ABSTRACT
This study has examined the intergroup relations between Okpella and her neighbour, Ososo. It discusses the geograhical location and historical origin of Okpella and Ososo, their political institutions, economic activities and social systems of the Okpella and Ososo people, as well as the nature of intergroup relations that exist between Okpella and Ososo.
Okpella is a clan in Afemai area of Edo state. It is situated in the northern part of the state and belongs to Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state. It is divided into two (2) sub – clans, each with their villages. It traces its descent to Bini. The word ‘Okpella’ means good aroma /scent or sweet smelling savour. Its migration and settlement account differ. Ikpomaza is said to be the progenitor of Okpella. It is popularly known for its large deposit of limestone. It is currently a hub of industrial activities as it houses the two giant cement factories, that is BUA cement factory and Dangote cement factory.
Ososo is one of the fifteen (15) clans that make up Akoko – Edo Local Government Area of Edo state. It equally traces its ancestral home to the present day Benin and situated in Edo North. It is an immediate neighbour to Okpella as it shares border with it to the East. The Ososo people amongst other communities in Edo state is popularly known for her unique annual carnival and its natural beautiful topography. It is majorly divided into four (4) clans. The word ‘Ososo’ means to take someone or a pet along while going somewhere.
The Okpella and Ososo people are said to have a friendly relation toward one another which is portrayed majorly in their economic and social relations. History has it recorded that the Okpella people earlier settled jointly with the Igbirra [Ebira] people at Ososo. The Nupe attack\raid divided them in the early nineteenth century.This historical account demonstrates the reason for the geographical proximity of the Okpella ,the Igbirra and the Ososo people till date.
It is necessary to note that the origin of both communities are traced to Benin.It has been agreed that their migration was due to the high-handedness, tyranny and oppression of the Oba called the reign of terror. It can be deduced that the Ososo by virtue of same ancestral lineage [Benin] must have had some form of relations with the Okpella people in one way or the other in earliest times. This is likely to have affected their language as both of them belong to the Edo – speaking group.
