Okpe lies seven(7) mile west of Igarra, Ijaja four (4)miles further west and oloma 2 ½ miles south east of Okpe.
Okpe chiefdom was foundered by one of Oba Ozolua’s sons according to Dr. J.U Egharevbe. All Olokpe of Okpe have received their insignia of office from Benin and until 1916 paid annual tribute of a cow. Olokpe was entitled to his beaded crown like the bini (Enogie) a duke Oloja (one crowned by a reigning Oba) that doesn’t make him an Oba. Okpe is Chiefdom like what is found in Esan land. Although some make fake claims, that Oba Ozolua conquered Okpe and forced them to pay tribute to Benin. The whole of Edo north, Ondo and Ekiti states were part of the old Benin Empire, there is nowhere in Benin history that show any Benin warrior or Oba who fight any tribe in Edo north, except Okpe was used as an advance head quarters by the Nupes who were assisted by its people.
According to Achieves records Okpe is divided into seventh (17) quarters each controlled by a titled holders as followed.
QUARTER
TITLE OF QUARTER HEAD
Imaiye
Olokpe
Ujomo
Aanmo Kaye
Esegba
Uyele
Yera
Alala
Okposi
Erinbun
Efamire
Osako
Ujama
Atatami
Oduma
Atela
Uki
Ikaje
Ukema
Otita
Imiopela
Ege
Imioba
Amile
Usalokpe
Esiponi
Ipara
Ebo-Aga
Uro
Ayibukaba
Obabo
Araju
Ekiosi
Osokun
Title holders are known collectively as Ivie and succession is direct from father to son (hereditary) like their Bini ancestors. The lowest functioning administrative unit is the quarter. The village head in the Olokpe and his usually addressed as ETA. The succession of this position is also from father to son (hereditary)
Age groups are formed of youths between the ages of 16 - 23 years every twelve (I2) years. and are named by the Alaba.
In ancient time the village council consisted of all title holders and the
Omumokagbe , who acted as messengers. They met every morning in the house of Alaba and carried matters of importance to the Olokpe in his house.
Judiciary
According to Achieves record - In the ancient times, criminal and civil matters were tried by the village council as shown in the foregoing paragraphs. Sitting in the front of the house of the village’s Alaba, all civil and matrimonial cases, all criminal cases except murder, manslaughter and arson could be settled in the Alalas’ house. It is probably in, Okpe; most cases were settled in the Alaba's house. Dispute as to fact was settled by ordeal, parties being required to pick palm-kernels out of palm oil. No hearing fee was charged but successful litigant was expected to make present to the judges.
Debt judgment were enforced by granting permission to the creditor to
Seize a goat.
Crimes were punished as Follows in the Olden Days.
(1)Theft By a fine of 1/6d, a cowries was tied round the theft's neck and he was held up for public ridicule.
(2) Assault - By a fine of 15/- and a goat. The assailant must take care of his victim until cured.
(3) Arson - By a fine of 1 5/- a goat. The whole village repaired the house.
(4) Manslaughter: By a fine according to circumstance.
(5) Murder: By self hanging in the market.
(6) Adultery: If with Olokpe wife by death, and woman sold as slave, if with the wife of an ordinary man no punishment. The husband took his revenge by seducing a relative of the adulterer.
Language
They speak the same language and live in peace and harmony.
Occupation
The main occupation of the people of okpe farming, petty trading and weaving
Clan Headship
Kingship in Okpe is hereditary like their Bini ancestors.
Festival
The Okpe celebrate numerous festivals such as
(a)New yam festival held annually every month of July
(b)Oha festival held any time that it is convenient to celebrate.
(c)Obokeremi which is held November of every year.
Religion
They practice a heterogeneous type of religion in Okpe but amongstChristianity is more predominant to Islamic and traditional religion.
Shrines And Deities
Okpe has a lot of shrines and deities amongst which are;
1. Ugbedo,
2. Ojuwuru
3. Odisone
4. Odogulu
Marriage/rites And Bride Price
Okpe happens to be one of the Clans in Akoko- Edo that accepts the smallest amount as bride price. N20.00 twenty naira is their official bride Price for now among others.
It is also important to know that marriage in Okpe is not based on class or category of persons involved but rather it depends on the family or kindred of bride . No preferential Treatment is given to an indigene that Is not given a non-indigene both have the same opportunity. Okpe likewise don’t forbid any individual within or outside Nigeria for marriage
Dressing
Their mode of dressing is reflextion of Benin and Nupes Culture
Delicacies
The major staples of Okpe clan are pounded yaw, almala, iraio, eba etc
Drums
They also have drums such as mentioned below
(I) Okita Drum
(2). Ogbilori drum
Land Ownership
1. Okpe clan has a communal land
2. Land is not owned by family nor individual in Okpe.
Traditional Customs and Norms in Okpe
1. No man must kneel down for his wife
2. It is a taboo for a woman to insult her husband in Okpe clan.
3. It is a taboo for a man/woman to curse his wife or husband sexually.
4. No woman should commit adultery, If done she must make atonement.
5. A woman must mourn her dead husband for 14 months , men for 9 days.
Herbal Medicine
It widely accepted in Okpe clan as an alternative to orthodox medicine.
Many people practice herbal medicine in Okpe clan
Natural Resources
Okpe are blessed with mineral resources like gold, limestone and these yet to be discovered. They are also blessed with tourism potential like their beautiful rocky terrains and an absolute favorable climate.
In addition the people of Okpe are freely, accommodating and peaceful
