Кіріспе
Илла – Нигерияның Дельта штатының Ошимили Солтүстік жергілікті басқару аймағында орналасқан шағын қала. Ол Асабадан солтүстікке қарай жиырма бес шақырым жерде, үстіртте жатыр. Илла – Дельта штатындағы ибо тілінде сөйлейтін қалалардың бірі, оның халқы Батыс Игбо этникалық тобына жатады, оларды көбінесе Аниома халқы немесе Дельта Игболары деп атайды. Илланың жақын көршілері – солтүстікте Эбу, оңтүстікте Асаба және Угболу, батыста Акуку Игбо, ал шығысында – ұлы Нигер өзені. Қала тоғыз ауылдан тұрады: Умуагву, Умутей, Ажаджи, Укумеге, Умутедем, Оня, Укпологву, Огбе Олу және Огбе Орджи.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Шығу тегі
Илла халқының шығу тегі үш түрлі көзден басталады. Илла халқының этникалық тегіне қатысты үш көз – Игбо, Игала және Бенин:
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(i) Игбо ұрпақтары: Умуагву, Умутей, Ажаджи, Умутедем, Оня және Огбе Орджи.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(ii) Игала ұрпақтары: Укпологву, Огбе Олу.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(iii) Бенин ұрпақтары: Укумеге.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Игбо тегі
(i) Умутей Эдем, Умутей, Ажаджи және Умуагву.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Осы төрт аудан Іллаға бірінші болып қоныстанған. Олардың Игбо тегінен екені айтылады, бірақ ауызша дәстүр бойынша олардың анасы Игбо, ал әкесі Игаладан шыққан. Қаланың ауызша дәстүрінің сенімді нұсқасы бойынша, әкесінің балаларының екіншісі болған Ификуаним Эри есімді адамның көп балалары болған, олардың ішінде Ика Эри болған, ол Омо Ика Иберидің негізін қалаған (мағынасы – «Эридің Ика есімді адамының базары»). Омо Ика Ибери атауы Иторморкаға айналды, оны Илла халқы бүгін ата-бабаларының, қаладағы алғашқы қоныстанушылардың мекендеген жері деп таниды. Эридің Ілла есімді ұлы болған, ол өз кезегінде екі әйелінен бес бала тудырған. Бірінші әйелі Эдем, Утей және Нвабуку (Ажаджи) тудырған, ал екінші әйелінен екі баласы болған: Иягбо және Агу. Осы балалар өздерінің есімдерін алған ауылдардың негізін қалады. Алайда, өзен жағалауындағы тұрудың қауіпсіз болмауына байланысты, шығыс жағынан Нигер өзенінен шабуылдар жиі болғандықтан, бес бауырлас ел ішіндегі қауіпсіз жерге көшіп барды. Олар сол жерге жеткенде, онда кездескен Укала халқын қуды және жерді «Ала амака» деп атады, бұл игбо тілінде «Бұл жер өте жақсы» дегенді білдіреді. Кейіннен бұл атау Ала (мағынасы «Бұл жер») деп қысқартылды, ақ адамдар оны бұзып, қазіргі аты Илла болып қалды.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(ii) Оньях ауданы
Оньях халқы Іллаға кешірек келді, олар қазіргі Анамбра штатының Огбару жергілікті басқару аймағындағы Осамеле қаласынан Іллаға келді. Мұрагерлік таққа отыруына әкесінің ұзақ өмір сүруі кедергі келтірген Огву ханзадасының басшылығымен, өз аумағын құруға шешім қабылдады. Бұл жолы ол Оморкада Эдайкенмен соғысты. Алайда екі жауынгерлік әмірші Огвуға Илланың жағасында (Оту Эке) тұруға және сол жердегі автономиялы қауымдастыққа билік етуге рұқсат етілген келісімге келді. Ол Илламен сол күштен Илла үшін қауіпсіздікті қамтамасыз ету тұрғысында ынтымақтасуы тиіс еді. Бұл топтың Игбомен байланысы айқын, өйткені олар өздерінің туған жері Осамеледен, Игбо қаласынан көшіп келген.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(iii) Огбе Оржи
