A Homeland in Delta State of Ancient Tales, Steeped in Legends
By Sylvester Asoya
Ogwashi-Uku is a homeland abundant in time-honoured myths and traditions that have long characterised this historic community in Delta State, Nigeria. This unusual headquarters of Aniocha South Local Government Area in Delta State, is also a town immersed in primeval tales, passed down through generations.
As a matter of fact, the town’s history echoes with stories of migration, resilience, communality and identity. Above all, Ogwashi-Uku will always be remembered for the courage, remarkable audacity of its people since ancient times, and its true staying power. From its early beginnings, through a fascinating movement story, to its place in modern times, Ogwashi-Uku stands as a proud symbol of heritage, strength, cultural pride and a community, shaped by a rich and enduring ancestry.
Like a select number of privileged communities in Nigeria, Ogwashi-Uku is especially fortunate to have on its throne, a distinguished professional and accomplished scholar, Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo, whose pedigree and global experience enrich his reign.
But to understand Ogwashi-Uku better, it may be important to study one of the town’s distinguished daughters, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization, WTO; former Minister of Finance of Nigeria and a past Managing Director of the World Bank. Born to academic parents, including the respected Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, her father, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s life reflects the intellectual dept, courage, sagacity, resilience, adventure and global outlook that characterize many sons and daughters of Ogwashi-Uku today.
But before Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, there were Isaac Okonjo and Mike Okonjo, her uncles, two combustible and bold intellectuals who played significant roles in the public service and administration of former Mid-Western Region shortly after the Civil War. These two strong characters captured the authentic Ogwashi-Uku nature and a bold spirit of initiative. While Isaac served as a Permanent Secretary, a highly influential position in Nigeria’s civil service structure at the time, Mike, his brother, was a respected public officer and senior administrator who worked closely with the government of Bendel State in different capacities.
Indeed, Ogwashi-Uku has long been blessed with many great sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in various fields. One that readily comes to mind is Chief Festus H. Utomi, a senior teacher at the great St. Thomas’ College, Ibusa, founded in 1928 by the Catholic Church. Utomi, a brilliant educationist who rose to become a parliamentarian in Nigeria’s Western Region back then, influenced a generation by challenging norms and inspiring change. Historical records also show that he was among the early figures who were involved in the agitation for the creation of Mid-West Region in Nigeria on 9 August 1963.
Ogwashi-Uku also gave the world, Emmanuel Osamor, a prominent law professor, intellectual, politician, and public servant who was widely respected for combining academic excellence and vigour with national public service. Osamor, who later served as Attorney-General of Nigeria for a brief period, was at different times, Minister of Police Affairs and Minister of Employment and Productivity.
Who remembers Ambassador Raph Uwechue? This respected diplomat also hailed from Ogwashi-Uku. At the University of Ibadan where he trained long before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, he was an exceptional student whose brilliance attracted the attention of his teachers and classmates. It is generally believed that his intelligence and eloquence gave him recognition in intellectual and diplomatic circles in no time. He eventually became an outstanding diplomat and one of the youngest Nigerians ever appointed ambassador. Outside diplomacy, Uwechue later became a great writer, editor and publisher with the birth of Africa Today, a directory of African leadership and institutions. He also served as President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
But another remarkable aspect of Ogwashi-Uku is its fluidity, a town whose influence flows far beyond its borders and people. It has also produced colourful and unpredictable clerics such as Patrick Anwuzia of Zoe Ministry, Joseph Agboli who founded Victorious Army Ministries. The town boasts of other distinguished sons and daughters whose deeds, like charity, community service, and bravery, reflect positivity on the town.
Today, Ogwashi-Uku is proudly remembered through other illustrious sons and daughters such as Professor Tess Onwueme, the renowned literary figure and author of The Desert Encroaches, The Reign of Wazobia, Tell It To Women, The Missing Face and over a dozen other works; Austin Jay Jay Okocha, a celebrated football star; Professor Celestine Iwendi, an expert in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and Professor Nduka Otiono, a well-known Nigerian journalist, writer and teacher, Ken Kanma, a consummate lawyer and politician, along many others who continue to bring honour and recognition to the town.
Emeka Nwaeme, a historian and culture activist, remembers a period when Ogwashi-Uku played a notable role in the cultural and political lives of Anioma people of Delta State. According to him, the town is not just a centre of culture and identity, it remains a community of notable intellectuals, a historic stronghold of resistance and a respected traditional kingdom. Like most historians know, Ogwashi-Uku played an important and active role in the resistance against British colonial rule during the great Ekumeku Movement between 1883-1914 in Aniomaland. Ekumeku uprising, it should be stated, was a guerilla movement by Anioma communities to oppose British political and economic control.
However, Nwaeme, today, remembers that heroic role, though mostly focusing on his childhood and the significance of the town in his younger days. “Growing up in the old Bendel State, Ogwashi-Uku was where everything seemed to happen. No matter your background, every school child looked forward to being there on Children’s Day on May 27, and again, on October 1st for Independence celebrations. To our young minds, it felt like our own version of London: lively, exciting, adventurous and full of wonder. Those special days brought so much joy, and visiting the town was always a pleasure and an adventure we all cherished as school children.”
Godfrey Osakwe, a public relations practitioner based in Asaba, Delta State, also speaks glowingly of Ogwashi-Uku’s greatness, historical relevance, and its strong ties to many Anioma communities in Delta State and even beyond. “Ogwashi-Uku stands as one of the great communities in Aniomaland, and its people continue to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria, Africa and the wider world. Historical narratives affirm the deep ancestral ties between Ogwashi-Uku and Akwukwu-Igbo, my hometown, and I am very proud of this shared heritage.
“As tradition holds, Ogwashi-Uku was founded by Adaigbo, the scion of the revered Eze Nri, while Akwukwu-Igbo was founded by Okolie Agu, the younger brother of Adaigbo. Both were said to have migrated from the great Nri Kingdom in present-day Anambra State at the instance of their parents. This migration reflects the broader movement of people and ideas that helped shape the cultural and political landscape of several Igbo-speaking communities today. If you ask me, Ogwashi-Uku is still a work in progress, something the world is already aware of. Undoubtedly, Ogwashi-Uku will remain a vibrant kingdom, resilient in the face of changing times. Having survived for centuries and weathered different storms, it is evident that it is destined to endure and prosper for many more centuries.
