Historic Portrait of a Titled Igbo Man from Ogwashi Ukwu, Enuani, Delta State in 1912

Historic Portrait of a Titled Igbo Man from Ogwashi Ukwu, Enuani, Delta State in 1912

This captivating image captures a titled Igbo man from Ogwashi Ukwu, Enuani in Delta State as documented by Northcote Thomas in 1912. The photograph has been colorized from its original black and white form to bring this historical moment to life in 2019 by Ụkpụrụ.

Ogwashi Ukwu, founded by Odaigbo from Agukwu Nri, is steeped in rich history. Odaigbo, also known as Odaba Igbo, crossed the Niger River alongside his brother Edini. Legend has it that Odaigbo and Edini escaped from Agukwu Nri due to unrest in the region. According to various accounts, they were entrusted with a sacred ritual pot that would guide them to a location for a new settlement.

The name Ogwashi Ukwu, sometimes spelled as Ogwa Nshi Ukwu, translates to ‘the great shrine-hall of Nshi (Nri) people.’ Furthermore, Edini went on to establish Igbuzo with fellow migrants from Isuama, situated in present-day Imo State. Umejei, a descendant of (nwa) Eze Isu, assumed leadership in Igbuzo.