Historical Epiphany of Okere Community
The Okere Community, situated in the heart of modern-day Warri, is the oldest cosmopolitan community in the region. With a rich history dating back to the 15th century, Okere has played a significant role in the development of Warri. The community is bounded by the Warri River to the south, Effurun to the northeast, and Agbassas to the southwest. Notably, the Agbassas are customary tenants of the Okere people, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between the two communities.
The name "Okere" has a unique meaning in the Itsekiri language, translating to "It is small." According to historical accounts, Okere Community was founded around the 1400s by a Bini warrior general named Ekpenede, also known as Ekpen. Ekpenede was sent by the Bini Chiefs to capture Prince Ginuwa and the sons of the 70 Bini Chiefs who had been dispatched to establish a new kingdom, the Warri Kingdom, by Oba Olua, the father of Prince Ginuwa and the then Oba of Benin.
Ekpenede's mission was not to harm Prince Ginuwa but to capture him and the sons of the Bini Chiefs and return them to Benin.
However, Ekpenede and his entourage faced significant challenges in reaching ljala by water, where Prince Ginuwa and his entourage were residing at the time. As a result, Ekpenede was forced to abandon his mission and settle in the area now known as Okere.
Interestingly, Ekpenede was the uncle of Prince Ginuwa, and his decision to settle in Okere was likely influenced by the depletion of his army. Ekpenede named the area "Okere" (It is small) due to the reduced size of his forces. Before settling, Ekpenede planted his mystical staff at the center of Okere, invoking the phrase "Ogungbaje Okere; Odola," which translates to "War will never come to Okere."
Another significant landmark in Okere is the Arimabo tree, meaning "One who sees and exposes what it sees." This sacred tree is located at the epicenter of the
community and holds great cultural and spiritu
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