INTER-GROUP RELATIONS BETWEEN AGBOR AND HER NEIGHBOURS

ABSTRACT

The focus of this research has been on the study of intergroup relations between Agbor and her Neighbours in Umunede, Abavo, Igbanke, Oza (Oza Nogogo) and Owa in time perspectives and it has been evident that there was a great deal of interaction basically as a result of their political, social, and economic contacts. this research has 90 demonstrated that in the pre-colonial era, the relationship between Agbor and her Neighbours were at some point cordial and also at another time hostile. Invariably, most often than not, there was a peaceful relationship because the communities who have their origins traced to the great Benin Kingdom and/or the Igbos (Nri), have similar political institutions as well as a common economic and socio-cultural structures. However, on many occasions the reverse was the case. For example, between indigenes of Agbor and Oza-Nogogo issues which included; boundary and territorial encroachment, denial in the interaction between Agbor and Oza-Nogogo existed. For a very long period, Agbor and Oza-Nogogo did not relate well and it affected their economic and social contacts. However, there were measures that were taken which enthroned peaceful and harmonious relationship between them which has endured from that period till the present time. The Oba of Benin sent his representatives to Oza to dissolve the issues an oath was taken between the Ogisi of Oza and the Obi of Agbor that they would never go into war. To further seal the agreement, the Oba of Benin, who advised that the Obi of Agbor should make some sacrifices in the Ohen-Osa shrine in Oza-Nogogo to appease the Iyanor god of which both communities worship together to seek for forgiveness.