LOCATION
Ebira/Egbira people are among the numerous cultural groups in Nigeria. They are an ethno-linguistic group in Nigeria. They are found in Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Edo States. Okene is the administrative centre; the Ebira-speaking people are not far from the Niger-Benue confluence. They are spread in 5 Local Government Areas of Kogi State. They are Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogoni-Magongo. A sizeable number are found in Lokoja Local Government Area, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun States. Ebiraland is a small hilly inland area that stretches roughly for twenty three kilometers west of the Niger at Ajaokuta and thirty two kilometers south of the Niger-Benue confluence.
ORIGIN
Ebira Tao is the largest of the several Ebira groups which includes Ebira Koto, Ebira Mozum, Ebira Panda, Ebira Oje, Ebira Etuno/Toto, Ebira Agatu and Ebira Oloko. The people traced their descent to Wakari (in Taraba State) where they were an integral part of the Kwararafa confederation. After a chieftancy dispute, the people splitted into various groups and settled in different locations. The largest; Ebira Tao first sojourned with the Igalas and Idah but later crossed the River Niger and settle at Ebira Opete located in the vicinity of Upake in Ajaokuta Local Government Area. This gave birth to other clans of the people.
COMMON THINGS ABOUT THE PEOPLE
The people are republicans by nature, outspoken and very hardworking. They are predominantly farmers while some are cloth-weavers for which they are well known. The paramount ruler is called ‘Ohinoyi’ of Ebiraland. The people are united as they always come together in face of crisis. In moments of war, they are strong people. They build confidence in their warfare and superior warfare such as bows and arrows.
CULTURE AND TRADITION
The people are rich in culture and traditions as seen in their marriages and festivals. The prominent annual festivals are Echane, Eche Oriand Ekuechi. Echaneis an annual masquerade festival celebrated in rotation from one district to the other in Ebiraland. In the past, it was only during the period of the festival that betrothed girls were given away in marriage to their suitors. The reason it is called ‘Eche-ane’(woman festival). It has been abused in recent time as youths use this as a form of violence. Eche-Oriis the new yam festival celebrated only in two districts of Ebiraland.
It is a time to show gratitude to the ‘Ori’ (deity) high up the mountain for its protection and provision of bounteous harvest. The worshippers carry long canes which they whip one another in turn without anyone exhibiting any sign of pain. This is said to be a sign of strength or manhood. It is a taboo to eat or sell new yams in the markets before the festivals in this region. The third major festival is the Ekuechi(traditional night masquerade). This festival marks the end of the calendar year and the beginning of the new one.
Whenever you hear the word ‘wao’, just know you are in the midst of the outspoken and talented group of people of Ebiraland. The people who are found in 247 towns and villages are too numerous to be sidelined.
