Background

The Diebiri live close to Warri, Ogbe and Aladja, with most of their settlements lying along the Warri River and adjoining creeks and creeklets. Their immediate neighbours are the Aladja Urhobo, Ogbe and Ode Itsekiri.

Tribes Of Itsekiri People

The Diebiri are an offshoot of Seimbiri clan in the Western Delta. Diebiri was founded by Dio. According to Diebiri traditions, the founders moved from Oboro to the present place of settlement near Warri. Diebiri consisted of three original quarters Etwaedumu, Egadedumu and Fiyewaredumu. Since 1995, Diebiri has moved from the site founded by Dio to a new site at Diebiri-Bata (Ubateinghan) because of attack by the Aladja Urhobo.

Internal And External Relations

All Diebiri villages are autonomous units. The eldest Amaseseokusukeme, or Town Elder, was and is accepted as leader of the group. The Diebiri are related to the Ogbe, Aladja, and Itsekiri. The Diebiri were part of the 1893 treaty signed by most groups in the Warri area with the British. They were identified by the Urhobo name Turbo. Diebiri is ruled by an Ebenanaowei as well as an elected Governing Council. The current Ebenanaowei of Diebiri is Chief J.G. Orubu.

Cultural And Economic Activities

In Diebiri, there are some prominent festivals which the people celebrate. The festivals include Aziza-Ikiyan, Dien owu, Okoroko masquerade, Amakiri, Ogbo owu, Opufene and Asaramo–Orou. Aziza–Ikiyan is performed before a Diebiri person tastes new corn. Asaramo–Orou is celebrated for good catch of fish as well as for good yield of food crops. Most of the festivals were performed to appease deities.

The major economic activities of Diebiri include fishing, lumbering, farming and petty trading. The people trade with the Urhobo, Itsekiri and neighbouring Ijo ibe.