INTRA GROUP RELATIONS AMONGST ESAN PEOPLES IN THE PRECOLONIAL ERA: UROMI AND IRRUA AS CASE STUDY

ABSTRACT

This study examines the historical origin of the Uromi people in Pre-colonial Nigeria, focusing on their social, economic, and political organization. The Esan people, a sub-group of Edo-speaking people, migrated directly and indirectly from Benin. Uromi, located in North Eastern Esanland, is the largest and most populated area in the region. The early settlers formed a loose-knit community focused on farming and hunting, with associations based on kinship and occupation. The Uromi people's origin is interwoven with other Esan people, with the region being bordered by Benin City, Agbor, Etsako, and River Niger.