Огбе Оржи халқы Чика есімді Игбо адамынан тараған, ол ауылдың негізін қалаған деп есептеледі. Чика Чиджулудың тұңғыш ұлы Угбенің жеңгесі болған. Ол Чиканың әпкесіне үйленді және ақырында Иллаға қоныстанды, онда оны өте жақсы қабылдады. Ауызша айтылғандай, Чика Илла халқы өзіне бөлген жерге Ироко ағашын (Оржи ағашы) отырғызуды шешті, бұл оның жаңа мекеніне келген кезде Шығыстан келген туыстарын бағыттау үшін жол белгісі ретінде болды.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Бенин тегі
Илланың Укумеге халқы Бенин тегінен екенін айтады. Ауызша айтылған дәстүрге сәйкес, олар Эдайкеннің ұрпақтары, ежелгі Бенин патшалығының ханзадасы. Эдайкеннің Бениннен шығыс шекараға қарай жасаған саяхаттары барысында ол Иллаға келді, онда қаланың бес негізін қалаушы (Эдем, Утей, Нвабуку және Агу) оны Илла жеріне қоныстанғаннан бері оларды қорқытып жүрген Нигер өзенінің арғы жағындағы қарсыластарын біржола жеңуге көмектесуін сұрады. Эдайкен тапсырманы қабылдады және Илла халқын мұрагер агрессорлардан қорғауды табысты орындады, қаланы қорғауға жалғастыру үшін қала аумағын қоныстанды. Осы аудан Укумеге деп аталды.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Игала тегі
Илладағы қоныс аударушылардың екі тобы Игала ұрпағынан. Бұл – Укпологву және Огбе Олу тайпалары.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(i) Укпологву ауданы
Укпологву халқы Огбе Олу халқынан бұрын Иллаға келген. Ауызша айтылғандай, Укпологвуды Игалалендтің мұрагер ханзадасы Огву құрған, өйткені оның ұлы болмағандықтан, оған әкесі Аттаның орнын басуға рұқсат етілмеген. Ашу-ызадан ол өз-өзіне қол жұмсап, Ode Ukpologwu деп аталатын Игалаландқа жер аударылды. Ол өзін қорлаудан аулақ ұстауға тырысып, Нигер өзенінің бойымен жүзіп, Оморкаға жеткенде, оны бірінші болып қоныстанған төрт бауырлас қабылдады. Осылайша ол Ілладағы Укпологву ауылын құрды.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
(ii) Огбе Олу ауданы
Укпологву халқы сияқты, Огбе Олу халқы да Игалалендтен шыққан. Оларды Игала ханзадасы Акинжогула басқарды, ол олардың бабасы.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Үкімет
Илла геронтократиялық жүйені қолданады, яғни басшылықты қауымдастықтың ең үлкен жастағы адамдарына беретін жүйе. Қаланы Огбелани кеңесі басқарады, оны қаланың ең үлкен Оби, яғни Оби Огбелани басқарады. Тоғыз ауылдың әрқайсысын ең үлкен ер адам басқарады, ол Огбе Диоқпасы лауазымын иеленеді. Укумеге ауылында ең үлкен адам ғана Диоқпа болатын емес, сонымен қатар Илланың Иясесі лауазымын да иеленеді. Иясе ретінде ол автоматты түрде қаланың премьер-министрінің лауазымын иеленеді және оның функцияларын орындайды. Огбелани кеңесі Илладағы әртүрлі ауылдардың тағайындалған өкілдерінен тұрады.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Экономика
Дәстүрлі түрде Илла халқы өзін-өзі қамтамасыз ететін шаруалар мен балықшылар, олар сонымен қатар саудамен айналысады, әсіресе шығыс көршілерімен, олармен негізінен ямс, күріш және балық саудасын жүргізеді. Қала негізінен аралдан келген саудагерлер үшін орталық нарық ретінде гүлденеді, олар осы тауарларды сатып алу үшін Иллаға келеді. Белгілі нарық күндері Илладан тыс жерден келген саудагерлер көп мөлшерде ямс, балық және басқа да азық-түлік тауарларын сатып алу үшін Илланың жағалау нарықтарына ағылады. Колониялық дәуірде Илла Нигер өзенінің жағалауындағы географиялық орнының арқасында штаттың сол бөлігінде стратегиялық сауда бекеті болып қызмет етті, бұл оған United Africa Company (U. A. C.) ұсынған қайық қызметтерін қабылдауға мүмкіндік берді. Елдің ішкі аймақтарынан келген саяхатшылар Солтүстік облыстарға бару үшін Илладағы қайық қызметтерін пайдаланды, олар оларды Баро және Локожа сияқты қалаларға жеткізді.
