According to Bini and Itsekiri history, Ginuwa, a prince of Benin founded the Iwere (Warri) Kingdom about 1480. In the 15th century, Warri was visited by Portuguese missionaries. At the beginning of the 17th century, a son of the reigning Olu was sent to Portugal and returned with a Portuguese wife. Their son Antonio Domingo was Olu of Warri in the 1640s. Olu Erejuwa, who reigned from about 1720 to 1800, expanded Warri politically and commercially, using the Portuguese to further Warri's independence of Benin and to establish control over a wider area.
Dance is an important part of the culture of the Itsekiri people. Typically, dances are reserved to make life's major milestones. National dances are well known throughout Itsekiriland, though each village may have its own local dances. The most common national dances include: Omoko, Ukewa, Ogono and Jokotin.
ITSEKIRI WEDDINGS (TEMOTSI)
Learn more about the Itsekiri rite of marriage, Temotsi, and how it differs from other Nigerian ethnic groups.
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
The Itsekiri people live in the Kingdom of Warri which is located in the southwest region of Delta State in Nigeria.