Identity, Civilisation and Contribution to National Development

Identity, Civilisation and Contribution to National Development

Author

ISBN

Publication Date

September 5, 2026

Size

No. of Pages

76

Binding

Paperback

36.00

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The Esan people of Nigeria are an autochthonous African tribe. Hence, this book challenges the dominant Benincentric tradition of Esan origin in Edoid studies. Submersion and collectivisation in Edoid historiography engendered the view that Esan people migrated from Benin Kingdom in the 15th century. Drawing on archaeological and linguistic evidences, this study demonstrates Benincentrism to be ahistorical. It traces Esan origin beyond the 15th century. The Esan moats constructed by the indigenous people of Esanland and the Esan language that have been in existence in the region for thousands of years justifies this. In pre-colonial Nigeria, environmental determinism accounted for the emergence of agriculture as the economic mainstay of Esan people. It was complemented by indigenous industrial activities and trade. Through these activities and exchanges, Esan people contributed to the socio-economic development of pre-colonial Nigerian societies. Esan economic viability later triggered Benin imperialism and British colonialism. Under colonial rule, Anthony Enahoro an Esan Chieftain moved the motion for Nigeria’s self-government and became the father of modern Nigeria. Since this development, Esan people have continued to make laudable contributions to nation and state building in Nigeria.

Author

ISBN

Publication Date

September 5, 2026

Size

No. of Pages

76

Binding

Paperback

About the Author

Williams Ehizuwa Orukpe, Ph.D. is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. His research interests are in Esan Studies, development economics in Nigeria, and international relations.

Table of Contents

T A B L E  O F  C O N T E N T S

ABSTRACT 1

INTRODUCTION 3

• Land and Peoples of Esanland 5

• Demographic Structure and Population Density of Esan People 7

• Traditions of Origin of Esan People 9

• Mythology and Legendary Traditions 10

• The Esan-Fua Tradition 11

• The Ijiesan Legend 12

• Autochthonous Origin of Esan People 14

• Irrua People of Esan 16

• Udomi People of Irrua, Esan 17

• Esan People of Ubiaja 18

• Esan People of Ewohimi, Ewatto and Ewossa 19

• Economic Foundation of Esan People 19

• Industrialisation in Pre-Colonial Esan 22

• The Textile Industry 23

• Palm Oil and Brewing Industry 24

• Sawmill and Wood Craft Industry 27

• Blacksmithing 27

• Trade as an Economic Activity in Esan 29

• Esan Civilisation: The Esan Cloth 31

• Production Process 33

• Esan Civilisation: The Igbabonelimhin Music and Dance Therapy 35

• Esan-I-Gbedo: The making of Esan-Benin Cordiality 38

• Esan Heroes and Heroines in Historical Perspective 42

• Akhibi the Onojie of Opoji 42

• Uda the Great of Ekpoma 43

• Agba N’Ojie of Uromi 44

• Onojie Okojie the Ogbidi of Uromi 45

• Omanmoje of Uromi 47

• Esan Modern Personalities and National Development in Nigeria 47

• Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro 48

• Augustus Akabue Aikhomu 49

• Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli 50

• Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih 51

• Monday Okpebholo (Akpakomiza) 52

• Conclusion 53

ENDNOTES 55

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