Ikpide

Ikpide is an Isoko town in Nigeria, located on the eastern bank of the lower River Niger between the source of the River Nun and Ubioakpere. The traditional north/south boundaries of Ikpide are the Ofavre-Uto Canal and Ubioakpere

Language

The language spoken by the people is the Isoko language. It is similar to that spoken by the neighboring Urhobo.

Founding

Considering that at least three generations of families had lived in Ikpide before the first Christian converts in 1915, it is generally believed that the town was founded by the beginning of the 19th century.

The town is named after the founder - Ikpide who migrated from the Isoko town of Irri hence the suffix 'Irri". This indicates the ancestral home of the people of Ikpide.

Quarters

Ikpide has four main quarters; Ogbuku (which is occupied by the descendants of Ikpide till date), Uzi, Aboh and Otehe

Administration

Before the introduction of British rule in Nigeria, the day to day administration of Ikpide was carried out through the age grade system whereby the older grades exercised authority over the younger grades. Even today vestiges of this system remain in the town. The groups are

The children age grade: Children below 16 years. Assigned to perform minor taks.
The young men age grade (EVRAWHA): Young men between the ages of 16 and 35 (40). Provides the bulk of labour.
The Iletu age grade: Older men supervising the activities of the Evrawha.
The Odio age grade: Group of elders.
The Odio-ologbo: The apex of the system. The equivalent of Ovie (king). He is always the oldest male member of the Ikpide family. Succession is automatic.

References

* The History of Ikpide, Ikpide Descendants Union 1994