The Ogba ethnic nationality says it is affiliated with the ancient Benin Kingdom and not the Igbo ethnic nationality, warning the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to desist from claiming that the Ogba people are Igbos.

An indigene of Ahoada in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Kingsley Olowu told Kristina Reports in a telephone interview that “Iwuanyanwu doesn’t have his facts correct”.

“The Ogbas are not Igbos. That some of us are bearing Igbo names does not make us Igbos. Although, the Bonny man does not bear Igbo names but speaks a kind of Igbo, does that make him Igbo?”

He stated that the sharing of certain traditions and names even in these contemporary times gives credence to the ancient affinity between the Benin and Ogba peoples.

“We still have some of our Benin traditions and names, like the Oba Odudu of Ogba Land. It is well known that the Oba of Benin cannot sleep outside his Kingdom but he can sleep in Ogba Land because it is a part of his Kingdom.”

“Several Benin nomenclatures, though going into extinction, are still there like that of Olowu, Iyasara, Iyieke, etc.”

In a recent revelation, some historical records of the Ogba people weighed in on the Ohaneze Ndigbo President’s assertions which sparked widespread debate, repudiating them as incorrect.

Iwuanyanwu, who is also regarded as the Eze Ndi Igbo Gburugburu, had stated in April 2024 that the Ogba people of Rivers State are part of the Igbo ethnic group, igniting a firestorm of opinions.

His declaration has prompted both support and criticism, with debates swirling around the historical and geographical realities of the Ogba community.

Historical accounts, such as Ferdinand J. Ellah’s “Ali Ogba, History of Ogba People,” shed light on the cultural and geographical intricacies of the region, emphasizing its distinct identity separate and away from the Igbo.

Geographically situated in the Niger flood plain and bordered by various neighboring communities, the Ogba Kingdom’s rich heritage is underscored by its vital role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

While some Ogba leaders challenge the classification under the Igbo ethnic group, others advocate for respecting the self-determination of indigenous communities, adding layers to the ongoing discourse.

As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue, the question of Ogba’s ethnic affiliation remains complex, shaped by historical, geographical, and cultural factors.

What is certainly obvious, however, is that, according to the Ogba people and their well-documented history, they share no historical affinity with the Igbo.