Urhobo

The Urhobo are an ethnic group native to the southern Niger Delta in Nigeria, primarily in Delta State. They are one of the region’s largest communities and speak the Urhobo language, an Edoid language within the Niger-Congo family. The language has several dialects and is written with the Latin script in education and media.

Geography and social structure: Urhoboland spans central and western parts of Delta State, with major towns in and around Warri and its environs. Traditional political organization varies by community but commonly includes a ceremonial monarch (often titled an Ovie) alongside councils of chiefs and age-grade societies that organize social and ceremonial duties.

Culture and economy: Historically, Urhobo society emphasized farming, with yam and cassava as staple crops, along with fishing and trading. The regional economy expanded with palm oil production and, later, petroleum development in the Delta region. Today, Urhobo communities range from rural villages to urban centers, maintaining crafts, music, and dance as part of cultural life. Festivals and ceremonies frequently feature traditional attire, music, and dance.

Religion: Indigenous beliefs centered on a supreme deity and ancestral spirits have largely coexist with Christianity, which is widespread among Urhobo communities. A minority observe Islam. Religious practice varies by community and individual.

History and identity: The Urhobo trace origins to settlements in the Niger Delta and organized themselves into numerous autonomous communities and kingdoms. They have engaged in regional trade and politics with neighboring peoples and played a notable role in the social and economic history of Delta State, especially during the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence periods.