₦airaland Forum

SQLmastar:
The Ikwerres are one of the confused set of ethnic groups in Nigeria.
They bear Igbo names, speak an Igbo dialect, celebrate Igbo festivals...yet they claim their ancestry is from the bini kingdom.

How delusional can that be?

No, Ikwerre people are not confused; such occurrences are simply a result of history. Migration often leads some tribes to abandon their original identities and adopt those of their hosts. For example, in Kogi State, Oworo people—who are ethnically Yoruba—can now be found in places like Karara, yet they no longer speak their ancestral language. Instead, they speak Igbira Koto and frequently intermarry with them. If these Oworo were to migrate elsewhere and maintain their self-identification as Oworo, others—like Igbira Koto—might claim them as kin, even though historically, they are distinct.

Another instance is the Benu people in Niger State. They officially identify as Nupe, having migrated from Borno State and lost their original language over time. Though Nupe people accept them as part of their group, everyone knows their historical roots lie elsewhere.

Rumors about tribal identity often contain an element of truth. For example, the Ikwerre people have been said not to be Igbo. There may be truth in such claims: some historians and oral traditions trace Ikwerre ancestry back to migrations from the ancient Benin Kingdom rather than Igbo land, even though cultural proximity and shared boundaries with the Igbo exist. Language alone is never a perfect indicator of origin; Oworo and Benu cases show how identity can transform after migration. Similarly, if Ikwerre people’s origins seem unclear to you, respecting their own narrative and chosen identity is essential.

Ultimately, Ikwerre are Ikwerre—not Igbo—even if they share some historical connections or were settled near the Igbo. The key is recognizing that historic migrations, intermarriage, and language change don’t override people’s chosen self-identification. If a group’s ancestry includes both maternal Igbo and paternal Benin roots, adopting the maternal language doesn’t necessarily make them Igbos; identity is more complex than language alone.


Peace!

SmartPolician:
Benin may be tiny, but many tribes migrated from there. I don't know about the Ikwerres, but I learnt that the earliest Onitsha people migrated from Bini too. That's why Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe wears Benin regalia during the Ofala Festival.

ikwerre is times 5 of Benin, can anti give birth to elephant, Benin empire is multi ethnic empire not only Benin , Igbo influenced was much on Benin empire until dispute which lead to reverse migration by Igbo letting the Benin hand the throne, the native speakers of Benin today is not up to 300k or to tell you , most of Benin history are distorted and made up

koning:
Just imagine how the changed "ONYENWEALI" by casting the "O" and "N" away. All in an attempt to jettison their core Igbo origins.

There Igbo ancestors must have been really pissed off. Very funny

uncle that is dialect, Igbo dialect, it's like that in Ebonyi Ezza language too, ifunanya as iwulenya, chukwu as chiufu, ihe as ihwe etc

Holyfic:
Y Dem dress like bini people, do they share the same historical cultural heritage

People wa no sabi their origin

ediko5:
OP be specific, Elele Alimini which is the one you posted here is located in Emuoha local government. The main Elele is in Ikwerre local government.

You didn't read well. The Ikwerre language in the signboard reads both Eleles, Alimini and Okinali

Almunjid:
No, Ikwerre people are not confused; such occurrences are simply a result of history. Migration often leads some tribes to abandon their original identities and adopt those of their hosts. For example, in Kogi State, Oworo people—who are ethnically Yoruba—can now be found in places like Karara, yet they no longer speak their ancestral language. Instead, they speak Igbira Koto and frequently intermarry with them. If these Oworo were to migrate elsewhere and maintain their self-identification as Oworo, others—like Igbira Koto—might claim them as kin, even though historically, they are distinct.

Another instance is the Benu people in Niger State. They officially identify as Nupe, having migrated from Borno State and lost their original language over time. Though Nupe people accept them as part of their group, everyone knows their historical roots lie elsewhere.

Rumors about tribal identity often contain an element of truth. For example, the Ikwerre people have been said not to be Igbo. There may be truth in such claims: some historians and oral traditions trace Ikwerre ancestry back to migrations from the ancient Benin Kingdom rather than Igbo land, even though cultural proximity and shared boundaries with the Igbo exist. Language alone is never a perfect indicator of origin; Oworo and Benu cases show how identity can transform after migration. Similarly, if Ikwerre people’s origins seem unclear to you, respecting their own narrative and chosen identity is essential.

Ultimately, Ikwerre are Ikwerre—not Igbo—even if they share some historical connections or were settled near the Igbo. The key is recognizing that historic migrations, intermarriage, and language change don’t override people’s chosen self-identification. If a group’s ancestry includes both maternal Igbo and paternal Benin roots, adopting the maternal language doesn’t necessarily make them Igbos; identity is more complex than language alone.


Peace!

