Skip to main content

IJAW CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

Ijaw culture and traditions

| Oct. 24, 2018
We bet you, Ijaw culture and traditions are worth getting acquainted with. They are considered to be the least studied among other Nigerian cultures, but still have a lot of exciting things to present, which everyone will find astonishing. We are sure you are already curious about it.

Distinguishing features of Ijaw culture

Ijaw cultur really has a lot of things to offer, cause the history of Ijaw and its culture itself is fascinating and runs deeply, despite the fact it is poorly studied.

Languages

Photo: proandroiddev.com

First, we are going to observe the Ijaw language. To be more specific, languages. There are nine closely cognate Niger–Congo languages. All these languages belong to the Ijoid section of the Niger–Congo language family. The main division between the Ijo languages is between Eastern Ijaw and Western Ijaw. Izon is the most prominent of the ancient language group. It is spoken by about five million Nigerians.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Izon language has two prominent groups. The first, related to Western (Central) Ijaw, is made up of speakers from eleven clans such as Tuomo, Mein (or Sagbama), Ekeremor, Apoi, Tarakiri, Bassan, Bumo (or Bomo), Arogbo, Kabuowei, Kololuma-Opokuma, and Ogboin. The Southeast Izon is represented by Nembe, Brass, and Akassa (or Akaha).

Kalabari is another influential Ijaw linguistic group. It is considered an Eastern Ijaw language, related to Kalabari clan, which is located on the eastern side of the Niger-Delta. There are several smaller language groups in Ijaw, which are defined by very close cultural and territorial bonds. They are the Epie-Atissa, Engenni, and Degema (or Udekama).

Religious traditions

Photo: dailywatchng.org

Although the Ijaw majority is Christian, traditional religious elements are still making the rounds. For Ijaw people, it is crucial to hold in reverence the reminiscence of ancestors and religious traditions. One of the most prominent idols is one of the water spirits called Owuamapu. Ijaw people believe that water spirits are just like humans, they have their accomplishments and imperfections.

There is also a belief, that every person had been one of the water spirits before he was born. They pray to water spirits. Each year the Ijaw hold festivals in honor the spirits, which can last for a few days. During these celebrations, men wear fancy attires and carved masks, dance to the rhythm of drums and expose the impact of the water spirits through the mood and energy of their dancing.

Traditional Ijaw food

The main role in the nutrition of the Ijaw people is played by agricultural products, among which yams occupy the first place. Many different dishes can be prepared from its tubers containing starch. There are several varieties of yams, each of which has a special purpose: white yam goes for making flour and porridge, bread is made from yellow.

Photo: seriouseats.com

Ijaw peope also use corn, sorghum, millet and taro. Sometimes taro is mixed with yam, manioc or bananas. Sweet potatoes, pumpkins, eggplants, breadfruit are common products as well.

Photo: thecoconet.tv

Many dishes are made from legumes. Dishes made from wheat are common, especially houraza, a special kind of wheat bread. Rice, which is considered to be a luxury product, is increasingly consumed here. Most of the dishes are very hot: they put a lot of pepper, onion, and tomatoes in them. When stewing meat and vegetables, leaves of various plants are put, for example, baobab, and a lot of spices. Bananas, pineapples, oranges, mangoes, lemons, papayas are common among fruits.

Here is the top-5 list of the most popular dishes:

Polofiyai - is very nutritious soup cooked with yams and palm oil.

Photo: deskram.net

Kekefiyai - is a thick soup made with chopped green plantains, fish, other seafood or fowl and of course alm oil.Fried or roasted fish and cooking banana - is a dish made of fish, fried in palm oil, and served with fried plantains.

Photo: deelamilovesit.blogpost.com

Kalabari "sea-harvest" fulo - is a seafood soup or stew that can be served with foofoo, rice or yams.Owafiya ( or Beans Pottage) - is a thick soup made with beans, palm oil, fish or game meat, with yam or cooking bananas. Usually, it is taken with processed cassava or starch.

Photo: 1qfoodplatter.com

Traditional Ijaw dressing

Photo: pinterest.com

In Ijaw, women's national clothing consists of a large piece of cloth wrapped around the hips and a blouse. Although in recent years more and more European-cut dresses are decorated with embroidery with beaded caps Exclusively picturesque hats. There are a lot of varieties of styles of knitting scarves. Jewelry made of gold, silver, beads are very trendy. Traditional hairstyles are characterized by high complexity.

Photo: pinterest.com

Men's clothing consists mainly of short pants and a shirt, over which a loose cape is worn. In the northern areas, the traditional dress of Ijaw is an elongated tunic, which is usually worn with baggy trousers. Moreover, the tunic and pants are an ensemble and must be the same color.

