Ihievbe
Ihievbe is a town in Nigeria, Africa with a population of approximately 50,000 people. It is part of Edo State. The people of Ihievbe speak Owan as the native language, and English as the common language.[1] Ihievbe are Afemai people. As with the rest of Nigeria, there are two main religions, Christian and Muslim. The father of the house in Ihievbe is called ODAFEN. The descendant of ELE are the IVBIODAFEN(Son Of The Soil). The subsistence of the people from Ihievbe is mostly based on agriculture and animal husbandry.
Origin of Ihievbe
The common ancestor “OBOH” founded Ihievbe about 1473AD. He had Ojekpenkhare, Ojabor and Ikhuohie (an adopted son that was used as payment having treated someone of fracture). The letter was corrupted as Ekhueye. Ojekpenkhare who was the first son gave birth to ELE who is the founder of a place that was named after him but was wrongly identified as Iyaba. The word “Iyaba” is a misnomer as such a name is not traceable to any of Oboh’s descendants. From time immemorial towns or villages are usually named after the founder. Therefore, its origin is unknown as none of Oboh’s children including the grand, great grand and great great grandchildren bear the name. Ele gave birth to Ekhaigo, Agbede-bi Ujama alias Ekugbe and Ovongbuan. Ekhaigo gave birth to Aireme, Odubi and Urahin. Aireme gave birth to Oguerran alias Uhumuogua(M) and uwanrore(F) and while Oguerran gave birth to Okaigbuan, Uwanrore gave birth to OKHIAI for an Ora man through an illicit relationship. Okhiai is the father of Afonkhiai alias Ivbidegbe. Okhiai has four(4) children namely – Uwadia, Ifa, Airuwujuan, and Ore.
References
Okhia was a very dutiful daughter who could not get married outside the town as suitors from the norths that were in the town for trades and the Islamic propagation ask her hand in marriage. She later gave birth to the four aforemention i.e. Uwadia, Ifa, Airuwujuan, Ore. Because of the great duty Okhia to her father, her children were bestowed with the monarchy dynasty of the village, till date this tradition is keenly observed. The rulership is in order of seniority i.e. Uwadia's reigns when he dies Ifa reigns and when he dies Airuwujuan reign and when Airuwujuan dies Ore will reign, it goes round on rotation. No other quarter can wear the crown of kingship in Ihievbe outside these noble quarters.
Ihievbe is blest with large vast of land and solid minerals, a very hospitable place to live in, rich in culture and they teach great moral values into their children from childhood.
Iheivbe male youth within 20–23 years celebrates manhood festival called Ugogo every three years, this festival usher them into manhood stage where they can join in taking vital decision in the land.