The History of Ekpesa

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Last update June 12, 2020

History

According to Achives record, although the people have no knowledge of their origins or early history. The village was sacked by the Ibadan and people took refuge in Somorika. It was founded on its old site about 1910.since then it has been administered from Kabba. Okene, Iddo, Fugar  and Auchi.

Administrative

According to Achives record - The people are divided into three (3) family units called Inyava, Obienagba and Ekulezu , the first named being sub- divided into two (2) families namely: Ihime and lnyava. The village head, called Okpashi, has always been a member of Obienagba, but it is doubtful whether the present holder of the position could exercise authority without official recognition there. The age grade system which was similar to that of Ibillo is dead.

Women have no tradition political rights. Presently the Ekpesa village belongs to the electoral ward four in Akoko-Edo also under North Akoko clan and under the clan headship of HRH Oba G.B. Ajogu.

I use to belief that all Okpameri's share the same culture and traditions and the same village administration, until I met Chief Ogunnubi the Onibillo of Ibillo who maintained that Ekpesa which happens to be one of the smallest village in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area has nothing in common with Ekor both traditionally and administratively. Therefore in other words they do not share both customs and tradition in common. However, this statement goes contrary to most of the claims of the Okpameris.

Marriage

According to Achives record- Girls are betrothed as birth during the olden days. Widow maybe  inherited by the brothers of their late husbands.

Judiciary

According to Achives report - Civil, criminal, and matrimonial cases are the same as Ikiran-Ile . Civil judgment is different because in Ekpesa debtors are made to work in the farm of their creditors.

Dispute as to fact is also different in Ekpesa in the olden days because they made solemn affirmation of the staffs of the members of the titled age group

According to Achives report- Generally, crimes were punished as follows during the olden days.

Murders were made to hang themselves on a tree in the market.

Manslaughter- was settled by the payment of a slave to the deceased family as compensations

Arson - At Ekpesa offender is buried alive.

Thieves were not punished if they return the stolen good. But if not the offender is either beaten to death, became slave, pay fines or held for public ridicule

Assault and wounding - punished by payment of fine.

Adultery-the offender has to produce day fowl, snail and goat which are taken to the husband of the woman who committed the act.

They all including Ikiran-Oke which is not highlighted alongside with other from North Akoko Clan. Clan Headship is rotated amongst the ruling families of the different communities that make up the clan.

They all speak Okpameri language and have similar custom and tradition except Ekpesa which High Chief Ogunubi maintained that they don’t have anything in common traditionally and administratively. They are also one of the smallest Communities in North Akoko Clan according to High Chief Oba Ogunnubi

But presently is under electoral ward four (4) and under the North Akoko Clan under the Clan headship of HRH Oba G.B. Ajogu.

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