Weppa Wanno Kingdom
Weppa Wanno is a traditional kingdom located in present-day Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It is the homeland of the Uwano people, governed under the Etsako East local administrative authority.
Traditional Governance
Weppa Wanno is ruled by two distinct clan kingships:
- Weppa clan kingship
- Uwanno clan kingship
Despite this dual kingship structure, all the people speak the Uwano dialect—a version of the Etsako language—ensuring cultural and linguistic unity.
Geography
Weppa Wanno is bounded by:
- Avianwu (South)
- Ibie and Ekperi (West)
- Idah across the Niger River (East)
The kingdom comprises numerous towns and villages, with Agenebode serving as the capital and ancestral city. Agenebode is also the administrative headquarters of the Etsako East Council. The River Niger flows to the east of the kingdom, supporting fishing, trade, and commerce.
Major Villages in Weppa Wanno
- Unuedeghor
- Emokweme
- Oshiolo
- Ekwotsor
- Agiere
- Itsokwi
- Aviodor
- Iviari
- Ovao
- Ivioghe
- Iviukwe
- Othame
- Iviukhua
- Igiode
- Ivianokpodi
- Iviebua
- Iviegbepui
History
Historically, the Weppa Wanno people practiced a republican system. Before colonialism, leadership was held by Ukpi drummers, followed by village heads, and finally family heads.
Creation of the Okumagbe Stool
In 1939, the British Colonial Government merged the Weppa and Wanno clans via Chief Commissioner's letter No. 12941108 dated 27 May 1939, creating the Okumagbe stool.
- The title "Okumagbe" means "the unifier".
- The stool rotates among five kinship groups.
- The first monarch was Chief Ogbaki I.
- The current Okumagbe is Dr. Eghabor, a chartered accountant and industrialist from the Iviokpisa kinship group.
Origins and Migration
The Weppa-Wanno people migrated from Benin during the sixteenth century. This movement, referred to as the “Exodus”, occurred during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, who was reputed to be a strict ruler. The migrants included other ethnic groups such as the Ishans, Akoko-Edos, Urhobos, Agbor, and parts of the Igbos.
The Weppa-Wanno group was led by General Adaobi, a high-ranking officer in the Benin army. Other founding ancestors included:
- Okpisa
- Amadi
- Owai
- Oke
- Osomokhai
These families became the founders of kindred and ruling houses.
Formation of Two Divisions
A notable and enduring innovation was the division of the land into two semi-autonomous sections:
- Uweppa
- Uwanno
This division is unique in the Etsako region. The people are united by blood ties and common ancestry that predate their current settlement.
Agenebode: Capital and Trading Hub
Agenebode emerged in the second half of the 19th century, driven by:
- Proximity to the River Niger
- Opportunities in fishing
- Rise in commerce and European trade
The name “Agenebode” means "we will no longer pass ourselves"—a phrase reflecting the people's resolve to settle permanently.
Agenebode grew from a small fishing village into a European merchant hub during the era of legitimate trade (before 1870).
Cultural Heritage
Weppa-Wanno people are known for being peaceful and possess a rich cultural heritage. This heritage offers significant potential for development and tourism in Edo State and Nigeria at large.
References
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