Photo: joy.az

Actually, etibo is an informal version of a tunic without buttons, and Uoko is an official one with three buttons and an aglet. The popularity of etibo among the ruling elite of Nigeria led to the emergence of a new name for the attire “senator”, which now almost entirely supplanted the original name.

Ijaw traditional music

The Ijaw culture has its own autochthonous music style called awigiri (or awijiri). Although, this form of music is almost entirely obscure outside of Nigeria but has initiated the careers of plenty of famous performers, and they in their turn have produced beautiful musical pieces over the years.

Now, we want to introduce to you some of the most popular awigiri performers:

Anthony Cockson

Photo: likembe.blogspot.com

A. S. Eseduwo

Photo: likembe.blogspot.com

King Robert Ebizimor

Photo: likembe.blogspot.com

Chief Bukka

Photo: likembe.blogspot.com

Barrister S. Smooth

Photo: likembe.blogspot.com

Traditional musical instrument is mainly represented by a specific type of drum. The most common drum types for Ijaw people are the Ibid (or Ibibio) and Ekomo (or Efik). Both are medium-sized and covered with leather skin like tom-tom drums.

Photo: musicinafrica.com

Other regularly handled drums in Ijaw are the clay bass pot. These types of drums are also typical for Igbo and Udu. Drums are usually used for dances to beat the rhythm during festivals and celebrations.

Comments

EV__News Editor pick

Warri Federal Constituency: Concluded Delineation Report Triggers Rising Concerns,

By EgbemaVoice The recently concluded delineation exercise across the three Warri Local Government Areas—Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North—comprising the Warri Federal Constituency in Delta South Senatorial District, has entered a contentious and politically sensitive phase. The exercise, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the delineation report is under the supervision of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Rtd Mallam Nuhu Ribadu initially appeared to follow due process. The preliminary report was submitted to stakeholders from the three major ethnic nationalities—Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri—for review and feedback. This move followed persistent calls for justice, equity, and compliance with a Supreme Court judgment mandating fair political delineation across federal constituencies. However, the process has now sparked serious controversy. Reports indicate that the delineation matter has been abruptly moved from the purview of t...

Egbema Youth Council Salute's Amb Jude Ukori on Birth,

Egbema Youth Council Salute's Amb Jude Ukori on Birth, By EgbemaVoice, The Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide joyfully celebrates the birthday of a true trailblazer and community pillar, Hon. Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori, former Chairman of the Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF). Today, we honor not just the passing of another year in your life, but the legacy of impact, leadership, and unwavering dedication you have built over the years. As a father, mentor, and role model to many, your commitment to the development of the Niger Delta, especially the Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms, remains unmatched. Your humility in leadership and ability to bring people together across political and communal lines is a lesson for all aspiring leaders. Through your service, you've shown us that true leadership is not about occupying positions but about touching lives, building peace, and creating opportunities for the younger generation. On this special day, w...

Amid Public Outcry: IGP Urges National Assembly to Reform Police Pension Scheme as Retirees Struggle to Survive,

IGP to National Assembly: Reform Police Pension Scheme — Retirees Living Below Expectations By EgbemaVoice, Amid ongoing nationwide protests by retired police personnels over their post-service conditions, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has openly acknowledged the poor treatment of police retirees, warning that it is negatively affecting the morale of serving officers. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun expressed deep concern over the unacceptable living standards of many former officers, describing their circumstances as degrading and distressing. “Many retired officers live in situations that are both unacceptable and degrading, despite the sacrifices they made while serving the country,” he said. He particularly criticised the inadequacy of the monthly pensions provided under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), arguing that they fall far short of covering basic necessities. “The pension payments are extremely low and fail to meet essential liv...

Niger Delta Group accuses Tinubu, Wife of moves to alter INEC Warri delineation report in favour of Itsekiri

Niger Delta Group accuses Tinubu, Wife of moves to alter INEC Warri delineation report in favour of Itsekiri  • Says Ijaw will resist it with the last blood -IPDI By EgbemaVoice, A leading advocacy group in Niger Delta, the Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI has threatened to shut down Niger Delta oil facilities over moves by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, first lady Remi Tinubu to alter the Warri federal constituency delineation report in favour of the Itsekiris, despite Ijaws were the majority in the Warri federal constituency. This was contained in a statement signed by the group's national president Comrade Ozobo Austin in which a copy of it was sent to newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday. According to the group, information at its disposal indicates that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, first lady have taken over the INEC duty of presiding over the electoral process of Warri delineation to undermine the rights of Ijaw and Urhobo people, add...

