They maintained that they are a distinct ethnic group in Rivers State, South-South of Nigeria, and are by no means connected to the Igbos, who are located in the South-East geo-political zone of the country.

A prominent Ikwerre elder, Sir Mike Elechi, stated this at the launch of a book titled ‘Without Prejudice: An Exploration of Ikwerre History,’ written by the late Dick Azunda Hekerem Emejuru.

Represented by His Royal Highness Damian Ejiohuo, the Nye Nwe-Ali Ndele in Emohua Local Government Area of the state, Elechi, a member of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, who was the chairman of the occasion, said in his address that the Ikwerres have a migration history from the ancient Benin kingdom, adding, “At about 1438 AD, there was a revolution in the Benin kingdom, which led to the assassination of the heir apparent to the throne of the Oba of Benin.”

He added, “The revolution was premised on human sacrifice during a particular festival. Some princes – namely, Asava, Oniche, Akalaka and Owiri – spearheaded the revolution. All of the princes involved in the skirmish ran eastwards for safety with their families.

“Akalaka moved down with his family of two wives and children to Elele (Okani-eli). His first wife begat two sons – Ekpeye and Ogba – and the second wife begat Iwhurohna, Etche and Ngwa…The same incident that led to the Benin revolution reared its ugly head again at Elele. It was to your tents oh Israel. Ekpeye, led by his first son Ehuda, crossed the Sombriero River with Ogba, and the latter moved towards the Orashi area.