16/09/2025
The Oworo People – Aboriginals of Lokoja
The Oworo (Ọwọrọ) are the indigenous Yoruba people of Lokoja and the Niger-Benue confluence in present-day Kogi State, Nigeria. They are widely regarded as the original aborigines of Lokoja town.
Linguistically and culturally, the Oworo are sometimes grouped with the Okun people, alongside the Yagba, Owe, Bunu, Ikiri, Adde, and Gbedde subgroups, forming part of the Northeast Yoruba (NEY) cluster.
Origins and Legends
Oral traditions trace the Oworo origin to three brothers who left Ile-Ife to hunt around what is now Oworo land. Their fruitful expedition inspired the name “owo mi ro”, meaning “my hands are full of blessings.”
Another legend, Ako (“meeting”), suggests that people from multiple locations converged on the area, accommodating clans claiming diverse origins. Scholars like Ade Obayemi argue that the Okun people, including Oworo, are aboriginal to the Niger-Benue confluence, rather than migrants from Ile-Ife.
Early European observers, such as Temple O., referred to them as “Aworo.”
Language and Culture
The Oworo speak a Yoruba dialect, closely related to other Okun dialects. Mutual intelligibility allows them to communicate with neighboring Okun groups. In the eastern axis of their territory, many Oworo also speak Igbira Igu (Egbura).
Geography
Oworo land lies on the western bank of the River Niger, at the Niger-Benue confluence. It is bordered by:
North: Igbira Igu (Egbura)
Northwest: Kakanda
West: Abinu
South: Ebira land
The terrain is mountainous, with several communities on the Agbaja Plateau. Notable Oworo towns and villages include:
Agbaja, Jamata, Obajana, Tajimi, Emu, Jakura, Omuwa, Otada, Agbodo, Adamogu, Otuga, Gbonla-Odo, Aleke, Igaa, Ojigi, Owara Igaachi, Igbonla, Ogbabon, Gbande, Adogbe, Ijiho, Karara, Banda, Okonoke, Akpata, Oyo, Irimi, Gbaude, Iwaa, Osokosoko, Okomoba, Ogbongboro, Felele (the northern suburb of Lokoja town).
Source: Yoruba Nostalgia, Ilé-Ifẹ
