Different Igbos?
Frances W. Pritchett
I am about to read a play called "Moremi," by Duro Ladipo, a native of
Oshogbo. The introduction, written by Ulli Beier, states that Ladipo based
his story on material from Samuel Johnson's "History of the Yorubas,"
published in 1921. Here is Beier's quote from Johnson:
"...............It happened that the city of Ife was at one time in a
state of frequent commotion and unrest, owing to the repeated raids of a
tribe of people called the Igbos."
Later in this paragraph Beier says in a footnote, "Igbo--Original inhabitants
of the land, not related to the people of Eastern Nigeria."
This amazes me. Was there really a group of people called "Igbos" who were
not related to the people we know as "Igbos" today? Was Samuel Johnson
simply wrong? Yet Ulli Beier, as far as I know, is a knowledgeable
Africanist.
Can anyone out there shed light on this for me?
Frances
Ejike Eze
I will stick my neck out here even if to confess my ignorance. I believe
Yoruba has a word like "igbo" which means "bush". It is not pronounced in
the same way as Igbo. The story is that some people from the bush "the
Igbo" terrorized the Yorubas until Moremi discovered the secret of their
mask and saved her people. However, I have heard many people (including
the late Nnabuenyi Ugonna of the "Mmonwu" fame) claim that these people
from the bush were actually the Igbos of today. What worried me at the
time was the distance between the Yorubas and the Igbos considering that
these "Igbos from the bush" used to raid the Yorubas and carry off their
stuff on foot. But when you consider the features of these "Igbos from
the bush", especially the use of mmonwu in warfare, it fits the present
Igbos to the teeth. So, I don't know if Beier is right or wrong. I hope
someone who knows something about this would speak up.
ejike
ademola Iyi-Eweka
have been a contigent of Benin soldiers of Igbo origin.Note that the Ife
actually shared borders with the Benin Empire.Many cities and communities
in Yoruba land trace their origin to Benin---Ido-Ani, Ado-Ekiti, Owo, IDANRE
-ORI OKE, Ondo to name a few.Lagos [ EKO] was established as a Benin Military
Camp.IT was called EKO EHENGBUDA---CAMP EHENGBUDA. The Portuguese renamed
it Lagos,a word formed from LARGOS dE KURAMO.Some yorubas do not even know
that EKO IS AN EDO WORD--meaning CAMP.The very site where the University
of Benin is situated today is called EKO OSHODIN [OSHODIN'S CAMP]
In those days Benin Military Battalions were formed on village or tribal
system.And do not also forget that Onitsha across the river in the Iboland
was a Benin military Camp. Soldiers recruited and trained over there may
have also been involved.Moreso every village in present day IBO-SPEAKING
areas in the ancient kingdom would have been required to send a contigent of
soldiers to the king's army.
Note also that there is a community of a yoruba speaking EBU-ILLA in the
heart land of the Ibo-speaking area in the old Bendel state.If you ask
them how they got there, they will simply tell you "THE OBA OF BENIN
BROUGHT US HERE"
They were probably remants of the yoruba-speaking military contigent
in the service of the king.
Above all some yorubas are fond of caling anybody who is non
yoruba-speaking names-KOBO KOBO, IGBO- just to name a few.
I hope this information helps in your interpretation of MOREMI
IYI-EWEKA.
In message Sat, 23 Mar 1996 22:41:03 -0500,
Akinwumi Ogundiran
You raised a very interesting academic topic here, it is an issue I wanted to
address as a research project before I left Nigeria not too long ago. The
Yoruba word, igbo (bush) with accent <re-mi> is different from their word for
the historical Igbo people, with accent (do-do). According to Yoruba
traditions, the Igbo people (I don't want to stick my neck out that the
pronounciation of the Yoruba's 'Igbo' is the same as that of the present IGBO
of Eastern Nigeria) were living in the area of present-day Ile-Ife. What
distinguished them from other people that were living in the area is not
clear. It is however certain that other groups of people were co-habiting the
same region with them. Again, we don't know whether all these groups
(including the 'Igbo') were speaking an archaic-Yoruba or archaic-Ife
language. However, in the Ifa corpus, oral traditions preserve the name of a
leader of the Igbo people: "Kutukutu oba awon Igbo", which translates,
Kutukutu, the king (or chief) of the Igbo. Apparently, the Igbo people were
expelled from their area or they were assimilated into Ife (Yoruba) Culture,
during the process of state formation that Oduduwa (or somebody else)
initiated, sometime between the 8th and 9th century A.D.in Ile-Ife.
