OPUKUMA IBE

OPUKUMA IBE: The Opukuma Ebe took their name from Opu-Okun one of the sons of Ujo, and elder brother to Kala-Okun by the same mother named Yeitari-ere. Opu-Okun left Agadagba-Bou ahead of Kala-Okun and settled first at Ofonitoru before founding the head village of Opukuma or Opu-Okun-Ama, which is Okowari, named after his son Oko. The settlement grew into a large village  and were later joined by immigrants from other sections of Ijo. These with the Opukuma founded the lineage’s of Akaranbiri, Gbaranbiri and Oyubo. They constitute Tamu Opukuma. Most of the immigrants had come from Ikibiri, Beni (Oyakiri), Gbaran, and Ogobiri. Later on men from Ogbolomabiri in Nembe came to settle at Okowari bringing with them the lodge of Egbesu, now called Opukuma Egbesu. Opukuma town was struck by a national disaster causing the town to be severely depopulated (most probably they were victims of a slave raid). As an Ibe the Opukuma is pre-14th century. Between 700 – 1100 Ad Opokuma was a part of the lost City of Ujo at Agadagba-Bou. From 1100 onwards they moved out of Agadagba-Bou and founded new settlements that became the Opokuma clan.