Irri

Irri
Irri
Coordinates: 5°44′N 6°21′E
Country	Nigeria
State	Delta State
LGA	Isoko South
Founded by	Omo-ode
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT (UTC+1))

Irri is located in the Isoko local government area of Delta state, Nigeria. It is one of the petroleum producing communities in Nigeria. It is bordered by Uzere, Aviara, Oyede, Idheze and Oleh. Descendants of Irri migrated to form other small villages like Ada, Idheze, Ivruogbo, Canaan Irri, uro Irri, and they are usually referred to as children of Irri Kingdom. The people are referred to as Emo Irri, which means children of Irri.

History

According to Professor Obaro Ikime, Irri is also referred to as Erhivwi. Its etymology which has been passed down through oral tale for generations states that, the founding father of Irri is Omo-Ode, whose name is given to one of the oldest primary schools in the community. It is believed that the people of Irri can trace their origins to the Benin Kingdom. The early settlers originally migrated from the Kingdom of Benin to Uzere and later migrated from Uzere to form what is now called Irri.

Economy

The Irri people have been known to be farmers and fishers for generations, whose major farm produce are cassava and palm oil. More recently, many of its people have become educationists.

Traditional Government

The Odio-Ologbo or Odiologbo, which means High Chief, is the ruler of Irri. The community has no Ovie (king).

Religion

Irri people are majorly Christians of Anglican, Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah Witness denominations, with a very small number of individuals still practising traditional beliefs.

Notable People

• Arch Bishop Apena (Bethesda gospel mission)
• Festus Avah (footballer)
• Joshua Olugua (first rubber stamp maker in bendel state)
• Dr. Ufuoma Festus Omo-Obi (Justice of The Peace and foremost International Development and Governance Expert)
• And more..

References

1. Thoughts on Isoko-Urhobo Relations By Reverend Professor Obaro Ikime, Ph.D.