Now to your question: what is the relationship of the 'Igbo' (of Yorubaland) to
the modern IGBO. It is possible that the two words or names are a coincidence.
There is a sub-ethnic Yoruba group in the area of Okitipupa-Ilaje Ese Odo
in Ondo State. They speak a Yoruba dialect and they are known as, and call
themselves, Igbo (pronounced as Ugbo). In their traditions of origin,
they claim that they were the people that migrated from Ile-Ife as a result of
the Moremi onslaught.
In my speculative opinion rather than absolute fact, I don't think the IGBO of
Eastern Nigeria has anything to do with the historical Igbo of
Yorubaland. According to linguistic evidence, Yoruba and Igbo languages
belonged to the same Kwa language family but the two languages diverged from
an ancient parent about 6000 years ago. Their common parent appears to be in
the Niger-Benue confluence of Nigeria. The same parent (proto-Kwa language)
gave birth to Edo, Idoma, and and a number of others. What the linguistic
evidence suggests is that by 6000 years ago, the archaic-Yoruba, archaic-Edo
and archaic-Yoruba were already living close to the area they now occupy
but there were contacts among them. We know the nature of the contacts between
the Edo and the Yoruba (to some extent) but the pre-colonial contacts between
the IGBO and the YORUBA is not known.
I wish I know more than this, I hope other Netters will share their knowledge
with us on the topic.
Akin Ogundiran
>
> Hi Nkiru,
>
> I will stick my neck out here even if to confess my ignorance. I believe
> Yoruba has a word like "igbo" which means "bush". It is not pronounced in
> the same way as Igbo. The story is that some people from the bush "the
> Igbo" terrorized the Yorubas until Moremi discovered the secret of their
> mask and saved her people. However, I have heard many people (including
> the late Nnabuenyi Ugonna of the "Mmonwu" fame) claim that these people
> from the bush were actually the Igbos of today. What worried me at the
> time was the distance between the Yorubas and the Igbos considering that
> these "Igbos from the bush" used to raid the Yorubas and carry off their
> stuff on foot. But when you consider the features of these "Igbos from
> the bush", especially the use of mmonwu in warfare, it fits the present
> Igbos to the teeth. So, I don't know if Beier is right or wrong. I hope
> someone who knows something about this would speak up.
>
> ejike
>
> On Sat, 23 Mar 1996, Frances W. Pritchett wrote:
>
Akinwumi Ogundiran
Your piece is very informative, but it seems that you are referring to the
later period in the Yoruba, Edo, and Igbo history, especially in your second
sentence: "The Igbos referred to may have been a contigent of Benin soldiers
of Igbo origins". The military and political ascendancy of Benin can be firmly
placed in the context of 15th century. Truly, the impact of Benin's political
influence was felt throughout Yorubaland and vice-versa, from Oyo in the
savanna to the Ijesa and Ekiti Kingdoms in the forest and down to the coastal
areas. The events of the 15th-17th centuries clearly demonstrate a unique
movement of people between Benin and Yoruba-speaking areas. In fact, the
period marked a momentous rise in new political formations and the development
of innovative ideas and technology resulting from the interactions. But as far
as the issue raised by Frances is concerned about the Igbo's presence in
Yorubaland and the Moremi's story, the period lies in the last late first
millennium A.D.(800-1000 A.D).
Let's keep in touch, the Edo and Yoruba interactions between 15th and 19th
century deserve scholarly attention. Thanks for your contribution.
Akin Ogundiran.
