Uromi
Encyclopedia
Uromi is an acreage city
located in north-eastern part of Esan
; an ethnic group in Edo state
, Nigeria
. At various points in Uromi's history, the city has being part of the Benin Empire
.
land. Uronmun was formed by two waves of
settlers from BINI between 900 and 1400AD; during the reign of the OGISOS, and 1460, during the reign of Oba
Ewuare
. These early Bini settlers were either fugitives
fleeing persecution and the harsh rule of the OGISOs.
The founder of the first settlement in URONMUN was EGBELE, the second son of OAKHA, one of Oba EGBEKA’S wives.(1370–1400), Oakha’s other two sons- ASOKPODUDU and the third brother settled in UZOZOGAINGHAIN of Idinegbon-UZEA.
The second wave of organized mass emigration from Bini, was around 1460, during the reign of Oba
Ewuare
the selfish. His attempt to stop the emigration
of BINIS to the present day ESANLAND was the moat
he built around the city
. Most of these immigrants during this wave were from IDUMOZA of BINI City.
Uronmun, is divided into three groups recognized as: OKHIODE, OBIRUAN and OBIYUAN.
The leader of the second wave OGHU and his followers settled in IVUE.
In 1463, Oba
Ewuare
decided to relinquish the futile attempt to force the fleeing BINIS that settled in Esan
. He decided to confer on the various community leaders the title of ENIJIE. Oghu could not attend. He despatched his junior brother, ICHESAN to attend. At the Oba decree, all attendees were made OJIE and the title is non transferable.
Upon return to Uronmun, to avoid embarrassing his older brother, ICHESAN moved from Ivue to present day Eguare.
ICHESAN was succeeded by AGBA to IKENOA to EHENOA to IKHIVABHOJERE to OKUOYE to AKHIZE to IKHIMIGBALE to UWAGBO to EDIALE to AKHILOMEN to OKOLO to OKOJIE (OGBIDI) to UWAGBALE to EDENOJIE OKOJIE II to OMELIMEN EDENOJIE I to ANSLEM EDENOJIE II.
output is greatly encouraged by the vegetation zone which is a rain forest zone, soil
type (loamy)and its topography
. It also have a good numbers of market
s that provides the opportunities to the local farmers to commerce their farm products.
In Uromi, there are markets, one, two or three situated in all the villages and having a general market (Uromi main market) with good, portable, and suitable lock-up stores. Market in some villages in Uromi transacts in four (4) days intervals while in some other villages, on daily basis. Uromi main market operates daily from morning to late evening thou its actual market day is four (4) interval.
Apart from farming and trading, other business transaction are in operation day-in and day-out. In Eguare, there are lots of business offices both government owned business sector and well as private owned business sectors. A good example is the bank
. A branch of Union Bank
, United Bank of Africa (UBA
), First Bank of Nigeria
, Unity Bank
, Uromi community Bank, and other monetary firms like the Uromi Micro Finance Bank, etc.
in Edo State
, Nigeria
, located on longitude
3° 24' E and latitude
6° 27' N. Almost the whole of the city is covered with land.
in Uromi is similar to that of the rest cities of south-southern Nigeria. There are two rainy seasons, with the heaviest rains falling from April to July and a weaker rainy season in October and November. There is a brief relatively dry spell in August and September and a longer dry season from December to March. Monthly rainfall between May and July averages over 300 mm (12 in), while in August and September it is down to 75 mm (3 inches) and in January as low as 35 mm (1.5 inches). The main dry season is accompanied by harmattan
winds from the Sahara Desert, which between December and early February can be quite strong. The average temperature
in January is 27°C (79°F) and for July it is 25°C (77°F). On average the hottest month is March; with a mean temperature of 29°C (84°F); while July is the coolest month
.
and has therefore no overall city administration or governance but instead, it is run by the Local government
council headed by a Chairman.
Uromi is not a local government but is the seat of the local government council governing Esan-North-East
local government area. The administration of the government of Uromi is divided into wards. Each ward delegates a Councellor who represents it at its local council election which is normally tenured for four years.
system. The king is the monarch who rules with the body of chiefs
who assist the king in the leadership of the kingdom.
The kingdom was installed in 1463 by the Bini Monarch
Oba
Ewuare
conferring kingship on Ichesan (first Onojie of Uromi). Since 1463, the kingship have been transmitted by inheritance.
