Olomu

Olomu is a town in Delta State, Nigeria. Coordinates: 7°12′N 4°28′E / 7.2°N 4.467°E / 7.2; 4.467 Olomu is a clan consisting of about 13 to 14 communities in Delta State under Ughelli, South Local Government area having his Royal majesty R.L. Ogbon, Ogoni 1 JP, the Owhorode of Oluomu Kingdom as head over the whole kingdom. Towns in Olomu kingdom are as follows: OVIRI OLOMU, OVWODOKPOKPO OLOMU, UMOLO OLOMU, APKERHE OLOMU, OKPARE OLOMU, OGUNAME OLOMU, OWHORIGBALA OLOMU, OVWOH OLOMU, OKPE OLOMU, IGWHREOGONI OLOMU ETC.

The Olomu kingdom is a very prominent Kingdom and located in the south eastern part of Urhoboland. Olomu shares boundaries with the following: On the North with Ughele, on the South with Okparabe, Arhavwerien and Ewu, on the East with Ewu, and on the west with Jeremi, Kiagbodo and Ephron-Otor. The Okpari river is the most conspicuous boundary.

The origin of Olomu was long a subject of dispute. Some historians say theyoriginate from Igbon (Ibo) while others say they migrated from Benin. However, antiquities, investigations cultural traditions and language show that they originated from Aka (Present day Edo). Like the rest of the Urhobo Nation.

The Olomus are considered very prudent and diplomatic, their peculiar physical traits are: generally slender and medium built, fair complexioned and characteristically attractive looks.

A sub kingdom Village of Umoghoro was founded from the union of an Ijaw man called Oghoro reputed to be the most handsome man alive in their time. He visited Alaka, the grandson of Olomu at Otorere-Olomu, He was so taken by the good looks that he gave his daughter to him in marriage and they founded and settled in Umoghoro.

Edo Warrior Prince Igboze, and the establishment of the first Olorogun Society in Urhoboland. The history of Olomu took a higher tempo when Igboze, a son of the Oba of Benin, grandson of Urhobo, and a war monger, attempted to usurp the throne of his father, he was marked for execution, when he got wind of it and escaped from Benin with his household and took refuge with his maternal Uncle in Olomu. Igboze's escape boat capsized at URHUVWARE near Oviri-Olomu and his beloved wife drowned as a result. Upon arrival at Otorere-Olomu Igboze had an image of his wife made, which he placed in his shrine. The image can still be seen at the Igboze shrine in Agbon-Olomu.

Igboze arrived Olomu with his Olorogun Insignia. He also brought with him the knowledge of efficient public and social administration. Igboze began by setting up the OLOROGUN Society - A social, military, executive and judicial institution which he headed. This institution gained the enthusiastic approval of the Olomu people. Igboze, through the Olorogun Society, then trained effective and efficient military, judges and administrators. He introduced the famous OLOROGUN "EMA" dance.

Upon the death of his father, the Oba of Benin, Igboze returned to Benin and was crowned. Before leaving Olomu to take his throne, He decreed that henceforth the Olomus did not have to come to Benin to seek the endorsement of the Oba of Benin to become an Ovie as it was the practice then because they are already EBA (SUPREME KINGS) He also decreed that any Urhobo coming to Benin for endorsement as Ovie must obtain the recommendation of the Olomu before proceeding to Benin.

References

• Olomu at GEOnet Names Server