Nubi Achebo
I would like to tell you that the EBU language is a branch of the IGALA language
and NOT the YORUBA. It's like claiming that the Itshekiris are YORUBA
speaking. I do not disagree that there is some linguistic similarity in
elements of the EBU and YORUBA language. ILLAH is Ibo-speaking. A number of
communities within the old Bendel and Anambra states share linguistic
characteristics - Illushi, Inyele, Ozigono; to some extent Ukwunzu is said to
speak a variety of the "Olukunmi" dialect. Let me know if you want more
information on this.
Nubi Achebo
===========
ademola Iyi-Eweka wrote:
>
> Ulli Bier's interpretation may have been WRONG.The Igbos referred to may
> have been a contigent of Benin soldiers of Igbo origin.Note that the Ife
> actually shared borders with the Benin Empire.Many cities and communities
> in Yoruba land trace their origin to Benin---Ido-Ani, Ado-Ekiti, Owo, IDANRE
> -ORI OKE, Ondo to name a few.Lagos [ EKO] was established as a Benin Military
> Camp.IT was called EKO EHENGBUDA---CAMP EHENGBUDA. The Portuguese renamed
> it Lagos,a word formed from LARGOS dE KURAMO.Some yorubas do not even know
> that EKO IS AN EDO WORD--meaning CAMP.The very site where the University
> of Benin is situated today is called EKO OSHODIN [OSHODIN'S CAMP]
> In those days Benin Military Battalions were formed on village or tribal
> system.And do not also forget that Onitsha across the river in the Iboland
> was a Benin military Camp. Soldiers recruited and trained over there may
> have also been involved.Moreso every village in present day IBO-SPEAKING
> areas in the ancient kingdom would have been required to send a contigent of
> soldiers to the king's army.
> Note also that there is a community of a yoruba speaking EBU-ILLA in
the--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Omoba
wrong on this one. Next time you want to write about linguistic
affiliations I suggest you consult a well reseach and documented source like
the one below. And please properly identify the affiliation; its common
knowledge that languages of the Niger-Congo have common roots.
IGALA (Nigeria)
Country
Nigeria
Language code
IGL
Continent
Africa
Alternate language names
IGARA
Dialect names
EBU, IDAH, ANKPA, IBAJI
Genetic affiliation
Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Defoid,
Yoruboid, Igala
Geographical region
Benue State, Ankpa, Idah, Dekina, and Bassa LGA's; Bendel State,
Agbazilo and Oshimili LGA's; Anambra
State, Anambra LGA
Population
800,000 (1989 UBS)
Bible printings
1970
New Testament printings
1935-1948
Printings of whole books of Bible
1924-1958
Remarks
Used in initial primary education
Total speakers
800,000
Religion
60% traditional religion, 30% Christian, 10% Muslim
Try this URL for ALL NIGERIAN languages:
http://www-ala.doc.ic.ac.uk/~rap/Ethnologue/eth.cgi/Nigeria/
Nubi
====
At 08:43 PM 3/24/96 -0600, ademola Iyi-Eweka wrote:
>
>WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD ---OLUKUMI? IS IT AN IGALLA WORD OR A
>DERIVATIVE OF A YORUBA WORD?
>
>IYI EWEKA
>
>
>
>In message Sun, 24 Mar 1996 16:18:31 -0800,
Meke_C....@hud.gov
The Ijebus in Yoruba land had all kinds of settlers and
that is the reason why you have among them the Ijebu-Igbos,
Ijebu-Remo and Ijebu-ode. I don't know where those Igbos
came from but other Yorubas sometimes refer to Ijebus as
Igbos ie the real Igbos. .... don't quote me.
Meke.
Alfred Ajose
I have a few questions about this. Could
we chat on the IRC? Please send a time
that would be convenient for you this
afternoon. I am posting this to the general
net because others may also want to join
in. I believe the site is undernet.org.
Ademola, you are also invited to join.
Thanks in advance.
Ajose
PS. Respond via the general net.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
"But shah, I still dey....and there shall be no compromise."
- Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
http://www.ifu.net/~ajose
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Alfred Ajose
afore noon. See you there. Is the channel
naijanet or #naijanet? I'm not sure about
this. Last Friday I chatted with fellow
Naijas on channel naijanet.
Take care.
