SUMMARY
This study has established that the pre- chieftaincy institution in pre-colonial Iuleha clan had an established pattern of traditional beliefs that is quite distinct form other clans in the Edo Kingdom.1 Iuleha which is one of the clans in Edo land has been in existence for a long time and thus, they had pre-existing political, social and economic systems. In pre-colonial times, luleha clan consisted of three sub-clans made up of several communities. Eruere sub-clan comprises Oshofo, Osi and Orala; Aoma sub-clan had Uzebba, Avbiosi, Ogbagun, Ukhuse-Osi, Ukhuse-Oke, Ohia, Ivbiuguru, and Okpuje sub-clan Oah, Ikpeyan, Iloje, Ivbiodehen, Ivbieleke and Avbiogola. These are still the existing communities. Agriculture has always been the mainstay of the people. They top the introduction of cocoa in the second half of the nineteenth century, agriculture was pursued through a complex highly integrated system, which was evident proof to thy active and industrious habits of the people.2
In the past, Edo people came to Owan land to confiscate the belongings of those who died childless. They claimed that this act was done on behalf of the Oba of Benin according to Benin custom. It became clear that the confiscated property was not even delivered to the Oba of Benin as claimed by the Benin extortioners. The Owan determined to stop the practice and this eventually resulted in the formation of the Ejere chieftaincy.3
There are three major chieftaincy association in Iuleha Clan which are the Olakpan chieftaincy title normally given to people outside the confines of Iuleha and some people, being the oldest in their villages and thus by right the custodian of Ukpe. Such elders, having gotten to such religious position, without a title would fit to handle such sacred traditional position4
