The Urhobo people are located in Southern Nigeria, near the north-western Niger Delta. They are the major ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria. The word ‘Urhobo’ refers to a group of people rather than a territory. The total population of the people is approximately two million people.
The Urhobo people are bounded by the Isoko to the southeast, the Itsekiri and Ijaw to the west, the Edo people to the north, the Ijaw to the south and the Ukwuani people to the northeast. The traditional homes of the Urhobo are located in Delta and Bayelsa States. These include Ethiope west, Ethiope east, Okpe, Sapele, Udu, Ughelli north, Ughelli south, Uvwie, Warri South, Patani, Sagbama (Bayelsa state) and Ikpoba Okha (Edo state). There are also large Urhobo settlements in Owo, Ore and Okitipupa in Ondo State.
The people are majorly farmers, fishermen and traders. The territory consists of evergreen fruits with many oil palm trees. The Urhobo people are known to thrive in oil palm production, as well as, the cultivation of other cash and food crops. There is a network of streams whose volume and flow are directly affected by the season. The riverine areas are used for fishing. The land is one of Nigeria’s oil-producing areas, even though, it’s a mixed feeling for the landowners.
The people live very close to the river, so there are water-related histories, mythologies and philosophies. There is an annual fishing festival that includes masquerades, fishing, swimming contests and dancing; these became part of the Urhobo heritage. A popular festival in Urhobo land is called ‘Ohworu’; it is an annual two-day festival in Evwreni, the southern part of the Urhobo area. During this festival, the Ohworu water spirit and the Eruvwe Oganga are displayed.
Urhobo people have a list of delicacies which includes Ukhodo (a yam, plantain dish and many other ingredients), Oghwevwri (emulsified palm oil soup), and starch (usi). Other delicacies peculiar to the people are palm nut oil soup and amiedi or banga, iriboto, iriberhare and okpariku.
Marriage in Urhobo culture requires prayers to God (Oghene), and the ancestors (Erivwin). The marriage ritual is known as ‘Udi Arhovwaje’. The groom goes with his relatives and friends to the bride’s father’s house along with several gifts. An important part of the marital rites is the pouring of gin brought by the groom. It is a tribute to the father’s ancestors in order to bless them with health, children and wealth. After this marriage rite, the husband can claim a refund of the money (bride price) should the marriage fail.
The people are predominantly Christians and refer to God as ‘’Oghene’’. There are traditional religions which include the worship of deities such as Edjo and Erhan (divinities). Some of these divinities could be regarded as personified attributes of Oghene. The people also worship God with Orhan (white chalk).
Renowned and famous Urhobo sons and daughters includes Michael Ibru (businessman), Tanure Ojaide (poet and writer), Blessing Okagbare (Nigerian athlete), Ben Okri (poet and novelist), Bruce Onobrakpeya (visual artist, sculptor and painter), Gamaliel Onosode (politician), Richard Mofe Damijo (actor), Alibaba Akporobome (comedian), Justus Esiri (actor), Kefee (gospel singer) and several others.