Kemdikbud International
Home Public Figure Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Isoko People You Should Know

Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Isoko People You Should Know

By - December 30, 2023, 10:25 pm

Isoko is an ethnic group in Nigeria, mainly located in the Delta State. Over the years, various individuals from Isoko ethnicity have gained popularity in different fields, including music, acting, and politics. Here are ten notable celebrities and notable people from the Isoko ethnic group:

  • 1. Sam Obi: Sam Obi is a renowned politician and former Deputy Governor of Delta State.
  • 2. Okiemute Ighorodje: Okiemute Ighorodje, popularly known as Okiemute, is a talented singer and the winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2016.
  • 3. Efe Ejeba: Efe Ejeba, widely known as Efe, rose to fame after winning the Big Brother Naija reality show in 2017. He is also a rapper and songwriter.
  • 4. Funke Akindele-Bello: Funke Akindele-Bello, born Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde, is a renowned Nollywood actress, producer, and entrepreneur. She is best known for her role in the hit sitcom “Jenifa’s Diary”.
  • 5. Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli: Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli is a well-known flutist, composer, and conductor. He has played alongside music legends like Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder, and Hugh Masekela.
  • 6. I Go Dye: I Go Dye, whose real name is Francis Agoda, is a popular Nigerian comedian and philanthropist. He has received several awards for his exceptional talent in comedy.
  • 7. Joke Silva: Joke Silva, born Ajoke Oluwatoyin Silva, is a veteran Nollywood actress, director, and businesswoman. She is known for her outstanding performances in various Nigerian movies.
  • 8. Steve Ayorinde: Steve Ayorinde is a renowned journalist, author, and public relations expert. He has held crucial positions in the Nigerian media industry and served as the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Lagos State.
  • 9. Victor Uwaifo: Victor Uwaifo is a legendary Nigerian musician, songwriter, and sculptor. His unique blend of highlife, rock, and funk music has garnered international recognition.
  • 10. Sam Dede: Sam Dede is an actor, director, and academician. He has appeared in numerous Nollywood movies and is known for his exceptional portrayal of characters.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the talent and creativity of the Isoko ethnic group. Their achievements not only bring pride to their community but also serve as inspiration for many aspiring individuals.

Delta State is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Named after the Niger Delta—a large part of which is in the state—the state was formed from the former Bendel State on August 27, 1991. Bordered on the north by Edo State, the east by Anambra and Rivers States, and the south by Bayelsa State across the Niger River for 17 km and the Forçados River for 198 km, while to the west is the Bight of Benin which covers about 160 kilometres of the state's coastline. The State was initially created with 12 local government areas in 1991 which was later extended to 19 and now has 25 local government areas. Asaba as its state capital is located along the River Niger on the northeastern end of the State, while the state's economic centre is the twin cities of Warri and Uvwie.Of the 36 states, Delta is the 23rd largest in area and twelfth most populous with an estimated population of over 5.6 million as of 2016. Geographically, the state is divided between the Central African mangroves in the coastal southwest and the Nigerian lowland forests in most of the rest of the state as a small portion of the Niger Delta swamp forests are in the far south. The other important geographical features are the River Niger and its distributary, the Forçados River, which flow along Delta's eastern and southern borders, respectively; while fellow Niger distributary, the Escravos River, runs through Warri and the coastal areas are riddled with dozens of smaller Niger distributaries that make up much of the western Niger Delta. Much of the state's nature contain threatened dwarf crocodile, Grey parrot, African fish eagle, mona monkey, and African manatee populations along with potentially extirpated populations of African leopard and Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. Offshore, the state is also biodiverse as there are populations of Lesser African threadfin, crabs, and blue mussel along with various cetacean species.Delta State is made up of different ethnic groups, including the Urhobo people occupying the delta central senatorial district; Ika and Aniocha-Oshimili-Ukwuani (Igbo) occupying the delta north senatorial district; the isokos,Ijaws, Itsekiris and parts of Urhobos occupying the delta south senatorial district. Also other minor tribes which includes; the Olukumi, Igalas; found in the delta north region, that have been quite assimilated by the larger Igbo group. In the pre-colonial period, now-Delta State was divided into various monarchial states like the Kingdom of Warri and Agbor Kingdom before the area became a part of the British Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1884. In the early 1900s, the British incorporated the protectorate (now renamed the Niger Coast Protectorate) into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate which later amalgamated into British Nigeria. However, colonial forces did not gain permanent control of modern-day Delta State until the 1910s, due to the uprisings of the Ekumeku Movement. Notably, Delta has one of the few parts of now-Nigeria to have been under French control as the UK leased the enclave of Forcados to France from 1903 to 1930. After independence in 1960, the area of now-Delta was a part of the post-independence Western Region until 1963 when the region was split and the area became part of the Mid-Western Region. In 1967, the Igbo-majority of former Eastern Region attempted to secede as the state of Biafra and invaded the Mid-Western Region in an attempt to capture Lagos and end the war quickly; Biafran forces were halted and eventually pushed back but briefly declared the captured Mid-Western Region (including now-Delta State) as the Republic of Benin. During the occupation there were widespread hostilities between the Biafran forces and the mainly non-Igbo inhabitants of now-Delta State. Upon the liberation of the Mid-West, Nigerian forces committed the Asaba massacre against ethnic Igbos in Asaba. At the war's end and the reunification of Nigeria, the Mid-Western Region was reformed until 1976 when it was renamed Bendel State. In 1991, Bendel State was split with the north becoming Edo State and the south becoming Delta State.Economically, Delta State is based around the production of crude oil and natural gas as one of the main oil-producing states in the country. Key minor industries involve agriculture as the state has substantial oil palm, yam, and cassava crops along with fishing and heliciculture. In large part due to its vast oil revenues, Delta has the fourth highest Human Development Index in the country; however, disputes between oil companies and local communities along with years of systemic corruption have led to hostilities that are often tied to the lack of development in host communities.