Migrant can't be a custodian of central diety of a tribe, isiokpo in ikwerre land and eche the same is the custodian of Igbo central diety called Amadioha, not all ikwerre history traced them to Benin.
The means of identification of people are through culture and language and ikwerre proved beyond doubt they are aboriginal, there is no history that traced ikwerre to have migrated rather they are aboriginal Igbo settlers, confirmed by Benin oba in his book I remain your humble servant, those examples u give, their identity is still very clear, if ikwerre learnt Igbo as a language the shld be speak very the same language with their closest neighbour or have Benin words infiltrated or adulterated the learnt language

Checkwell:
Maybe those in the Edo state atire in the picture are confused about their state of origin.

Try dey ask Google questions to avoid sounding like this all the time....
U get phone... Before u post comment, try ask your phone questions

Ara21:
Look very well, them just wear white and red. Just the colour that is similar.

What about the ada and eben printed on the cloth or u don't know that's the symbol of royalty in the Benin kingdom?

Osariemen12:
God bless them and their land. The use of ada speaks volumes in their efforts to identify with my people - Bini. However, my research and interactions with elders here in Edo does not support their claim of being Bini descendants. That of Onitsha people is verifiable in our history. Ikwerre? Hell no. Anyway, there may be an iota of fact in their claim that no one is aware of.

God bless Bini kingdom.

Don't pretent like you're from Edo....

If you are... U would have heard the story or myth of akalaka and u won't say this funny thing you just said....

Holyfic:
Y Dem dress like bini people, do they share the same historical cultural heritage

una no dey tire...no be Nigeria ikwerre dey. Dont you think the various ethnic groups will share some similarities.

SQLmastar:
The Ikwerres are one of the confused set of ethnic groups in Nigeria.
They bear Igbo names, speak an Igbo dialect, celebrate Igbo festivals...yet they claim their ancestry is from the bini kingdom.

How delusional can that be?

U bear English names... Speak English, dress with English clothes, eat English food... Use their technology.... Does it make you English??
Maybe it's you that's confused....

Marriage, migration, business, war and other factors can integrate people over time to begin to bear similar names and culture but does not make them one people...

There are French speaking people in Canada... Does it mean they are from France

What about Brazil and Spain that understand each other when speaking... Does it make them the same people??

If them say them no be part of una... U guys should stop crying already....

Focus on those who want to be part of you and allow others be themselves...

Let them be ikwerre people...

There should be nothing like... They are Benin or igbo people...

Just allow them to exist as ikwerre people!!!

SQLmastar:
The Ikwerres are one of the confused set of ethnic groups in Nigeria.
They bear Igbo names, speak an Igbo dialect, celebrate Igbo festivals...yet they claim their ancestry is from the bini kingdom.

How delusional can that be?

what if Igbos come from ikwerre people? Have you thought about that...Are portuguese people and spanish people same ethnic ? Yet they share almost similar language and culture.

Osariemen12
God bless them and their land. The use of ada speaks volumes in their efforts to identify with my people - Bini. However, my research and interactions with elders here in Edo does not support their claim of being Bini descendants. That of Onitsha people is verifiable in our history. Ikwerre? Hell no. Anyway, there may be an iota of fact in their claim that no one is aware of.

God bless Bini kingdom.


Lol point of correction, the people of onicha didn’t migrate from bini. Go and verify properly. They were igbo that lived in bini but left after bini people started mistreating them just like Igbos are been mistreated in lagos now.
The onicha people are descendants of Eze Chime which is not a bini name.

I see alot of igbo people asking silly questions about the history of the ikwerre people... Saying they are igbos...
Why are these set of people so particular about claiming the existence of others.....
If they say they are not part of you... Allow them be....

Allow them to exist as ikwerre people...

Not igbo..
Not Benin
Not yoruba...
Just allow them be ikwerre people...

U speak similar language, bear similar names... And so bloody what??

Some of you folks bear English names... Are you from England?

We are all communicating in English.... Are we from England?? °

We wear English clothes... Does it make us English people

Some of us even eat English food... Does it make us English??

Several factors can make people have a similar way of life....

Rivers share a boundary with south eastern states.... That could explain why some of them share similar names....this could have been possible through inter marriage, migration from one point to the other amongst other things...
Even the civil war sef... Fit force some men from South East enter ikwerre land, marry their women who adopt their names... Does it make them ikwerre people or does it make the ikwerre people become igbos??

Make una stop all these things...

Una just dey make people detest the igbo tribe every day...

Allow the ikwerre people to be ikwerre people...

They are not igbo people...

They are not Benin people...
They are not hausa people...

They are ikwerre people

Dalohad:
Wike speaks pure Igbo in his house, I can assure you. He is only deciding Bulaburudeens.

During one of his interviews on Channels TV, while trying to convince Seun on an argument he said 'Chere' which means 'Wait' in Igbo,he suddenly caught himself and then continued with 'Wait.. wait...wait'.

Only people with sharp ears like us heard it.

The guy is playing politics with his ethnicity and language, so that he can be in the good books of the APC gbamurudeens, many of whom are rabidly anti-Ibo..

As u Don has English type so.... U be English man abi??