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Діни сенімдер
Ілла бұрын дәстүрлі дінге табынушылардың қаласы болған. Бүгінде халықтың айтарлық бөлігі әлі де дәстүрлі діни құлшылықпен айналысады. Қазан соңында қалаға христиан миссионерлерінің келуі Илла халқының құлшылық үлгісін өзгерте бастады. Рим-католик шіркеуі 1880 жылдары қалаға бірінші болып келді, ал 1904 жылға қарай қаладағы алғашқы шіркеудің құрылысы аяқталды. Бүгінде Илла халқының 80% астам бөлігі христиан дінін ұстанады...
Illah is a small town located on the bank of the River Niger, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria. It is situated on a table land, some twenty five kilometres north of Asaba, the State capital. Illah is one of the Ibo speaking towns in Delta State, whose people belong to the Western Igbo Ethnic group who are often referred to as Anioma people or Delta Igbos. Illah has as her immediate neighbours, Ebu to the North, Asaba and Ugbolu to the South, Akwukwu Igbo to the West and the majestic River Niger to the East. The town is made up of Nine villages, namely Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Ukwumege, Umutedem, Onya, Ukpologwu, ''''', Ogbe Olu and Ogbe Orji. Origins
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
The Illah people trace their origin to three different sources. The three sources of ethnic descent which the Illah people lay claim to include Igbo, Igala and Benin: (i) The Igbo Descendants: Umuagwu, Umutei, Ajaji, Umutedem, Onya, and Ogbe Orji
(ii) The Igala Descendants: Ukpologwu, Ogbe Olu (iii) The Benin Descendants: Ukwumege1. The Igbo Origin(i) Umutei Edem, Umutei, Ajaji and Umuagwu
These four quarters were the first to settle at Illah. They are assumed to be of Igbo extraction, even though according to oral tradition, it was their mother who was Igbo, while their father was of Igala origin. A plausible version of the town's oral tradition claims that a man called Ifikuanim Eri, who was the second son of his father's children, had several children, among whom was Ika Eri, who founded Omo Ika Iberi, (meaning ‘the market of a man called Ika of Eri’). The name Omo Ika Iberi metamorphosed into what became known as Itormorka, which the Illah people recognise today as the original land occupied by their ancestors, the first settlers in the town. Eri had a son called Illah, who, in turn, begot five children from his two wives. The first wife begot Edem, Utei, and Nwabukwu (Ajaji), while his second wife had two children for him: Iyagbo and Agwu. These children eventually became the founders of the different villages which bear their names. However, owing to the insecure nature of the river bank dwelling, where they were incessantly attacked by aggressors from across the River Niger on the eastern flank, the five brothers moved inland to a more secure place. On arrival at the place, they chased away the Ukala people who they met there, and named the place “Ala amaka”, which in Igbo means “This land is very good”. The name was subsequently shortened to Ala (meaning “this land”), a name that was ultimately corrupted by the white man to become IIlah, its present name. (ii) Onyah Quarter
The Onyah people, who arrived in Illah much later, are said to have come into Illah from Osamele, a town in the Ogbaru Local Government Area, of the present day Anambra State. Led by Prince Ogwu, the heir apparent whose ascent to the throne was being frustrated by the father’s longevity, decided to found his own territory to rule. In this attempt, he clashed with Edaiken at Omorka. The two war lords, however, struck an agreement whereby Ogwu was allowed to settle at the Illah waterside (Otu Eke) and rule over an autonomous community there. He was to cooperate with Illah in terms of providing security for Illah from that axis. The Igbo connection of this group is evident, given the fact that they migrated from their native Osamele, an Igbo town. (iii) Ogbe Orji
The people of descended from an Igbo man, by name Chika, who is believed to have founded the village. Chika was a brother in law to Ugbe, who was Chijulu’s first son. He married Chika’s sister and eventually decided to settle at Illah, where he was very welcome. According to oral tradition, Chika decided to plant an iroko tree (Orji tree) in the area allocated to him by the Illah people, as a signpost, to guide his relations from the East, whenever they came to visit him in his new abode.2. The Benin OriginThe Ukwumege people of Illah lay claim to Benin descent. According to oral tradition, they are said to have descended from Edaiken, a Prince of the Ancient Benin kingdom. In the course of Edaiken's adventures from Benin towards the Eastern boundaries, he arrived at Illah, where the five co founders of the town (Edem, Utei, Nwabukwu and Agwu), pleaded with him to assist them in overcoming, once and for all, their enemies from across the River Niger, in their eastern boundary, who had not stopped terrorising them ever since they settled on Illah soil. Edaiken, accepted the assignment, and having successfully executed the task of defending the Illah people against heir aggressors, was given an area of the town to settle, so that he could continue to defend the town. It is this quarter that became known as Ukwumege.3. The Igala OriginTwo groups of settlers in Illah are of Igala descent. These are the Ukpologwu and the Ogbe Olu people. (i) Ukpologwu Quarter
