Have you ever heard of the Igbo-speaking people of Edo State? Well, they live in a town called Igbanke. Igbanke is a group of villages in Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State. Now, more on that later. But by far, the most interesting thing about these people is the words that come out of their mouths.
What is Ika?
The Igbanke people speak the Ika language. Now, Ika is one of those Igbo languages that some tribes in the south-south speak. It is usually some watered-down version of “real” Igbo. It is also spoken by people in some parts of Delta State and is similar to the Ukwani spoken in Delta State and the Igbo language.
The Igbanke Community
The name “Igbanke” is coined from the two communities that first existed in the land and translates to “slave will not rule”. Now, six autonomous communities make up the town. These communities are Omolua, Ottah, Idumuodin, Ake, Oligia, and Igbontor. They are all governed by their own Enigie/Ezes (Dukes).
The people are majorly farmers. Their main agricultural products are plantains, yams, cassava, and vegetables. Hunting, trading, and medicine are other occupations the people engage in. Most town women are traders. During the colonial era, the Eken Market, which is located in Oligie, acted as a market that linked the northern and southern regions. Skilled artisans also engage in blacksmithing, pottery, basket making, and other crafts.
Igbanke Festival
The Egu Festival is a religious celebration. The people hold it in honor of their chief deity, Nwa Obu. The Egu Festival is also referred to as Ohiuhiu.
The festival typically lasts from August through September and is jam-packed with events. Landmarks in Igbanke include the Igbanke Train Station, Market Square, and Aguba Village Hall.
Read about the story of Aruan the Giant here.
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