Ajose
At 16:28 3/25/96, Nubi Achebo wrote:
>I usually do EFNet rather than the Undernet but I can be there 12 noon
>central time tomorrow Tuesday March 26. There are several Undernet
>addresses - take your pick and you are generally linked (its like a daisy
>chain of computers)
>
>United States
>
>Ann-arbor.mi.us.undernet.org
>Austin.tx.us.undernet.org
>Chicago.il.us.undernet.org
>Davis.ca.us.undernet.org
>Davis-local.ca.us.undernet.org
>Port : 5000
>Manhattan.ks.us.undernet.org
>Port : 6667, 6668
>Norman.ok.us.undernet.org
>Phoenix.az.us.undernet.org
>Pittsburgh.pa.us.undernet.org
>Rochester.mi.us.undernet.org
>Sanjose.ca.us.undernet.org
>Washington.dc.us.undernet.org
>Port : 6660-6669
>Washington-1.dc.us.undernet.org
>Port : 6666
>
>
>Canada
>
>Montreal.qu.ca.undernet.org
>Port : 6660-6669
>Vancouver.bc.ca.undernet.org
>
>
>
>South America
>Santiago.cl.undernet.org
>
>
>
>Europe
>
>Amsterdam.nl.eu.undernet.org
>Caen.fr.eu.undernet.org
>Diemen.nl.eu.undernet.org
>Ljubljana.si.eu.undernet.org
>Oslo.no.eu.undernet.org
>
>
>
>New Zealand
>
>Auckland.nz.undernet.org
>
>
>
>Australia
>
>Sydney.nsw.au.undernet.org
>Wollongong.nsw.au.undernet.org
>=============================================
>How do I get to the Undernet from the EFnet?
>
> It is very easy to switch to the Undernet if you're currently on the
> EFnet. Simply use the command,
> /server servername
> or if a port is specified (all European Undernet servers run on
> port 7000)
> /server servername port#
>
> Sometimes, the "symbolic" name for the server may not work, and you
> may need the "numeric" address (a string of numbers) instead. Listed
> in the Appendix is a list of Undernet servers along with their
> numeric addresses and ports wherever relevant.
>
> All Undernet servers are registered in the undernet.org domain. Also,
> they follow the format: city.state.country.undernet.org or,
> city.country.continent.undernet.org E.g US servers are
> *.US.undernet.org
> and european servers are
> *.eu.undernet.org
> This will make it easy for you to remember how to get to the Undernet.
>
>
>Nubi
>====
Akinwumi Ogundiran
I enjoyed your posting for its details and emphasis on the fact that the Edo
and Yoruba relationships are rooted in deep antiquity. You may be right that
Rev. Johnson priviledged the Yoruba, especially the Oyo-Yoruba 'too much' in
his book but like all pioneers, his book is a masterpiece foundation. Also see
Chief Egharevba's book, in its own right, it is a major contribution to Edo,
and indeed the Yoruba history. I will like to make general observations on
your posting:
1. The Edo history and the Yoruba history are intertwined. It is
difficult (most importantly, for any serious scholar of history and
anthropology) on many occasions to establish a separate line between the
Yoruba and the Edoid speaking peoples, including the many ethnic groups
between the 'Yoruba and the 'Edo' countries such as the Owan, and the
Ishan. For example, it is difficult for me as an Oyo-Yoruba person to
understand Ilaje dialect, whereas, there is more tendency for me to
understand Itsekiri.
2. The problem with Yoruba and Edo studies (and this is also true for Igbo,
Igala, etc. studies) is that there has been an unfortunate tendency by
scholars to take each ethnic unit as separate entity of study. This nomothetic
approach presupposes that the maps of Yorubaland or Edoland have always been
what they are today.Therefore, Benin, Ife, and Oyo are the major topics we
read about in texts. The danger in this approach is that many
important aspects of Edo history and the Yoruba history are being left
unattended to. Or, put in different words, scholars have unjustifiably
amalgamate historical units (perhaps for their small size) that really
hold important information for understanding the mega states of Benin and Ife.
