Ebira: Traditions and origin

TRADITIONS OF ORIGIN:

According to oral tradition, Ebira origin can be traced to WUKARI which was part of Kwararafa confederacy In 1680AD. The Ebira migrated from Wukari due to chieftaincy dispute, they were together with the Igala for about 300 years before they parted ways, the father of the Ebira Tao was itaazi who had five sons and one daughter, he led the Ebira tao to the present Ebiraland,

The five sons of Taazi later spread and founded the various districts in Ebiraland,

SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF EBIRA:

Ebira had no central administrative structure, the clan head was called Otaru, it consisted of community of kindred lineage

the clan head [otaru] used to be conferred on the oldest male within the clan, the clan had little political influence, he presided over meetings, he however, made judgements based on the consensus opinion of the elders in the clan

he also also performed religious and disciplinary duties which were limited by his family, Otaru also had the responsibility of keeping the income from the clan,

all the clan heads in the communities of Ebiraland were under the control of the chief priest, the elders and influential individuals

MILITARY:

The Ebira had strong military force, they waged wars and resisted invaders form Nupe [1865-1900] , The Nupe army was resisted and chased away under Ebira military leaders Attah Omadiri

CLASSWORK:

1] locate Ebira on Nigeria map

2] trace the origin of the Ebira

3] mention the major leaders in Ebira in the pre-colonial days

ASSIGNMENT:

Briefly narrate the origin of the IGBOS