Despite the leadership, the different villages of Uromi are led by the Elders of the individual villages who are still responsible to the king. The council of Elders are headed by an indigenous elderly man who by birth is eldest among all the male indigenes. The council of elders have their own legislative authority and so, are able to melt out punishment on offenders within their desigation.
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
located in north-eastern part of Esan
Esan
Esan is one of the major ethnic groups in Edo State, South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria.-Name:It is believed by many historians that the name 'Esan' owes its origin to Bini...
; an ethnic group in Edo state
Edo State
Edo State is an inland state in central southern Nigeria. Its capital is Benin City. It is bounded in the north and east by Kogi State, in the south by Delta State and in the west by Ondo State.-History:...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
. At various points in Uromi's history, the city has being part of the Benin Empire
Benin Empire
The Benin Empire was a pre-colonial African state in what is now modern Nigeria. It is not to be confused with the modern-day country called Benin, formerly called Dahomey.-Origin:...
.
History
The correct name is URONMUN. Uronmun is the largest and most populated Land in EsanEsan
Esan is one of the major ethnic groups in Edo State, South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria.-Name:It is believed by many historians that the name 'Esan' owes its origin to Bini...
land. Uronmun was formed by two waves of
settlers from BINI between 900 and 1400AD; during the reign of the OGISOS, and 1460, during the reign of Oba
OBA
Oba or OBA may refer to:* Oba , an African ruler or king* Oba , in Yoruba mythology* Oba, an island in the North Maluku province of Indonesia* Oba-Igbomina, a town in Nigeria...
Ewuare
Ewuare
Oba Ewuare was the greatest warrior legend and the most outstanding king in the history of the Benin Empire. Ewuare , means "it is cool, or the trouble has ceased, and as a result the war is over." The title symbolizes an epoch of reconciliation, reconstruction and the return of peace among the...
. These early Bini settlers were either fugitives
Fugitives
The Fugitives were a group of poets and literary scholars who came together at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, around 1920. They published a small literary magazine called The Fugitive from 1922-1925 which showcased their works...
fleeing persecution and the harsh rule of the OGISOs.
The founder of the first settlement in URONMUN was EGBELE, the second son of OAKHA, one of Oba EGBEKA’S wives.(1370–1400), Oakha’s other two sons- ASOKPODUDU and the third brother settled in UZOZOGAINGHAIN of Idinegbon-UZEA.
The second wave of organized mass emigration from Bini, was around 1460, during the reign of Oba
OBA
Oba or OBA may refer to:* Oba , an African ruler or king* Oba , in Yoruba mythology* Oba, an island in the North Maluku province of Indonesia* Oba-Igbomina, a town in Nigeria...
Ewuare
Ewuare
Oba Ewuare was the greatest warrior legend and the most outstanding king in the history of the Benin Empire. Ewuare , means "it is cool, or the trouble has ceased, and as a result the war is over." The title symbolizes an epoch of reconciliation, reconstruction and the return of peace among the...
the selfish. His attempt to stop the emigration
Emigration
Emigration is the act of leaving one's country or region to settle in another. It is the same as immigration but from the perspective of the country of origin. Human movement before the establishment of political boundaries or within one state is termed migration. There are many reasons why people...
of BINIS to the present day ESANLAND was the moat
Moat
A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, other building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices...
he built around the city
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
. Most of these immigrants during this wave were from IDUMOZA of BINI City.
Uronmun, is divided into three groups recognized as: OKHIODE, OBIRUAN and OBIYUAN.
OBIRUAN
Consist of:- Ebhoyoman
- Efadion
- Ekhue
- Ubierumun
- Eror
- Obeidu
- Uwalor
- Idomoza
- Ivue
OBIYUAN
Consist of:- Ukoni
- Amedeokhian
- Awo.
The leader of the second wave OGHU and his followers settled in IVUE.
In 1463, Oba
OBA
Oba or OBA may refer to:* Oba , an African ruler or king* Oba , in Yoruba mythology* Oba, an island in the North Maluku province of Indonesia* Oba-Igbomina, a town in Nigeria...
Ewuare
Ewuare
Oba Ewuare was the greatest warrior legend and the most outstanding king in the history of the Benin Empire. Ewuare , means "it is cool, or the trouble has ceased, and as a result the war is over." The title symbolizes an epoch of reconciliation, reconstruction and the return of peace among the...
decided to relinquish the futile attempt to force the fleeing BINIS that settled in Esan
Esan
Esan is one of the major ethnic groups in Edo State, South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria.-Name:It is believed by many historians that the name 'Esan' owes its origin to Bini...