Most Famous Isoko People

Isoko’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Isoko community is a distinct ethnic group found in the southern part of Nigeria. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, which has been passed down through generations. Within this heritage are several historical inheritances that have shaped the identity of the Isoko people. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Isoko heritage.

1. Oral Tradition

The Isoko people have a strong oral tradition that plays a vital role in preserving their history and culture. Through storytelling, proverbs, and folktales, important information about the past is passed down from one generation to another. This oral tradition not only keeps the Isoko history alive but also serves as a means of education and entertainment for the community.

2. Traditional Religion

Another significant historical inheritance of the Isoko community is their traditional religion. Although many Isoko people have embraced Christianity or Islam, traditional religious practices and beliefs are still prevalent in the community. The Isoko traditional religion revolves around worshiping deities and spirits believed to have influence over various aspects of life, such as fertility, rain, and harvest. This religious inheritance is closely tied to the Isoko culture and is an essential part of their identity.

3. Cultural Festivals

The Isoko community is known for its vibrant and colorful cultural festivals. These festivals, which are held at various times throughout the year, celebrate different aspects of the Isoko heritage. One of the most popular festivals is the Ese/Agoghoro festival, which takes place in the month of August. This festival is marked by feasting, music, dance, and traditional performances, all aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Isoko people.

The historical inheritances associated with the Isoko heritage have played a significant role in shaping the identity and cultural practices of the community. With their strong oral tradition, traditional religious beliefs, and vibrant cultural festivals, the Isoko people continue to preserve and celebrate their unique heritage.

  • Oral Tradition
  • Traditional Religion
  • Cultural Festivals

Factsheet About Isoko People

Fact Information
Ethnic Group Isoko
Region Delta State, Nigeria
Population Approximately 1 million
Language Isoko
Main Occupation Farming, Fishing, Trading
Religion Mainly Christianity and Traditional beliefs
Subdivisions Isoko North, Isoko South, and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas
Neighboring Ethnic Groups Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Ndokwa
Isoko people are an ethnolinguistic group who inhabit the Isoko region of Delta State and Bayelsa State, Nigeria. They are people of southern Nigeria, near the northwestern Niger delta. Delta State and Bayelsa State are part of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Isokos speak the Isoko language, a language of the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family which is also very linguistically similar to the Urhobo language, Epie-Atissa language, Engenni language. James W. Welch asserted that Isoko language is a dialect of Urhobo language, and many people share that opinion. The Isoko culture is related to several cultures in the Niger-Delta - namely, Urhobo, Ijaw and Anioma.[1] Urhobo are related in language and culture, leading to the invaders erroneously labelling the Urhobo and Isoko cultural groups as Sobo. This name was strongly rejected by both tribes.The Isoko ethnic group consist of nineteen clans namely: Uzere, Ozoro, Erowha, Owhe, Iyede, Okpe, Emede, Igbide, Emevor, Ofagbe, Ellu, Oyede, Umeh, Irri, Aviara, Olomoro, Enwhe, Okpolo and Oleh.

The Ancient Heritage of Isoko Ethnic Groups

References to the Isoko Ethnic Group

The Isoko ethnic group is an indigenous ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily found in the southern part of the country. They are part of the larger Urhobo-Isoko group which is one of the 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria. To dig deeper into the Isoko ethnic group, here are some references and resources worth exploring:

  • Books:

    • “The Isoko People: History and Culture” by Eseoghene Emuke
    • “The Isoko Nation: Historical Development and Factors of Cohesion” by Peter Eku Chukwudi
    • “Isoko Traditional Religion” by Benjamin Zor, E. Rev. Dr. Taryor, and Mrs. Asagba Evonic Chukwurah
  • Websites:

  • Academic Papers:

    • “Isoko Folklore: As a Veritable Tool for Educational and Values Reorientation among Youths in Nigeria” by Ajodo-Adebanjo Oluwafolasade
    • “The Study of the Isoko Traditional Marriage Ceremony” by Izobo-Martins Omonigho
    • “The Isoko of Nigeria: History, Culture, and Religion” by Samuel Sunday Uhunmwuangho and Christina Agharita Ighavware
  • Museums and Cultural Centers:

    • Isoko National Museum – Oleh, Delta State, Nigeria

These references and resources can provide a deeper understanding of the Isoko ethnic group, their history, culture, language, traditions, and more. Whether you are a researcher, student, or simply interested in learning about different Nigerian ethnic groups, exploring these sources will offer valuable insights.

Explore other famous people with Chutiya, Flemings and Hungarians roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Delving into the lives of notable figures from various ethnic backgrounds associated with these Isoko roots reveals the intricate web of connections between global cultures and their significant contributions to the world.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.

Famous peopleIsoko
Comment
Share:
Next

Prev

Artikel Terkait

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad

Don't show again Yes, I would!