3. I observe that there has been a resourceful effort in the last ten years,
thanks to the patronage of the current Oba of Benin, to remove Benin history
from the 'Yoruba shadow'. I think this is necessary in order to pave way for
an in-depth understanding. But on many occasions, the revisionist stories that
are being told within the Benin cultural institutions tend to create more
distortions. On many occasions, perhaps due to my own professional leaning, I
find some of the claims premature or basically untrue. The story of Oduduwa
being an Edo person is one of the latest versions. The story apparently had
its origin within Benin court. Although, Alan Ryder (see Groundwork of
Nigerian History edited by Obaro Ikime) tried to create more confusion on this
issue as well. Another latest version is that Ogun was a Benin man who taught
Ife the art of bronze-casting. This is inconsistent with the archaeological
evidence at Benin and Ife.
4. Moreover, I don't see any linguistic basis that justifies that Oduduwa and
Moremi names
derived from Edo. Then, to whom are we going to assign such
terms as Omo (child) and Oba (king). These two words, among others, are in the
vocabulary of the Yoruba and the Edo. Likewise, moat is called 'iyala' in Edo
and Ishan, whereas among the Ijesa-Yoruba, it is called 'iyara'. Among the
Oyo-Yoruba, 'iyara' simply means 'room'. What I'm trying to say is that in
deep antiquity, the flow of people between the present areas of Benin on one
hand, and Ife, Ijesa, Oyo, Igbomina and other 'Yoruba' groups on the other
led to cultural borrowing on both sides. It is therefore unwarranted to claim
that "this group came from my side because of some traits it shares with my
side".
5. On the three phases of Benin history that open your posting. They are
historically valid periodization but there are problem with the dates. There
is no evidence that dates the Ogiso period to 10 BC - 100 AD. But don't forget
that the Benin of Ogiso period had a well established contact with Ife. It is
a fact that the dynastic crisis that put an end to the Ogiso period was settled
with the Ife intervention. I don't want to go into the whole controversy
whether or not the Ogiso chiefs asked for a prince from Ife to rule them. But
there is no doubt that an Ife personality played some roles in the
formation of Benin's second phase (the Oba phase). Again, the traditions in
both Benin and Ife confirm that until the 18th century, parts of the remains
of Oba of Benin had to be buried at Ile-Ife, in a place known as Orun-Oba-Ado
up to this day. 'Orun-Oba-Ado' translates as "the resting place of the king of
Ado" (Ado means Edo). But the interaction is not a one-way traffic. For
examples, the Benin royal house played some roles in the formation of Ado-Ekiti
kingdom, and Owo Kingdom owed many aspects of its culture to Benin.
6. Back to the issue of the Igbo aborigines in Ife. Perhaps, the name is a
generic one for the scattered groups of people in the rainforest regions that
stretch from the Ife country to the Edo country. Perhaps, the Ilaje have
something to do with it. Perhaps, the same Igbo aborigines at Ife were related
to the Igbo aborigines in Benin. All these would remain speculations which can
be a basis for future research. I think we need linguists to
shed more light on the etymology of 'Igbo' word. So my friend linguist in
Canada (I no wan mention im name without permission), dis one na your arena,
wetin you have to say? And my oga historians, especially my teachers, the
IGBOmina specialists, Edo specialists, Owan specialists, etc. let's benefit
from you knowledge. What is certain is that there are many polities that once
existed in the Yoruba and the Edo countries. They are awaiting the spade and
picks of archaeologists to tell the story. For how long we are going to wait
is what I don't know.
My broda, let me take a break here. My regards.
Akin Ogundiran
>
> DEar broda:
> I am not refering to the latter period of Benin
> history.The problem with historical research in our area is that too much
> emphasis HAS BEEN PLACED on Johnson's BOOk.
> There are three periods in Benin History:
> A---10 BC-1000 A.D
> B----1000A.D.-1897 AD
> C----1897AD-1996AD
> Period A was the period of the kings of Benin known as the OGISOS.
> Period B was the period of the kings of Benin which terminated with
> OBA Ovaramwen's Deportation in 1897AD under the British.They assumed the
> title OBA instead of OGIE OGHE ISO [OGISO-THE KING FROM THE SKY]
> Period C is the period from 1897AD [actualy 1914 AD] till 1996 when
> OBA EWEKA the second ascended the throne after signing off all parts of his
> empire away to British and French authorities at the barrel of the GUN.
