to benefit from this research work are history students and scholars and the general public who will get to understand more about the traditions· and customs of the people of Ogwashi-Ukwu. It will also help and assist the government to boost inter group relations among the Deltans and Nigeria at large. Lastly, it will be useful to students, scholars and other sorts of people that are interested in knowing more about the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

RESEARCH PLAN

The aim of this study is to identify the traditions and customs of the people of Ogwashi-Ukwu which hitherto has been hidden from the public eye. Attempts will be made to achieve this objective in five (5) chapters.

Chapter one gives the introduction of the study; it has the background of the study, showing the general-descriptions of the study areas. Chapter two of the study made a review of some past works on the origin of the Ogwashi-Ukwu - people as well as on topics about customs and traditions of this people.

Chapter three delves on the political history of Ogwashi-Ukwu in pre-colonial and colonial periods. Chapter four of the study examines the importance of Ogwashi-Uku, to the socio- political development of Delta state. Chapter five is the summary, conclusion and made some recommendations on the subject matter.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Below are definitions of some terms exactly as they are used in this research work. .

Anioma