We are Odekpe Community, We CreateBuildDevelop
Odekpe Ideke kingdom, nestled along the meandering banks of the River Niger, in Ogbahu local government area of Anambra State. It is more than just a geographical location; it’s a vibrant testament to the resilience, culture, and identity of its people. Scattered across the heartlands of Anambra, with similar cultural and traditional believes and dialect with some part of Delta state in oko community, Asaba, illah, Imo state in Ogwuta community, and River states in Ndoni community of Nigeria, the people of Odekpe share a rich history that is as fluid as the river that has shaped their lives. Despite the nomadic wanderings of their ancestors, they clung steadfastly to the essence that made them unique—their dialect and language. This linguistic heritage, passed down through generations, serves not just as a means of communication but as a beacon of identity, unmistakable and distinctive among the myriad cultures of Nigeria.
Imagine the ancestors of Odekpe, navigating the challenges of constant movement from their root which was traced predominantly of igala, Igbira and Jukun descent in present day Koji state, Taraba state, Benue state and Nassarawa state , yet unwavering in their commitment to preserve their language.
In Odekpe today, this unique dialect is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing aspect of daily life. It colours conversations, enriches storytelling, and enhances music, making each expression of culture unique. To hear the language is to immediately be drawn into a world where every word, every affection, carries the weight of history and the warmth of community.
The dialect of Odekpe Ideke kingdom sets its people apart, creating a sense of unity and pride. It’s a linguistic heritage that children learn from their elders, a precious gift that connects them not just to their contemporary community but to the generations that walked the paths before them.
Odekpe people are fishermen and farmers. They are jolly good people who desire joy in taking life easy. The population of Odekpe is about 18,000 to 22,000.
Odekpe has an organised form of leadership that is inclusive of all parts of the kingdom. Which believes that a tree does not make a forest and all fingers a useful and purposeful in their own way.
Odekpe has four unique quarters. Every Odekpe ideke person is unique in their own way as designed by almighty God.We have :
1. Isioha Quarter, led by the throne of Okakwu Odekpe and the paramount ruler of Odekpe Ideke ancient Kingdom. The Okakwu, which comes from Umu Asibele Kindred. Isioha Quarter also has Ajie Odekpe, a frontliner of the ancestorial Ofor Odekpe, who is the leader of the Okwa Isagba, which comes from Umu Onabashi Kindred, a member of the Traditional Ruling Council.
2. Okpakilika Quarter, led by the throne of Oduma Odekpe, which comes from Inyele Kindred,a member of the Traditional Ruling Council, also Onowu, who is the leader of Okwa Iyasele which comes from the Odinikwu Kindred, a member of the Traditional Ruling Council and Oboli, the land worshipper.
3. Ogbe-etiti Quarter, led by the throne of Ogene Odekpe, which comes from Umu Iza and Umu Diokolo Kindred, a member of the Traditional Ruling Council, Oga Odekpe which comes from the Igbilia Kindred, a frontliner of the Odekpe ancestorial Ofor Odekpe, who is a member of the Okwa Isagba and also a member of the Traditional Ruling Council, Akukwe Odekpe which comes from Umu Oneje Kindred who is a member of Okwa Iyasele and a member of the Traditional Ruling Council and Ede Odekpe which comes from Umu Ofokoza, a member of the Traditional Ruling Council.
4. Anibueze Quarter, led by the leadership of Akuba Odekpe
“Unity in diversity” in Odekpe, reflects the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups within the community. Odekpe, like many regions in Nigeria, is a microcosm of the nation’s rich cultural mosaic, characterized by a variety of languages, traditions, and beliefs.
Odekpe’s application of “unity in diversity” can be seen in its community life, where different ethnic groups, such as the Igbo majority and other minority groups, live together, share public spaces, participate in local markets, and celebrate festivals together. This unity is also evident in intermarriage, shared economic activities, and collaborative efforts in community development projects.
The principle of “unity in diversity” is crucial in Odekpe, where it promotes peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among its inhabitants. It helps in fostering national identity and pride, transcending ethnic or religious affiliations. The ability of *ndi Odekpe* to maintain unity despite their diverse backgrounds is a testament to the strength and resilience of its community, serving as a model for broader societal cohesion in Nigeria and beyond. Odekpe has a naval outpost situated inside the community, creating how warm and welcoming Odekpe people are to strangers. Odekpe people are peace loving people known to be living with their visitors over decades with various areas of their communities.
Odekpe people are warm, loving, welcoming people who strongly believe in peaceful coexistence. They are highly content people, thought from infancy, the importance of contentment, and gratitude to almighty God.