ONITSHA: THE BENIN, IGALLA AND NRI COMMUNITIES THAT MADE UP THE PRESENT DAY ONITSHA

ONITSHA: THE BENIN, IGALLA AND NRI COMMUNITIES THAT MADE UP THE PRESENT DAY ONITSHA

Onitsha traditionally consists of nine villages: 4 from Benin, 3 from Igala and two from Nri.

Benin towns in Onitsha are:

1. Isiokwe
2. Olosi
3. Umuezearoli
4. Ogbeozoma (Awada) Okebunabo.

Igala towns in Onitsha are:

1. Obikporo
2. Ogbelekeke
3. Ogbeotu.

Nri towns in Onitsha are:

1. Okebunabo,
2. Obamkpa.

Total: 4+3+2= 9.

But since Igala were the first in the place, and even helped to cross their Benin brothers to cross the river Niger from Delta side to Onitsha when Igala were fishing on the river, Igala is the owner of the earth gods, and hence in charge of most land.
But as a prince of Benin became the king with the title of Benin, Ovbi Oba or Ovbi for short. Ovbi means son, and Ovbi Oba means son of Oba. Ovbi was later corrupted by the white people to Obi as they changed Onicha to Onitsha.
The Ikime (later adulterated to Chime) descedant brought many other Benin titles like Iyasele, Oshodi, Ogene Onire, Gbosa Obi, etc.

While the Royal institution was supplied by Benin people, the tradition are mostly from Igala while language is from Igbo components. The present Gbosa Obi is Igala man from Obikporo town.