Agbassa is the name of one of the two Urhobo kingdoms in Warri South Local Government, Delta State, Nigeria, the other being Okere-Urhobo.[1] The name 'Agbassa' is of British origin derives from its original name 'AGBARHA', which is still in use. The current king is H.R.M Kingsley Orereh (Igbi II), (ovie Of Agbarha-Ame Kingdom Warri).[2]
Composition
There are approximately seven communities that make up Agbarha Kingdom (Agbassa):
- Otovwodo (The traditional Headquarters)
- Igbudu
- Edjeba
- Ogunu
- Okurode (Okurode Urhobo)
- Oteghele
- Ukpokiti
In Agbassa, the Iyerin festival is celebrated annually, as well as Esemor and Iniemor. Another festival, known as Idju, is celebrated every two years throughout all the communities of Agbassa, as well as Okere-Urhobo. This festival is called Idju Owhurie Festival, popularly known as Agbassa Juju,[3] and it centers around the worship of the Owurhie, an Urhobo deity.[4]
However, the impact of western civilization as well as the spread of Christianity in Nigeria seemed to have led to a decline in the worship of the Owurhie, as many Urhobo people have now become Christians and have nothing to do with idol worship.[5]
References
- Palmer Ekeh, Peter (2007). History of the Urhobo People of Niger Delta.