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ABSTRACT
We examine the geographical location of the Niger Delta region, their humidity, topography and adapted way of life. We looked at how their present environment influenced their way of life and occupation. We also looked at the European intervention in the lower Niger region and how they used trade to get the attention of the people which later metamorphosed into administrative structure and trade policies. And how their interaction influenced the socio-cultural and economic lifestyle of these people. In Chapter two, we looked at the various traditions and origin of both groups. The Itsekiri tradition of origin is partly based on legend and migration theory. Also, those of the Urhobo were basically centered around migration theories as there were hardly existences of legend on their historical origin. Furthermore, the absence of written history due to lack of writing makes it difficult to properly verify the various theories of migration. More so, chapter two also looked at the geographical location of Urhobo and Itsekiri, the Urhobo lived in the hinterland, while the Itsekiri’s are coastal dwellers and this influenced their history; and served as a determinant for the type of economic system they later evolved into. We also looked at the political organization of Urhobo and Itsekiri tribe. Politically, the former (Urhobo) did not have a unified system as the twenty-two clans present in Urhobo lands had different system of administrations which can be identified thus; gerontocracy, plutocracy and republicanism; generally, the Urhobo society was more of an egalitarian society apart from few clans which practiced primogenitures that is, monarchical system of government; there is no record of political inter-relation in the period under consideration, but one thing was common between both groups; they had political relation with Benin. While (Ovie) king on Urhobo clan went to Benin for invent and recognition; the Itsekiri got their monarch from Benin who after him; his children continued the lineage, and there was scarcely any record of war between both groups; It therefore meant that both groups respected each other’s sovereignty although they were geographically neighbors.
