This basic qualitative study investigates the
origins and cultural identity of the Ogwashi-Uku people of Delta State,
Nigeria, paying particular attention to both Benin and Nri Igbo ancestral
influences. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and questionnaires
administered to elders and leaders from nine quarters of Ogwashi-Uku—namely
Ikelike, Umudei, Ogbe Ubu, Ogbe Aho, Agidiase, Agidiehe, Azungwu, Ogbe Umu
Okwuni, and Ogbe Ihago. Findings indicate that community members widely
acknowledge Benin ancestry, yet many also highlight Igbo connections,
reflecting a blended heritage. Preservation of this heritage occurs primarily
through oral storytelling and traditional festivals, which serve as conduits
for passing down genealogies, moral values, and historical narratives. However,
challenges such as the absence of formal history education and the
proliferation of conflicting narratives on social media threaten the accuracy
and continuity of intergenerational knowledge transfer. Elders and leaders
emphasize the importance of communal gatherings but note that young people may
rely on fragmented or misleading online sources without structured initiatives,
particularly in school curriculums or community-organized educational programs.
The study concludes that while the Ogwashi-Uku people possess robust systems of
oral transmission, modernization, urbanization, and digital misinformation
necessitate new strategies, including digital archives, local heritage
curricula, and concerted efforts on social media, to ensure that future
generations remain connected to Ogwashi-Uku’s rich and multifaceted identity.