> If you want to unlock the meaning of IGBO/S in MOREMI, you need to know
> who the personage called ODUDUWA is.But the problem is that most scholar
> especially yoruba scholars seems to begin their research with the acceptance
> of Johnson's story about where ODODUWA AND THE YORUBA'S came from and who
> they are without checking the history of their immediate neighbor--EDo
> people.They also do not understand the relationship between the Benin
> monarchy and Ife except what they read from Johnson's book.
> Akinwumi Ogundiran of naijanet[I wish I knew how to describe him better]
> has just made a good revealation which I did not want to bring up --a fact
> we in Benin know all along especially if you are a member of the Benin Royal
> family, that the OKITI PUPA PEOPLE are EDO speaking people. Their dialect
> is EDo laden with Yoruba words.The word UGBO is a Benin word for FARM.
> All the attempt to Yorubanised has failed.There is also a town in Benin area
> called UGBO.
> The same is true of OWO.The inhabitant of OWO do not call themselves OMO OWO
> but rather OMO OGHO which is the EDo word of the city.Owo dialect is a
> branch of EDO dialect. ALL attempt to yorubanised it has also failed.
> When in 1971 as a student of the University of Ibadan I ran for the election
> as the chairman of Mellanby hall. I was challenged by somebody fro Okitipupa
> area.He worn by five votes which later turned out to be illegal ballot
> papers.While some of my supporters were furious and wanted the result of
> the election declared in my favor, I said no. I had caught them discusing it
> before it ever took place. They were speaking in ILAJE which is actually a
> corrupted Edo dialect.I did not disturb them.I just went to AGBOWO for
> pepper soup and palmwine{oh palmwine and pepper soup again].When I came
> back Ijust went to shake his hands and told him all that I knew of their
plans.
> I told him that I overheard their plans last night and told him all
> they said.He was shocked. I told him I was not going to Protest because he
> was an EDoman in Yoruba clothing. The election was rigged because some
> tribalist WANTED a pure "yoruba man" and not a half cast like me.
> >From the Benin historical perspective ODODUWA IS AN EDO MAN. Check it out
> and there are many supporting evidence. I am not ready to go into all that
> stuff. KEEP IN TOUCH. I THINK THIS ACADEMIC EXCHANGE IS BETTER THAN HAULING
> INSULT AT ONE ANOTHER.
> IYI EWEKA.
>
>
>
> In message Sun, 24 Mar 1996 15:13:28 -0500 (EST), <lak...@acs.bu.edu>
writes:
>
> > Dear Ademola,
> >
> > Your piece is very informative, but it seems that you are referring to the
> > later period in the Yoruba, Edo, and Igbo history, especially in your
> > second sentence: "The Igbos referred to may have been a contigent of
> > Benin soldiers of Igbo origins". The military and political ascendancy of
> > Benin can be firmly placed in the context of 15th century. Truly, the
> > impact of Benin's political influence was felt throughout Yorubaland and
> > vice-versa, from Oyo in the savanna to the Ijesa and Ekiti Kingdoms in
> > the forest and down to the coastal areas. The events of the 15th-17th
> > centuries clearly demonstrate a unique movement of people between Benin
> > and Yoruba-speaking areas. In fact, the period marked a momentous rise in
> > new political formations and the development of innovative ideas and
> > technology resulting from the interactions. But as far as the issue
> > raised by Frances is concerned about the Igbo's presence in Yorubaland
> > and the Moremi's story, the period lies in the last late first millennium
> > A.D.(800-1000 A.D).
> > Let's keep in touch, the Edo and Yoruba interactions between 15th and 19th
> > century deserve scholarly attention. Thanks for your contribution.
> >
> > Akin Ogundiran.
