Our People, Our Culture
The Enuani people, who speak Igbo, reside to the west of the River Niger. They can be found in the current local government areas of Aniocha (North/South) and Oshimili (North/South) in Delta State, Nigeria.
It's all about our people, culture and lifestyle...
Our King
Obi of Issele-Uku (Oligbo) Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Obi Nduka, MNSE JP
PREAMBLE.
The relativism of the Issele Community and the Ezechima Clan, tells the greatest history of the Oba / Obi of Issele-Uku which, right from the 13th century, has had connection and deep-rooted association with Benin.
In fact, HRM Oba Esigie, in giving the Royal Bronze Mask to Obi Oligbo on enthronement at Benin City in the early 16th century, re-emp that Issele was on the Eastern extremities of the Benin monarch This was testified to by His Royal Highness, Uku Akpolokpolo Akenzua II, of blessed memory on 11th February, 1976, Nigerian observer, front page, No. 2452, Monday, November 1976, to quote the OBA,
“The bronze mask was given out by Esigie to Obi Oligbo of Issele to symbolize his position as the authentic representative in the eastern extremities of Benin Empire. He continued, “The Bronze mask is the face of Oba Esigie while the Festac Ivory mask, still in London, is the face of Queen Mother, Idia N’IYe’Esigie of Benin. *Proofs of Bini Connection to Issele-Uku*
1. Oba Ohen, in 1334, before his coronation, passed through Ukwunzu to Issele-Uku, traveling to Benin for his enthronement.
2. In the early 15th century, OBA Ewuare stayed at Issele-Uku for a short time. He was allowed to remain as common man, he was made a traditional chief as the Akogun of Issele-Uku, during the reign of Eze Ise of Issele-Uku.
3. When the Bisi asked the Oba Oguola to put to death his only brother, Adomo, before he could ascend the throne, Oba Oguola dispatched his brother Ogie Uwadiae to Issele-Uku. Adomo lived his life at Ogbeofu Quarters.
4. Before the reign of Obi Egbuna in 1840, all Issele Obis were schooled in the art of native administration in the Oba’s palace and crowned there before they ascended the throne of Issele. The practice changed in 1840 when the Oba of Benin started to send his personal representatives to the coronation of all Obis at Issele-Uku. During the coronation of the reigning Obi Osemene III, Oba Akenzua II sent his chiefs, led by the Arala of Benin, Chief Osula. to represent him and perform some traditional rites at the ceremony.
5. During the campaign for the creation of the Mid-West region. (Formerly Bendel State). Oba Akenzua II visited Issele-Uku twice to enlighten the people.
6. In 1962. when the then Western Regional Government voted £48,000 for Issele-Uku’s water supply, Mr. Mark Uzoka of Onicha-Ugbo. the then Commissioner for Midwest Affairs, decided to install a master plan for water supply for the whole area. A water supply fund was launched at Issele-Uku, under the able leadership of Mr. Mark Uzoka himself. The Oba of Benin. Akenzua II sent his chiefs to the launching and made a personal donation of £100.
7. On the 15th Day of March 1982. His ROYAL HIGHNESS, UKU AKPOLOKPOLO THE OBA OF BENIN, visited Issele-Uku and yet added another feather to this long-established link.