Focus Egbema Group Urges Edo State Police to Investigate Hospital Over Alleged HIV Infection of Toddler Through Contaminated Blood Transfusion,

Focus Egbema Group Urges Edo State Police to Investigate Hospital Over Alleged HIV Infection of Toddler Through Contaminated Blood Transfusion By EgbemaVoice, The Focus Egbema Group has called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the alleged transmission of HIV to a toddler through a contaminated blood transfusion at a private hospital in Benin City. Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Mingo Sayami Ogumaka, who is also the elder brother of the bereaved father, Mr. Praise Mumbor, identified Safe Bliss Medical Centre, located opposite Oliha Primary School on Siluko Road, as the hospital responsible for the incident. According to Mr. Mumbor, his one-year-nine-month-old son, Jeremiah, who was previously healthy and HIV-negative, suddenly fell critically ill on February 6, 2025. Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with dangerously low blood levels and recommended an emergency transfusion. I offered to donate my bl...

2027: Udu Civil Society Groups Affirm Support for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Waive, Commend Devt Strides

By EgbemaVoice  A coalition of civil society groups in Udu Local Government Area has reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Hon. Revd. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, citing ongoing developmental projects, inclusive governance, and infrastructural progress as clear indicators of responsive leadership across all levels of government.   The declaration was made during a strategic meeting with Hon. Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The meeting held on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, at his constituency office.   In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the coalition acknowledged several developmental milestones recorded by the Oborevwori administration in Udu.  They applauded the governor for appointing Udu sons and daughters into key positions, including commissioner, special adviser, and more than thir...

BREAKING NEWS: President Tinubu Honours Super Falcons,

BREAKING NEWS: President Tinubu Honours Super Falcons, By EgbemaVoice, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred all Super Falcons players with the prestigious National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). As part of this historic gesture of appreciation, each player is also awarded, A Three-Bedroom Apartment in Abuja, $100,000 (equivalent to ₦153,000,000) This marks a significant national recognition of the women’s outstanding performance and dedication to Nigeria’s football legacy. Congratulations to our Super Falcons! 

EYC Worldwide President Barr. Sode Visits High Chief Peregbe Dekpen, Signatory to Toru-Ebe State Demand

EYC Worldwide President Visits Chief Peregbe Dekpen, Signatory to Toru-Ebe State Demand By EgbemaVoice, The President of the Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide, Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode, paid a courtesy visit to High Chief Peregbe Dekpen at his residence in Yenagoa. High Chief Dekpen former Egbema kingdom regency council secretary is one of the prominent signatories to the historic document advocating for the creation of Toru-Ebe State—a long-standing aspiration of the Ijaw people and other Niger Delta stakeholders seeking equity and true federalism in Nigeria. The visit underscores the commitment of the EYC leadership to connect with foundational stakeholders and to reaffirm support for the actualization of Toru-Ebe State, which has remained a legitimate and enduring pursuit. God bless Egbema Kingdom. God bless the Ijaw Nation.

THE THREAT BY THE FORMER RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO IMPEACH THE POPOLARLY ELECTED GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA IS AN ACTION THAT IS LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE AND BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER IN RIVERS STATE.

7th May, 2024. DrKayodeEgbetokun, Inspector General, Nigerian Police Force, Louis Edet house, Abuja. THE THREAT BY THE FORMER RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO IMPEACH THE POPOLARLY ELECTED GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA IS AN ACTION THAT IS LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE AND BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER IN RIVERS STATE. My dear IGP, Firstly, I wish to apologize for addressing this letter to you because we have never met and we have never spoken to each other since your appointment as the Inspector General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but I have watched your activities with kin interest and great satisfaction. Please accept my belated heartfelt congratulation on your appointment as the Inspector General of Police whereby you have taken over effectively and I hope you will perform your duties impeccably, fair and just and without any discrimination, political victimization or witch-hunting of political opponents and have the courage and ability to...

Asaba Mega City Projects On Track As Delta Govt Warns Trespassers

  By EgbemaVoice, The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the ongoing Asaba Twin Mega City project, a flagship urban renewal initiative under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda.  The government has also warned individuals who have been compensated for their land to steer clear of the project site or risk demolition of illegal developments.   The Special Project Director in charge of the project, Barr. Victor Ebonka, emphasized the significance of the initiative during an inspection of the six-lane road leading to the twin mega cities.  He stated that the two cities—Asaba Waterfront City and Niger City, are being developed by reputable companies.   Ebonka noted that the project forms part of Governor Oborevwori’s vision to transform the capital territory into a modern, thriving city equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.  According to him, the development would significantly transform the Asaba...