Okpella

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Okpella is a clan situated along Benin-Abuja federal high way. Going by the last National Census figures, it has the population of 20,562, and is one of the three main towns that make up Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Okpella is known for its natural sedimentary rock based mineral resources, which include limestone, calcium, and granite, feldspar, talc, clay, marble, etc.[1]

During colonial rule, arising out of personality clashes between Chief Sado who was the statutory Clan Head of OKPELLA clan and Afegbua, The District Head Of Kabba province, the salary, due to the head of Okpella was split between them on the abolition of the District government structure.

Since the period of Chief SADO-IGBA IKOR who was succeeded by Oba Obinogbe, Okpella has been administered as one entity. However, between 1964 and 1971 when the immediate past paramount ruler Alhaji Andrew Yesufu Eshioramhe Dirisu, a Justice of the Peace; assumed the throne with the title of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Chief Giwa Enamudu, the village head of Komunio, headed the OTEKU sub clan, while Chief Alabi headed the OGUTE sub clan. The two sub clans make up the two ruling houses of the clan, the headship of which rotates or oscillates among them. Alhaji Dr A. Y. E. Dirisu joined his ancestors in year 2019 in February and the clan observed the three months traditional mourning period before electing a new clan head. The appointment/election of the clan head is regulated by the Chieftaincy Declaration Law of Bendel State, 1981, as applicable to present Edo State.

The town plays host to two cement factories namely: the Edo Cement Company and BUA cement factory founded by a Nigerian conglomerate named Abdulsalam Rabiu, these are the only cement factories in the old Midwest Region and the present Edo state. The Edo Cement Factory was established by the Dennis Osadebey and Hon. Musa Godfrey administration in 1964,[2] with the late Chief Ikhumetse Olowu, as its pioneer Chairman. Okpella, in view of the abundance of other solid minerals, is home to several granite- and marble-making industries, which gives the community a vibrant industrial outlook.

The people are predominantly farmers, and are known to grow in large numbers, yams, cassava, tomatoes and ogbono. Its Ewo market, located on the busy Benin-Abuja Road and congregates every fourth day. Okpella is a natural town with polite and happy citizens who share a communal bond prevalent in most African societies, the town also consists of Muslims and Christians who live peacefully among themselves despite their religion backgrounds.[3]

Tradition[]

Okpela is sub divided into two major subdivisions which correspond to east and west which represent the two sons of Ekpola, the one who founded the clan. Western Okpella include five villages, and three eastern Okpella. The remaining village represents the descendants of earlier settlers. The Okpella people believe in a supreme deity called Eshinegba, which is known as creator of all things both in the physical world (agbo) and the spirit world (ilimi).

People of Okpella are hospitable and friendly.

The history of the masking groups-Aminague, Olimi, and Okakagbe[]

What the name and image of Aminague means in the English-language concepts is "incredible"-something that has never being seen before and therefore it is said to be unbelievable-and "forbidden".

Villages[]

  • Afokpella, Awuyemi, Iddo, Imiegele, Imekuri, Ogute-Oke, Okugbe, Oku[4]

In the Oteku sub clan of the two sub clans that make up Okpella Note that these are the principal villages contained in the Clan's Chieftaincy Declaration Law even though there are practically more such as Okhu, Igiase, Ogiriga, Iddo 1, Imiagbese etc. within the gazetted villages.

References[]

  1. ^ Owogram (2021-07-04). "Edo State In Nigeria - Interesting Facts to Know". Owogram. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
  2. ^ "bua cement factory okpella". www.leon-studnie.pl. Retrieved 2021-07-14.
  3. ^ Borgatti, Jean M. (1976). "Okpella Masking Traditions". African Arts. 9 (4): 24–91. doi:10.2307/3335050. ISSN 0001-9933.
  4. ^ Afegbua, Isa S. (2003). Okpella : origins, communities, and neighbours, 1400-2000. Okpella, Edo State, Nigeria: Centre for Development & Documentation. ISBN 978-062-073-7. OCLC 173261409.

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