> >
> >
> >>
> >> Ulli Bier's interpretation may have been WRONG.The Igbos referred to
> >> may have been a contigent of Benin soldiers of Igbo origin.Note that
> >> the Ife actually shared borders with the Benin Empire.Many cities and
> >> communities in Yoruba land trace their origin to Benin---Ido-Ani,
> >> Ado-Ekiti, Owo, IDANRE -ORI OKE, Ondo to name a few.Lagos [ EKO] was
> >> established as a Benin Military Camp.IT was called EKO
> >> EHENGBUDA---CAMP EHENGBUDA. The Portuguese renamed it Lagos,a word
> >> formed from LARGOS dE KURAMO.Some yorubas do not even know that EKO IS
> >> AN EDO WORD--meaning CAMP.The very site where the University of Benin
> >> is situated today is called EKO OSHODIN [OSHODIN'S CAMP] In those
> >> days Benin Military Battalions were formed on village or tribal
> >> system.And do not also forget that Onitsha across the river in the
> >> Iboland was a Benin military Camp. Soldiers recruited and trained over
> >> there may have also been involved.Moreso every village in present day
> >> IBO-SPEAKING areas in the ancient kingdom would have been required to
> >> send a contigent of soldiers to the king's army.
> >> Note also that there is a community of a yoruba speaking EBU-ILLA in
> >> the heart land of the Ibo-speaking area in the old Bendel state.If you
> >> ask them how they got there, they will simply tell you "THE OBA OF
> >> BENIN BROUGHT US HERE"
> >> They were probably remants of the yoruba-speaking military contigent
> >> in the service of the king.
> >>
> >> Above all some yorubas are fond of caling anybody who is non
> >> yoruba-speaking names-KOBO KOBO, IGBO- just to name a few.
> >> I hope this information helps in your interpretation of MOREMI
> >>
> >> IYI-EWEKA.
> >>
> >>
> >> In message Sat, 23 Mar 1996 22:41:03 -0500,
> >> "Frances W. Pritchett" <Fra...@AOL.COM> writes:
> >>
> >> > Netters -
> >> >
> >> > I am about to read a play called "Moremi," by Duro Ladipo, a native
> >> of > Oshogbo. The introduction, written by Ulli Beier, states that
Nubi Achebo
Nubi
====
> >>>>>> Ulli Bier's interpretation may have been WRONG.The Igbos referred to
> >>>>>> may have been a contigent of Benin soldiers of Igbo origin.Note that
> >>>>>> the Ife actually shared borders with the Benin Empire.Many cities and
> >>>>>> communities in Yoruba land trace their origin to Benin---Ido-Ani,
> >>>>>> Ado-Ekiti, Owo, IDANRE -ORI OKE, Ondo to name a few.Lagos [ EKO] was
> >>>>>> established as a Benin Military Camp.IT was called EKO
> >>>>>> EHENGBUDA---CAMP EHENGBUDA. The Portuguese renamed it Lagos,a word
> >>>>>> formed from LARGOS dE KURAMO.Some yorubas do not even know that EKO
IS
> >>>>>> AN EDO WORD--meaning CAMP.The very site where the University of
Benin
> >>>>>> is situated today is called EKO OSHODIN [OSHODIN'S CAMP] In those
> >>>>>> days Benin Military Battalions were formed on village or tribal
> >>>>>> system.And do not also forget that Onitsha across the river in the
> >>>>>> Iboland was a Benin military Camp. Soldiers recruited and trained
over
> >>>>>> there may have also been involved.Moreso every village in present day
> >>>>>> IBO-SPEAKING areas in the ancient kingdom would have been required to
> >>>>>> send a contigent of soldiers to the king's army.
> >>>>>> Note also that there is a community of a yoruba speaking EBU-ILLA in
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>
>
>>the--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> heart land of the Ibo-speaking area in the old Bendel state.If you ask
> >>>>>> them how they got there, they will simply tell you "THE OBA OF BENIN
> >>>>>> BROUGHT US HERE"
> >>>>>> They were probably remants of the yoruba-speaking military contigent
> >>>>>> in the service of the king.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Above all some yorubas are fond of caling anybody who is non
> >>>>>> yoruba-speaking names-KOBO KOBO, IGBO- just to name a few.
> >>>>>> I hope this information helps in your interpretation of MOREMI
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> IYI-EWEKA.
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>