The Ekpeye people are an ethnic group primarily located in the Ahoada East and parts of Ahoada West Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria, in the Niger Delta region. They are an Igboid-speaking group and are known for their rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to their traditional system of governance.

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Location and Demographics

• Primary Location: The Ekpeye homeland is in the central-northern part of Rivers State, Nigeria, bordered by the Orashi River to the west and the Sombreiro River to the east.
• Headquarters: The Ahoada metropolis serves as the administrative headquarters of the Ekpeye ethnic nation.
• Population: The Ekpeye population is estimated to be over 232,000 people.
• Clans/Kingdoms (Igbus): The Ekpeye nation is composed of several major clans or kingdoms, historically referred to as Igbus, which include:
  • Igbu Ehuda
  • Igbu Upata
  • Igbu Ubie
  • Igbu Akoh
  • Igbu Igbuduya
  • Igbu Orlukwo
  • Igbu Ugbobi

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History and Ancestry

• Progenitor: According to oral tradition, the Ekpeye people are descendants of Akalaka the Great, who is believed to have migrated from the ancient Benin Kingdom.
• Migration: The historical narrative suggests a movement southwards, eventually settling along the Orashi River.
• Related Groups: Linguistically and culturally, the Ekpeye share close affinities and ancestral roots with the Ikwerre and Ogba people of Rivers State.

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Language and Culture

• Language: The Ekpeye people speak the Ekpeye language (Ẹkpẹyẹ), which belongs to the Igboid language family. It is closely related to the Ogba and Ikwerre languages.
• Traditional Leadership: The entire Ekpeye ethnic nation is traditionally led by a paramount ruler known as the Eze Ekpeye Logbo or Ny’udu Ekpeye Logbo. The selection of a new king is unique in that it is based on a democratic process, where any Ekpeye son or daughter can vie for the throne.
• Festivals: Traditional festivals are central to Ekpeye cultural life, combining social, religious, and political functions. Notable festivals include:
  • Ogwu Ekpeye (New Yam Festival): This is a significant annual cultural festival, also known as Ogwu Adaunwo, celebrated before new yams are eaten. It is often celebrated in honor of Ekpeye first daughters and involves cultural displays and folklore.
  • Ekpeye Eta (Wrestling) Festival.
  • Owu and Ugbokolo.
• Architecture: Traditional Ekpeye architecture, heavily influenced by their culture, typically featured native mud huts and timber buildings. The layout of compounds (elezhi) and houses (udho) reflected family structure, hierarchy, and age-grade system.