The Ukpologwu people arrived in Illah before the Ogbe Olu people. According to oral tradition, Ukpologwu was founded by Ogwu, the crown prince of Igalaland who was not allowed to succeed his father as the Attah of Igalaland, because he did not have a male child. Out of frustration, he went on self exile in Igalaland known as Ode Ukpologwu. In a bid to further distance himself from the humiliation he was facing, he travelled down along the River Niger until he arrived at Omorka where he was received and accommodated by the four brothers who were the first to settle there. He thus settled there and founded the village known as Ukpologwu in Illah today. (ii) Ogbe Olu Quarter
Just like the Ukpologwu people, the Ogbe Olu people trace their origin from Igalaland. They were, however led to Illah by an Igala prince called Akinjogula who is their progenitor. Government
Illah operates a gerontocracy, a system of government that confers leadership on the oldest people in the community. The town is governed by a Council known as the Ogbelani in Council, and presided over by the oldest Obi, who is the Obi Ogbelani''' of the town. Each of the nine villages is headed by the oldest male, who thus occupies the position of Diokpa Ogbe. In the case of Ukwumege village, the oldest man becomes not only the Diokpa but, at same time, occupies the position of the Iyase of Illah. As Iyase, he automatically assumes the position of, and exercises the function of, the Prime Minister of the town. The Ogbelani in Council is made up of nominated representatives of the various villages in Illah. Economy
Traditionally, Illah people are subsistence farmers and fishermen; they equally engage in trading, particularly with their eastern neighbours, with whom they trade notably in yams, rice and fish. The town thrives essentially as a middle market for traders from the hinterland towns, who come down to Illah to purchase these commodities. On specific market days, traders from outside Illah throng the Illah coastal markets to buy large quantities of yams, fish and other food commodities. In colonial times, Illah served as a strategic trade post in that part of the State, thanks to its geographic location on the coast of the River Niger, which enabled it to host the boat services provided by the United Africa Company (U. A. C.). Travellers from the hinterland, who wanted to go the Northern parts of the country, usually availed themselves of the boat services at Illah, which took them to such towns as Baro and Lokoja. Religious beliefs
Illah was, in the distant past, a town of traditional religion worshippers. Today, a sizeable proportion of the populace still engage in traditional religious worship. The arrival of Christian missionaries in the town towards the end of the nineteenth century began to change the worship pattern of Illah people. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to arrive the town, in the 1880s, and by 1904, the construction of the first church in the town was already completed. Today, over 80% of the Illah people are acclaimed Christians of various denominations, with the larger majority professing the Catholic faith. Tradition and culture
Illah people have a high regard for their tradition and culture. One major area where the regard for culture and tradition is manifested among the Illah people is
in respect of traditional title taking. Such titles include major ones like the Alor title and the Ichinmo title. The Alor title, which is the highest title of the land, is particularly revered by the Illah people, as it attracts considerable respect from the people. No Illah person is expected to take this title if his father is still alive. Cultural festivities, which include in particular the annual New Yam Festival (Emime''), are warmly observed among the Illah people. The love for their culture and tradition is so high among the Illah people that despite the high level of enlightenment achieved by the people, they have remained essentially a culture loving people.
Ұлттық өсуге үлес
Илла қаласы батыс білімін ерте қабылдағандықтан, ұлттық өмір мен дамуға түрлі салаларда үлес қосқан көптеген жауапкершілігі жоғары азаматтарды тәрбиеледі. Қала өзінің даму жолында әр түрлі салаларда үлкен қадамдар жасап келеді.
Illah, having embraced western education early, the town has produced a good number of dedicated citizens who have contributed in various ways to national life and growth. The town continues to make giant strides in various areas of endeavour in the course of her development.