Okrika

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Okrika Kirike se Wakirike se
UTC+1 (WAT)

Okrika is an

The average elevation of Okrika is 452 metres. It lies on the north of the Bonny River and on Okrika Island, 35 miles (56 km) upstream from the Bight of Bonny. The town can be reached by vessels of a draft of 29 feet (9 metres) or less.^{[citation needed]}

Formerly a fishing

The 2006 census determined the population of the Wakirike Local Government Area of the Rivers State of Nigeria was 222,026. An estimated 145,000 Okrika natives live elsewhere around the world, mostly in the United Kingdom and the United States.^{[citation needed]}

Socio-cultural organisation

Nine traditional towns constituted the Okrika Kingdom before 1913, these towns are Kirike, Ogoloma, Ogu, Bolo, Ogbogbo, Ibaka, Ele, Isaka and Abuloma. Most of these traditional towns also have satellite villages. Today the constituent towns of Okrika kingdom have increased to ten towns. The additional town is Koniju Town (Koni-ama). Wakirikese is a collective name for Okrika villages even before the British Colonial Government began its colonial expedition.^{[citation needed]}

FESTIVALS

Iria Festival: The Iria festival dates back to the 16th century; an annual ceremony of womanhood that is held at a market square in Okrika, an ancient town in Rivers State, Nigeria. Breasts-baring maidens are seen being initiated by the people into womanhood. Virgins are presented and kept in the fattening room, where they are taken care of for the festival^[4]

List of towns and villages in Wakirike Kingdom

House system

The Okrikans like all other Ijo sub-groups of the Niger Delta are organised into autonomous and co-equal War-Canoe houses (Omuaru-wari). Kinsmen living together in the same area make up each War-Canoe House. Although the War-Canoe is an institution of kinship, historically, it deals principally with war and defence. War-Canoe houses may be different in terms of size and manpower, however. Benefits and community assets are shared to the War-Canoe houses equally and not based on their numerical strength. Every War-Canoe House is headed by a Chief who is assisted in various capacities by sub-chiefs. The Chief is addressed as the 'Warinyanabo' or 'Waridabo' showing his status as head of the entire War-Canoe house (Omuaru-wari). Each War-Canoe house also known as Omuaru-wari or Warinyengi is constituted by sub-units known variously as 'Warikubu' or 'Oko'. Each sub-unit (Warikubu or Oko) is headed by a sub-chief known locally as the 'Oko-tibidabo'. Each sub-unit (Warikubu or Oko) is further divided into extended family units known as 'Furo'. Characterised by strong kinship ties, the Furo is composed of grandfathers, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces.^{[citation needed]}

Class System: Within each War-Canoe house, there are four classes for men and three for women. Classes are referred to as 'Mumbu'. Male members of the War-Canoe house apart from the Chief and the King (Amayanabo) are classed into 'Opu Mumbu' (first class), 'Ogbobiri Mumbu' (second Class), 'Kala Mumbu' (third class) and 'Owuapu-awo' (teenagers below 18 years of age). Similarly, females members of a War-Canoe house are classed into the 'Opu Mumbu' (first class), 'Kala Mumbu' (second class) and 'Iria-Soka Awo' (Maidens). The class system is an ordinary ranking system, however it ensures hard work and progress within the War-Canoe House. Ranking is usually based on age and achievements. However, the main factors that determines promotion to a given class may vary between War-Canoe Houses. As opposed to a Caste system, classes are not heritable nor transferable. Therefore, no member of the War-Canoe house is born into a class. Members higher up the class have a greater share of the benefits and financial burdens of the War-Canoe House but decision making within the War-Canoe house is democratic.^{[citation needed]}

Language

The language spoken by Okrika people is kirikeni-okwein, a type of Ijoid Language.

Religion

Historically, the Okrika people of old were polytheist believing in several gods and deities. Others where animist who believed in many spirits including marine spirits and in the spirits of their ancestors. Finibeso was considered the chief god of the ancient Okrika people and his priest where most reverend among other priests. The Fenibeso shrine was most sacred and divine. Traditionally, no restrictions were imposed on the worship of any god.

In modern Okrika,

Government

Okrika Local Government Area has its headquarters located in Okrika town with the districts of Kalio, Ogoloma, Okirika and Ogan.^[6] A Chief is the head of a War Canoe House; for example, the Orufingbe War Canoe house of a Ngeme Biri and a War Canoe house is made up of Furos (Families).^{[citation needed]}

Economic

Okrika LGA is rich in deposits of

Before the onset of oil and gas activities, the Okrika people were and are still known for fishing, farming and trading; these economic activities sustain their livelihood.^[citation needed]

Environmental problems

The Okrika kingdom is faced with a serious threat of

• Dr. Alfred S. Abam (Ado ix), 2012. The Customs and Tradition of The Okrika People
• Dr. Alfred S. Abam (Ado ix), 2006. The Tradition of Succession And its Implication For Peace

4°44′24″N 7°04′59″E / 4.74°N 7.083°E / 4.74; 7.083