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. The Olakpan chieftaincy is also called as Ejerelichichen-junior title. The Ejerelokhua chieftaincy title is senior to the Olukpan title. Any man who has taken the first part of the senior title is termed as “Orejere” “Lokhua”.5 This means the person (male) has been installed with the Ejerelokhua, senior title. During the installation ceremonies of Ejerelokhua title, the person to be initiated would provide to the Council of Elders and Chiefs, the following items: An amount of money higher to the one provided by an Olakpan installe.6
The last title in Iuleha clan is the Ugbefo chieftaincy title which is the highest chieftaincy title in Iuleha. Moreover, it is moniker, Ugbefo, which is Iuleha means “fight to fight”, but technically, it means round up”. Therefore, Ugbefo chieftaincy title is the highest or apex title in the entire Iuleha. Any person who wishes to attain the highest rank of chieftaincy title in Iuleha must have previously taken the ejerelokhua title which takes three days for the instalment of the chief after several ceremonies have been conducted after which the new chief (Ugbefo) alongside his relation and friends would dance round the village, on a thank-you tour to all the people for their support and contributions while the seven days of his initiation rites lasted7. Upon the completion of an Ugbefo title rites and ritual, the Ugbefo titled chief thus, by right has seven titles, out of which are, four Ejerelokhua senior titles and three Olakpan junior titles, which he can install on people8. Thus, the most senior Ugbefo titleholder in each of Iuleha, Aoma-Eruere villages automatically becomes the Village-Head. He summons the village egue or village council meeting aid presides at the meeting usually held in his house.9
In Iuleha clan, traditional rulers have to comport themselves I n such a way that they would be accorded the respect and dignity which their positions command. In their relationship with the political leaders and government, they should, at all times, regard themselves as partners whose objectives are to achieve peace and progress for the people. Traditional rulers are seen as impartial heads of their communities prepared to exchange ideas with individuals, irrespective of their political learnings. This is essential in issue that ensure stability and promote development.