. He decided to confer on the various community leaders the title of ENIJIE. Oghu could not attend. He despatched his junior brother, ICHESAN to attend. At the Oba decree, all attendees were made OJIE and the title is non transferable.
Upon return to Uronmun, to avoid embarrassing his older brother, ICHESAN moved from Ivue to present day Eguare.
ICHESAN was succeeded by AGBA to IKENOA to EHENOA to IKHIVABHOJERE to OKUOYE to AKHIZE to IKHIMIGBALE to UWAGBO to EDIALE to AKHILOMEN to OKOLO to OKOJIE (OGBIDI) to UWAGBALE to EDENOJIE OKOJIE II to OMELIMEN EDENOJIE I to ANSLEM EDENOJIE II.
Economy
A vast percentage of the total economy of Uromi is locally from farming and trading whilst the government's budget contributing to the individual resources. Its high and good farmFarm
A farm is an area of land, or, for aquaculture, lake, river or sea, including various structures, devoted primarily to the practice of producing and managing food , fibres and, increasingly, fuel. It is the basic production facility in food production. Farms may be owned and operated by a single...
output is greatly encouraged by the vegetation zone which is a rain forest zone, soil
Soil
Soil is a natural body consisting of layers of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics...
type (loamy)and its topography
Topography
Topography is the study of Earth's surface shape and features or those ofplanets, moons, and asteroids...
. It also have a good numbers of market
Market
A market is one of many varieties of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations and infrastructures whereby parties engage in exchange. While parties may exchange goods and services by barter, most markets rely on sellers offering their goods or services in exchange for money from buyers...
s that provides the opportunities to the local farmers to commerce their farm products.
In Uromi, there are markets, one, two or three situated in all the villages and having a general market (Uromi main market) with good, portable, and suitable lock-up stores. Market in some villages in Uromi transacts in four (4) days intervals while in some other villages, on daily basis. Uromi main market operates daily from morning to late evening thou its actual market day is four (4) interval.
Apart from farming and trading, other business transaction are in operation day-in and day-out. In Eguare, there are lots of business offices both government owned business sector and well as private owned business sectors. A good example is the bank
Bank
A bank is a financial institution that serves as a financial intermediary. The term "bank" may refer to one of several related types of entities:...
. A branch of Union Bank
Union Bank
Union Bank was established in 1991 and had its headquarters in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Prior to the merger with Standard Chartered Bank , it was Pakistan's eighth largest bank and had 65 branches in some 22 cities, about US$2 billion in assets, and about 400,000 customers.In 2006, Standard...
, United Bank of Africa (UBA
UBA
-Abbreviations:* "Underwater Breathing Apparatus", some types of rebreather scuba set. For early British UBA's see Siebe Gorman CDBA.* Union Belge De L'Automatique, the Belgian branch of EUROMAT* Unit of Binding Atoms...
), First Bank of Nigeria
First Bank of Nigeria
First Bank of Nigeria is a Nigerian bank and financial services firm.First Bank traces its ancestry back to the first major financial institution founded in Nigeria; hence the name. The current chairman is Dr. Ayoola Oba Otudeko, OFR...
, Unity Bank
Unity Bank
The Unity Bank of Canada was a small Canadian bank that was started in the 1972, and was bought by the Provincial Bank of Canada/Banque provinciale du Canada in 1978.See also: List of Canadian banks...
, Uromi community Bank, and other monetary firms like the Uromi Micro Finance Bank, etc.
Geography
The city of Uromi lies north-eastern EsanEsan
Esan is one of the major ethnic groups in Edo State, South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria.-Name:It is believed by many historians that the name 'Esan' owes its origin to Bini...
in Edo State
Edo State
Edo State is an inland state in central southern Nigeria. Its capital is Benin City. It is bounded in the north and east by Kogi State, in the south by Delta State and in the west by Ondo State.-History:...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, located on longitude
Longitude
Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an angular measurement, usually expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds, and denoted by the Greek letter lambda ....
3° 24' E and latitude
Latitude
In geography, the latitude of a location on the Earth is the angular distance of that location south or north of the Equator. The latitude is an angle, and is usually measured in degrees . The equator has a latitude of 0°, the North pole has a latitude of 90° north , and the South pole has a...
