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THE URHOBO KINGDOM OF OGHARA

INTRODUCTION
Oghara clan is one of the major clans of the Urhobo ethnic group. It is located in Ethiope West Local Government Area of delta State. A research work on the custom and tradition of Oghara people shows a positive correlation with other Urhobo ethnic groups. Oghara is blessed with a rich cultural heritage.

The culture of the clan is also synonymous with traditional ancestral worship, which has the mechanism for combating evil among the people. The ancestral belief makes it possible for the people to resolve disputes amicably. It further provides for the resolution of matrimonial problems, purification against spiritual attacks, as well as communal cleansing.

The deep belief in their ancestors and gods from time immemorial has helped a lot in building a strong united Oghara. In addition to these benefits, respect and reverence for the ancestors, is believed to be a source of wealth, to the sons and daughters of Oghara.

There are other worthy aspects of Oghara tradition, as research has shown. These include Oghara as a land of opportunity for immigrant labour, both in the area of Agriculture and civil service. Oghara people are generous. They show great love for immigrants, and would always want justice to prevail, irrespective of ones identity. Hence our current amiable Governor (Chief James Onanefe Ibori), and a host of other Oghara public office holders, possesses these attributes. It is inherited culture and not by accident.

The people are well known for individual economic self-reliance. Oghara is also blessed with a well drained fertile and vast land, endowed in natural resources such as minerals and agricultural resources.

HISTORY
According to oral tradition, a brief history of the origin of the Oghara people, according to the current Otota of Oghara clan, as directed by the Ovie of Oghara, his royal highness Oreki the first, is based on one popular version that is not disputed. The people share the same ancestral home with their counterparts, Mosogar and Jesse.

They are said to have first settled down in a place called Agbara-Otor, an ancient town of Urhobo Kingdom, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Oghara later migrated to her current location for various reasons, such as the quest for greener pasture, convenience, safety, etc. It is established that a street is named after Oghara in Agbara-Otor, till date.

Oghara is said to be the father of Oghara-eki and Oghara-efe. This was where the name Oghara was derived. The clan is said to have a biological relation with Mosogar and Jesse, which constitute Ethiope West Local Government Area.

FESTIVALS
(A) OKUEGOR FESTIVAL: This festival is performed specifically between April and May. It is performed to mark the circumcision of married females. Thereby initiating them into adulthood. The festival is seen as a free for all day, since most traditional norms regarding married women are relaxed to some extent. The title of the head of the festival is the "Oroku" (community chief priest).

(B) ORE FESTIVAL:
This festival is highly honoured and also called Yam Festival. It is performed once in every year, specifically in September. The'Ore' could be likened to the convectional Xmas of the people. It is a period set aside for the celebration of the New Yam. People dine and wine together with all their friends, relatives and well-wishers.

(C) IYERI FESTIVAL:
(New Year) The lyeri festival could also be referred to as the New Year. It attracts the attention of the indigenes at home and in the Diaspora. The people wear new looks, generally. They buy new clothes and even save in anticipation of the festival. They dine and wine in celebration. The community wears a proper festival look during the lyeri festival. This is a period of heightened socialization amongst the people.

It is generally believed that the ancestors dine and wine with the people, for the purpose of blessing them with long life and prosperity. It is the greatest festival among all the major festivals in Oghara. The title of the chief priest of the lyeri is the Okaoro.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Oghara is made up of over forty villages. They include Arakpa, Adjaruwha, Adjabodudu, Okwefe, Ogomore, Egbo, Ugbeku, Ughwowhu, Otumarha, and Edhejovwo, others are Orokpokpor, Ughughenete, Otegbo, Ovade, Idjomi. Ogharafe, Oghara-eki, Adjemuonyavwe, Ugbenu, Ukuku, Onoghovo, Egimohwe. Iduru, Ebrifo, Edjeketa.

Its geographical features for centuries make movement of people and animals easy. It serves as a gateway link between the Edo’s and Deltans in the South. Between river Osiomor near Ologbo in the West and river Ethiope/James Thomas near Mosogar, lies Oghara clan. It also shares a common boundary with Koko in the South and Osiomor River in the North. The clan could also be termed a semi-island. The topography of the land paves way for easy construction of roads, houses, agriculture etc.

ECONOMY
Agriculture is predominantly carried out in Oghara clan due to the nature of its soil. The land is well drained, fertile and vast. Farmers cultivate great varieties of plants, seeds, vegetables, for food and trade.

AGRICULTURE AND TRADE
Oghara is rich in the production of food and cash crops. Some of the food crops produced includes cassava and plantain, yam, cocoyam etc. The clan is one of the leading cassava and plantain producers in Delta State. The clan is also known for the commercial production of a few cash crops such as oil palm, kernels, and rubber.

The Adjagbodudu palm tree estate and the pamol rubber estate, occupy many acres of land. This is attributable to the vast and fertile nature of the soil. Lumbering activities are also carried out in its forest. The forest is also a home to wild life and a source of herbs with medicinal value.