History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Nkporo Town in Abia State

 
Nkporo (also known as the ancient Okwe Kingdom) is a community located in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria, a region traditionally inhabited by Igbo-speaking people. The town falls under the jurisdiction of the Ohafia Local Government Area.

##Origins and Early Migration
Nkporo is recognized as one of the earliest settlements among the groups commonly classified by anthropologists and sociologists as Cross River Igbos. The migration and eventual establishment of the Nkporo people in their current location spanned nearly three centuries. Their forebears originally lived in an old Igbo settlement known as Ama Mpoto, situated in the region now known as Nkanal Ikot or Okoro Nkon Ikpe—areas currently part of Ibibio or Efik territory in modern-day Akwa Ibom State.

Ama Mpoto, meaning "square of Mpoto," was the first known settlement of the Nkporo ancestors. Their leader, Okwo Nkwoghoro, affectionately shortened to "Okwe," is a central figure in Nkporo’s foundation. Before relocating to Okpukpu-Iyi Aro, Okwo had a son named Iwowo (or "Iwo"), who later fathered Aja. The group eventually moved from Ama Mpoto to Okpukpu-Iyi Aro, thought to be in the vicinity of present-day Amuvi in Arochukwu.

Several factors contributed to this migration: rapid population growth, ongoing conflicts with the Ibibio led by their leader Afachima Achi, and the desire for a more fertile and resource-rich environment.

Iwowo was a tactful negotiator and maintained a peaceful alliance with the Ibibio king. However, after Iwo’s passing, his son Aja—a young, impulsive leader—took over. Unlike his father, Aja was more confrontational and less diplomatic, which strained the previously stable relationship with the Ibibio. The Nkporo people, known for their warrior spirit, clashed frequently with the Ibibio, ultimately prompting further migration from Okpukpu-Iyi Aro.

From there, they moved to Ugwu Iyi Ekirika, near what is now Nde Okpo in Ihechiowa. It’s believed that a branch of the Nkporo people remained behind in that area. Their journey continued through Ugwu Isiagha (between Ihechiowa and Nde Uduma Awoke), eventually leading to the founding of Udara Ebuo.

By this point, Aja had passed on, but his legacy as a fearless warrior-king left a deep impression. So formidable were his people in battle that the Ibibio nicknamed them "Nkporo," which in their language means "Buffalo"—a tribute to their strength and relentless nature in war. King Aja, known as Eze-Aja, and his people carried this name with pride.

In fact, the Ibibio leader once warned the Arochukwu king to maintain good ties with Eze-Aja, whom he described as the indomitable "Nkporo"—a wild force never to be provoked. This relationship laid the foundation for the enduring bond between Nkporo and Arochukwu. Over time, "Nkporo" and "Eze-Aja" became established titles. Today, the ruler of Nkporo is still referred to as the Eze-Aja of Nkporo.

##Location and Structure
Nkporo is one of three major clans in the Ohafia Local Government Area, alongside Abiriba and Ohafia. The town shares borders with Abiriba to the south, Item to the west, Akaeze and Oso-Edda to the north, Edda to the east, and Ohafia to the southeast.

The community is divided into three administrative or geopolitical zones:

Ndi Elu: comprising Etitiama and Amurie

Ndi Etiti: comprising Elughu, Obofia, and Ndi-Nko

Ndi Agbo: comprising Agbaja, Okwoko, and Ukwa


These zones make up the eight founding villages of Nkporo, listed alphabetically as follows:

Agbaja

Amurie

Elughu

Etitiama

Ndi-Nko

Obofia

Okwoko

Ukwa


##Prominent Figures from Nkporo

Arua Arunsi – First Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly (1992–1993), and former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.

Prof. Obasi Igwe – Renowned Political Scientist and author of Politics and Globe Dictionary and Nkporo: The History of an Igbo City-State from Antiquity to the Present (2007).

Ude Oko Chukwu – Former Deputy Governor of Abia State (2015–2023) and Speaker of the 5th Abia State House of Assembly.

K. O. K. Onyioha – Spiritual leader and founder of Godianism; author of African Godianism: A Revolutionary Religion for Mankind Through Direct Communication With God.

Nons Miraj – Popular Nollywood actress, skit maker, content creator, and social media influencer.