Ode-Itsekiri is a community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. It is also called Itsekiri-Olu and Big Warri. It is the capital of the Itsekiri people and one of the first autonomous communities before the crowning of the Olu Ginuwa. It existed long before 1480, with exact data not known. The Olu's Palace in Ode-Itsekiri has always been used to crown the Olu of Warri Kingdom, while the Kings are buried at Ijala-Ikenren Community.[1][2][3][4]

Ode-Itsekiri
Itsekiri-Olu
Communities of Warri Kingdom
Capital Of Warri Kingdom
Nickname: 
Big Warri
Country Nigeria
StateDelta State
LGAWarri South
KingdomKingdom Of Warri
Government
 • BodyWarri South
 • Olu of WarriOgiame Atuwatse III
 • Council ChairmanMichael Tidi
 • Youth ChairmanJonathan Ameye
Websitewww.warrikingdom.org

The Delta State government started a road project around 2006 to link Warri and Ode-Itsekiri. This project is expected to link Ode-Itsekiri and other Itsekiri communities close to it.[1]

The popular song Megbele by Omawumi showed when she arrived at Ode-Itsekiri with boat and went to visit the Olu's Palace.[5]

Geography

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Ode-Itsekiri Community is located in Ode-Itsekiri ward of Warri South and under Warri Federal Constituency of the Nigerian Federal constituency. Ode-Itsekiri Community shares boundaries with Orugbo Community, Ajigba Community, Inorin Community and Odogene Community.

Social Infrastructure

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There are public and private infrastructures in Ode-Itsekiri Community.

Education

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  • Ginuwa Primary School, Ode-Itsekiri founded in 1936
  • Erejuwa II Grammar School, Ode-Itsekiri

Health Facilities

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  • Ode-Itsekiri Health Facility, Ode-Itsekiri

Roads and Bridges

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  • Ode-Itsekiri Bridge, Ode-Itsekiri

Cultural Festival

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Like other Itsekiri communities, Ode-Itsekiri Community is known widely for their very elaborate culture. One of the popular dances from Ode-Itsekiri community is the Ulu Oleretse which is danced by only the male indigenes of the community.

Governance

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Ode-Itsekiri Community has a governance structure that mirrors most other Itsekiri communities. The Olu of Warri is the overall head of the communities. This is followed by a council of elders, a community trust and a youth body.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Trans Warri-Ode-Itsekiri road will be ready by 2021 ― DTSG". 3 June 2020.
  2. ^ Okafor, Chido (11 December 2015). "Why we coronate Olu of Warri at Ode-Itsekiri - Nigeria and World News". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  3. ^ Gab Ejuwa (26 April 2009). "Olu of Warri Coronation – Focus On Itsekiri Cultural Heritage". Vanguard. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  4. ^ J.O.S Ayomike. "Edo people's renaissance". Edo Nation. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
  5. ^ "Omawumi - New Songs, Playlists & Latest News - BBC Music". BBC.

See also

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