OPOBO, RIVERS STATE || NIGERIA.
King Jaja ,the EZE (Amanyanabo) of Opobo with his traditional Elephant Tusk. – OTULAKA
■ OPOBO KINGDOM (Rivers state).
The Kingdom was founded in 1870 by King Jaja,Born in Umuduruoha Amaigbo in Igboland.The natives of Opobo has since retained their Igbo language and ancestral connection to Amaigbo.
In Opobo/Nkoro LGA, two languages are spoken. Nkoro people speak defaka(an ijoid language) while Opobo speak Igbo languagewhich is widely spoken. Some Nkoro people understand and speak Igbo as well.
Dogs are not allowed in opobo .For instance, while in many communities across Nigeria, the presence of dogs is a common feature; in Opobo, such is forbidden. The tradition, which has its roots in ancient times,
■ NWAOTAM FESTIVAL IN OPOBO, RIVERS STATE ■■ as seen in the video
Otam is the god protective of all that is of good in the forest. Otam is also associated with finding pathways for hunters lost in the forest. Nwaotam means child (masquerade) of Otam
In Opobo, Nwaotam was introduced and modified to fulfill the function of Otam. To fill the gap of needing protection, blessing and cravity for all hunters. As a god of the forest, it predicts the fate of the people and carries the prediction with blessings to the people in town.
The Origin of Nwaotam Masquerade in Opobo Kingdom is traced to Ndoki people of South-east Nigeria, present day Abia State.
Every year Sons and Daughter of Opobo, return home to celebrate the Nwaotam Dance Drama Festival, which lasts from the last week of December into the new year.