6° 27' N. Almost the whole of the city is covered with land.
Climate
The climateClimate
Climate encompasses the statistics of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological elemental measurements in a given region over long periods...
in Uromi is similar to that of the rest cities of south-southern Nigeria. There are two rainy seasons, with the heaviest rains falling from April to July and a weaker rainy season in October and November. There is a brief relatively dry spell in August and September and a longer dry season from December to March. Monthly rainfall between May and July averages over 300 mm (12 in), while in August and September it is down to 75 mm (3 inches) and in January as low as 35 mm (1.5 inches). The main dry season is accompanied by harmattan
Harmattan
The Harmattan is a dry and dusty West African trade wind. It blows south from the Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March...
winds from the Sahara Desert, which between December and early February can be quite strong. The average temperature
Temperature
Temperature is a physical property of matter that quantitatively expresses the common notions of hot and cold. Objects of low temperature are cold, while various degrees of higher temperatures are referred to as warm or hot...
in January is 27°C (79°F) and for July it is 25°C (77°F). On average the hottest month is March; with a mean temperature of 29°C (84°F); while July is the coolest month
Month
A month is a unit of time, used with calendars, which was first used and invented in Mesopotamia, as a natural period related to the motion of the Moon; month and Moon are cognates. The traditional concept arose with the cycle of moon phases; such months are synodic months and last approximately...
.
Politics and Government
In terms of administration, Uromi is not a municipalityMunicipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
and has therefore no overall city administration or governance but instead, it is run by the Local government
Local government
Local government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
council headed by a Chairman.
Uromi is not a local government but is the seat of the local government council governing Esan-North-East
Esan-North-East
Esan North-East is a town and Local Government Area located in Edo state of Nigeria with an estimated population of 119,346.-Geography:...
local government area. The administration of the government of Uromi is divided into wards. Each ward delegates a Councellor who represents it at its local council election which is normally tenured for four years.
Kingdom and traditional leadership
The Uromi kingdom is a monarchical territory headed by a king [Enijie] who handles the leadership of the kingdom. The leadership in the Uromi kingdom is a hereditary monarchyMonarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
system. The king is the monarch who rules with the body of chiefs
Tribal chief
A tribal chief is the leader of a tribal society or chiefdom. Tribal societies with social stratification under a single leader emerged in the Neolithic period out of earlier tribal structures with little stratification, and they remained prevalent throughout the Iron Age.In the case of ...
who assist the king in the leadership of the kingdom.
The kingdom was installed in 1463 by the Bini Monarch
Monarch
A monarch is the person who heads a monarchy. This is a form of government in which a state or polity is ruled or controlled by an individual who typically inherits the throne by birth and occasionally rules for life or until abdication...
Oba
OBA
Oba or OBA may refer to:* Oba , an African ruler or king* Oba , in Yoruba mythology* Oba, an island in the North Maluku province of Indonesia* Oba-Igbomina, a town in Nigeria...
Ewuare
Ewuare
Oba Ewuare was the greatest warrior legend and the most outstanding king in the history of the Benin Empire. Ewuare , means "it is cool, or the trouble has ceased, and as a result the war is over." The title symbolizes an epoch of reconciliation, reconstruction and the return of peace among the...
conferring kingship on Ichesan (first Onojie of Uromi). Since 1463, the kingship have been transmitted by inheritance.
List of Kings of Uromi kingdom
- Ichesan
- Agba
- Ikenoa
- Ehenoa
- Ikhivabhojere
- Okuoye
- Ikhize
- Ikhimigbale
- Uwagbo
- Ediale
- Akhilomen
- Okolo
- Ogbidi OkojieOgbidi OkojieOgbidi Okojie, Onojie of Uromi was a ruler of the Esan people in what is now Edo State in Nigeria, still remembered for his opposition to British rule.- Biography :...
- Uwagbale
- Edenojie Okojie II
- Omelimen Edenojie I
- Anslem Edenojie II
Despite the leadership, the different villages of Uromi are led by the Elders of the individual villages who are still responsible to the king. The council of Elders are headed by an indigenous elderly man who by birth is eldest among all the male indigenes. The council of elders have their own legislative authority and so, are able to melt out punishment on offenders within their desigation.
Footnotes
- History of Uromi. c/o Uromi Community Association New York http://www.uromicommunity-ny.com/aboutus.html