If not.... Someone speaking a similar language to yours doesn't make him a part of you...

Canadians dey speak French but they remain Canadians and not French...

Allow people be who they want to be

Dennisochampa
Try dey ask Google questions to avoid sounding like this all the time....
U get phone... Before u post comment, try ask your phone questions



Ask Google for the meaning of Akalaka.

Emnyte:
Ikwerre are pure Igbos as far as I am concerned. They are even more igbo than Ebonyi

is it by force to be Igbo? We are not Igbo and will never be Igbo...

Holyfic:
Y Dem dress like bini people, do they share the same historical cultural heritage

Yes

Ara21:
Look very well, them just wear white and red. Just the colour that is similar.

Talk about what you know and stop running your mouth. Cant you see the Ada and Eben on it? Along with Isiokpo folks, they migrated from Benin empire. At least, part of them

Osariemen12:
God bless them and their land. The use of ada speaks volumes in their efforts to identify with my people - Bini. However, my research and interactions with elders here in Edo does not support their claim of being Bini descendants. That of Onitsha people is verifiable in our history. Ikwerre? Hell no. Anyway, there may be an iota of fact in their claim that no one is aware of.

God bless Bini kingdom.

Isiokpo people, who are Ikwerre also have Benin ancestors. It's in their history. Go and improve on your research.

SmartPolician:
Benin may be tiny, but many tribes migrated from there. I don't know about the Ikwerres, but I learnt that the earliest Onitsha people migrated from Bini too. That's why Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe wears Benin regalia during the Ofala Festival.

Migrated From Bini but don't answer Bini name or speak any words similar to binis

Emnyte:
Ikwerre are pure Igbos as far as I am concerned. They are even more igbo than Ebonyi

are you insinuating Ebonyi people are less Igbos?

You learnt...go learn well

SmartPolician:
Benin may be tiny, but many tribes migrated from there. I don't know about the Ikwerres, but I learnt that the earliest Onitsha people migrated from Bini too. That's why Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe wears Benin regalia during the Ofala Festival.

IkeIgboNiile:
Dennisochampa
Try dey ask Google questions to avoid sounding like this all the time....
U get phone... Before u post comment, try ask your phone questions



Ask Google for the meaning of Akalaka.

Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Hope you don see werin akalaka mean for Edo language

All of a sudden, my inlaws from Etche are not Igbos.
This is the gospel according to the South West APCs Internet ro-de-nts.
Etxhe is not igbos but Aworis and Eguns ate Yoruba!
I dey hear una..

joeyswift:
A lot of tribes originated from the great benin kingdom. See their attire

Bro itbis just anti igbo politics. Check their attire from even colonial times, there was nothing Bini in it. It is post civil war politics and now evolved into anti igbo politics.

Almunjid:
No, Ikwerre people are not confused; such occurrences are simply a result of history. Migration often leads some tribes to abandon their original identities and adopt those of their hosts. For example, in Kogi State, Oworo people—who are ethnically Yoruba—can now be found in places like Karara, yet they no longer speak their ancestral language. Instead, they speak Igbira Koto and frequently intermarry with them. If these Oworo were to migrate elsewhere and maintain their self-identification as Oworo, others—like Igbira Koto—might claim them as kin, even though historically, they are distinct.

Another instance is the Benu people in Niger State. They officially identify as Nupe, having migrated from Borno State and lost their original language over time. Though Nupe people accept them as part of their group, everyone knows their historical roots lie elsewhere.

Rumors about tribal identity often contain an element of truth. For example, the Ikwerre people have been said not to be Igbo. There may be truth in such claims: some historians and oral traditions trace Ikwerre ancestry back to migrations from the ancient Benin Kingdom rather than Igbo land, even though cultural proximity and shared boundaries with the Igbo exist. Language alone is never a perfect indicator of origin; Oworo and Benu cases show how identity can transform after migration. Similarly, if Ikwerre people’s origins seem unclear to you, respecting their own narrative and chosen identity is essential.

Ultimately, Ikwerre are Ikwerre—not Igbo—even if they share some historical connections or were settled near the Igbo. The key is recognizing that historic migrations, intermarriage, and language change don’t override people’s chosen self-identification. If a group’s ancestry includes both maternal Igbo and paternal Benin roots, adopting the maternal language doesn’t necessarily make them Igbos; identity is more complex than language alone.


Peace!

Bro you have a point in what you said about Nupe, but you see Ikwerre that one no follow. All this started after the civil war and now it came to a head because of anti igbo politics. Ikwerre people are pure confirmed igbos. Go to a typical ikwerre village the customs, traditions and behavior is the same with an igbo hinterland village.

Ebubu:
are you insinuating Ebonyi people are less Igbos?

Don't be mischievous i know the agenda you want to pull he never implied that.

SoliBayNG:
Isiokpo people, who are Ikwerre also have Benin ancestors. It's in their history. Go and improve on your research.

Bros they don't all this one na post civil war politics.