By Prince Kelly Udebhulu.
Urohi People are the inhabitants of Urohi Community, Esan West LG; Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State, Nigeria, rule by an Onogie (Monarchical King), the Community is known for agricultural produces like rice, pineapple, yam, cassava, orange, mango and guava, hence tagged “The Food Basket of Edo State”. Craft works with wares such as carving, hand-woven clothes, ebony rings, bowls, ash-trays, flower pots and bronze objects together with the art of basket-making which are veritable works of art like shopping baskets, waste paper baskets and farmer’s wicker baskets are major skills found among Urohi People. Urohi Community holds the highest community in Esan Land that harbors Farm Settlers and community inter-marriages record. It is visible and proven.
Politically, Urohi Community is a ward (8) out of 10 wards that make up Esan West LG. IT CONSISTS OF TEN VILLAGES WHICH INCLUDE: EGUARE, OHON, OGHOGHO, EBHOKHUERE, EKHUELE, URONAGHOLO, EKO-OMIGIE, AKUGBE, OVIAWELE AND EBUTE METTA. UROHI HAS COMMON BOUNDARIES WITH EKPOMA ON THE NORTH, UJIOGBA ON THE SOUTH -EAST BOTH IN THE ESAN WEST LG, AND UHI/UGIEGHUDU ON THE SOUTH, UHUMWODE LG.
A lot of the villages and indeed the ruling dynasty in the Community trace their roots to the ancient kingdom of Benin. Cultural similarities are in the areas of religious worships, folk-lore, dances, festival, and traditional modes of dressing, arts and craft. The political pattern and behavior are based on a situation where both the monarchial and republican ideas flourished in an integrated manner. The colorful traditional festivals in the Community manifest its rich cultural heritage. Critical among these is the annual festival which holds every last weekend of January yearly.
At this annual festival, there are dance ceremonies, gift exchange, marriages, young beautiful faces appear in their new wears, settlement of minor and major disputes among families, friends and leaders, outsiders and visitors from other tribes, communities, towns, cities and countries visit Urohi Community. Urohi People are reverend, the people meals are tested and eaten to satisfaction, the people mode of dressing are copied, the beautiful and eloquent accent of Esan Language softens the hearts that attend the festival. Trading flourished paving ways for settlers to resident in Urohi Community and contributed to the known inter-community/tribal marriages.
By every last Friday of January annually, the starting day of the annual festival, crowd of people surge with energy and vivid animation. Electrified participatory charm is seen everywhere. There is an infectious spirited aura of being at a historical festival of people heritage and culture.
The next day which is Saturday, dignitaries, thousands of visitors, dances, enormous site seeing ceremonies, tributes to the Royal Palace, Chieftaincy titled holders are seen in their dignify attires and head cut styles, the aromas of different cookings and passage of cooked foods here and there make passersby to over fed even without tasting the food yet. A visit to the festival is sure! You are invited!!!
During the festival and after the festival on Sunday being the last Subday of January annually, sorrows vanished, future life partners chosen, misdemeanors checked and hooliganisms minimized among youths and visitors.
You are welcome to Urohi Community Annual Festival come this last Friday of January (annually).
Long Live HRH, AIDENOGIE 1, Long Live the People of Urohi, Long Live Esan People, Long Live Nigeria.
By Prince Kelly Udebhulu.
You can tweet to @princekelly75
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