The British changed the names of many places in Igbo land after they invaded the Benin Kingdom.

The British changed the names of many places in Igbo land after they invaded the Benin Kingdom.

Here are some examples:

1. Owerri – Original Name: Owe Ere
2. Orlu – Original name: Ọlụ
3. Awkuzu – Original Name: Ọkụ Ụzọ Achagbunam
4. Okigwe – Original name: Oka Igwe
5. Enugu – Original name: Enu Ugwu. Enugu is a town in the mountains.
6. Okpaala – Original Name: Ọkpụ Ala Ngwa
7. Port Harcourt – Original name: Igwe Ọcha
8. Opobo – Original name: Igwe Nga
9. Bonny – Original Name: Ubani
10. Oyigbo – Original name: Obi Igbo
11. Abakiliki – Original Name: Abakeleke
12. Mbaise – Original Name: Agbaaja, Ahiara, Ekwerazụ, Oke Ovoro, and Ezinihite. These five villages were forced to become one village by the British. The Mbaise people have their own unique culture.
13. Asaba – Original Name: Ahaba
14. Onitsha – Original Name: Onicha
15. Ibusa – Original Name: Igbo Ụzọ
16. Ogwashi – Original name: Ọgwa Ahi. Ogwashi people come from Nri.
17. Awka – Original name: Oka
18. Awkunanaw – Original name: Okunnano
19. Amawbia – Original name: Amaobia
20. Umuahia – Original name: Ọma ahịa

Please correct us if we made any mistakes. We learn every day.