Ubulu- Okiti is a town situated in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State Nigeria. Northwards, it shares a common boundary with Issele- Mkpitime, Southwards with Ani- Agbala, and Eastwards with Otulu and Westward with Issele-Uku (Udoka 2005). Its population is estimated between Five (5) to six (6) thousand with six (6) quarters namely: Ogbe- Iyase, Ugba- a, Ogbe- Ani, Ashagba Okiti, Ugbo oji/ Ugbo Aku and Ogbe Obi.
Historical Background
Over the years, they have been conflicting stories about the origin of both Ubulu and other Delta Igbo Speaking areas. Some Ubulu people claim that they originated from Zebulon meaning ‘huge tree’ which they relate to Zebulon’s son Elon (meaning oak Groove). This school of thought believes that Ubulu was named after Elon of Zebulon as a descendant of his.
On the contrary, Egbarevha J. (1968: 84) linked the history of Ubulu to the settlement of the Benin people which implies that Ubulu is a descendant of the Benin Kingdom ascribed to ancient historical study which attributes Benin origin to all Igbo speaking communities. In conformation with his opinion, people who reside in umu- Idu region of Ubulu- Okiti are usually referred to as Benin successors.
However, recent studies have it that the Ubulu movement of 15th-16th century led by Ezemu, Obodo (his sister) and three other brothers of theirs where sent on a mission with a pot of medicine (Ududu) to settle wherever it falls which happens to be the present day Ubulu- Uno. It is said that other Ubulu towns emanated from Ubulu- Uno owing to disagreement between Obodo and Ezemu over ownership of the new settlement.
According to Ikem and Anene (1982: 2-21), a variant of Ubulu origin legends claim that Obodo, Ezemu and others came from Ile-Ife enroute Benin while their grandparents migrated from the middle East of Africa.
The Ubulu clan created majorly by Ezemu consists of three towns which are: Ubulu- Uno, Ubulu- Ukwu and Ubulu- Okiti. Ubulu- Okiti (being the dialect under study) emerged in the year 1888 from Ubulu- Ukwu as a result of crisis. The instigator of the fall out is OKITIKPA who settled at ANI- OZUZU (a market place) alongside his friend Utoli who took his relatives from Ogwashi- Ukwu and Onicha- Ukwu and they all went to Ezemu’s shrine at Alo before settling at Ani- Obodo.
Before the emergence of the first Obi of Ubulu- Okiti ‘Obi Ishie 1’, her people were ruled by some Onichie who mandatorily reports to the Obi of Ubulu- Ukwu. These Onichies are: Iwelumo, Ojiokpa, Osomadi and Mordi. Their multiplicity caused poor management and power tussle which led to a war that lasted for over fifteen years. At last they were granted sovereignty and became autonomous (i.e. free from the ruler ship of Ubulu- Ukwu).
Ubulu- Okiti Leadership System
Ubulu- Okiti practice a single and not rotational family ruling system wherein the Obi position is fixed for a particular family linage. Notwithstanding, efforts are presently been made to revert this monotonous ruling system.
Culture And Tradition
The New yam festival celebrated every September is one tradition that has been with this people from Past years till date. This festival formally called ‘EWENSU’ has been re-named ‘INE’. As observed from my father; a typical traditionalist is not permitted to taste new yam until he has performed certain INE rites. In terms of clothing, Ubulu- Okiti people are known for the weaving of Akwa- Ocha ‘white cloth’ which they cherish and wear during major celebrations.
Occupational Values
Occupationally, the Ubulu- Okiti men are mostly farmers, hunters and notable palm wine tappers. These activities constitute their major source of livelihood.