Okuku Udo was from Ukana clan of the Anang tribe in Ikot Ekpene. He was born to Udo Uyo Ntuen and Akpabio Essien Ita. At a very young age his father died, thus leaving him in the care of hist elder brother who couldn’t take care of him. His mother tried as much as she could to take care of them but unfortunately, she could not and so she had to remarry. She got pregnant and gave birth to a set of twins which was forbidden as at that time, the children were considered unnatural and the mother who gave them life was seen as unclean. She was banished and had to leave Udo Akpabio in the care of his brother who couldn’t take care of him.
Okuku Udo had to strive for himself, working odd jobs and this formed him into the man he became. He saved up, got a piece of land, and planted, he sold his produce and got more money to expand. Then he bought fowls and a cow. As the years grew, he started selling cloths; this business took him across villages that helped him to create friendship. Those days one had to be well armed to move from one village to another and so he had knives and guns for protection and his friends from these villages.
History describes Okuku Udo as a six feet tall man with big body built and a sharp mind; this you will see in pictures and the statue that sits in his compound till today. While growing up, he was taught to not eat or drink carelessly with people and this saved him a lot during his years, therefore he never drank water or wine from a cup to the last drop as he believed that if the liquid was poisoned then the substance will settle at the bottom of the cup. Also, the people of Ukana do not eat snakes or rats if not, their bodies will swell from feet to head, and this leads to a terrible death.
After years of working hard, he finally had enough money to buy back the lands which belonged to his father and had been sold at the time of his father’s death. His people began to respect and recognize him for his wealth and wisdom which he acquired during his travels.
His elder brother introduced him into the government of his people, he took him to village council, and this is where he contacted other Ukana chiefs. These men were thrilled by Okuku Udo’s stories of his travels; there were times when his brother had to let him represent him at these meetings and important matters in their clan. He was fearless in giving judgment and with time he became a chief and took over his father’s position. His people loved him and his drive to perpetuate justice in their community and so he was elected to represent his town as a warrant chief.
One time he was shot in the thigh and after many efforts to get it out failed he let it be, in fact he even considered himself to have more bones than his fellow humans.
War began to boil when rumors came around of a power that had fought against the Aro people and destroyed many things. In a few years’ time this power came to Ikot Ekpene; Udo Akpabio and his people hid in the bushes and could only get food and water at night. The soldiers went to Ikot Nwo and Ikot Akpabio which were nearby villages to Ikot Ntuen, they burnt down houses and killed people. When they arrived Ikot Ntuen they were shot at; Ukana and Adiasim joined together to fight the white men and their soldiers. They found the white men resting at Ikot Inyang across Qua-boe river in Chief Ibanga Umo Ekene’s compound. They wanted to cross the river, but they were advised not to because they believed none of them will return.
The fight finally took place at Anwa Oko, the people of Ukana and Adiasim fired the first shot and the white men unleashed on them. The fight moved to the center of the town and led to the death of Udo Esi Idomo who was a big chief (he died while taking his snuff) the white men marched to Nsasak and even when Udo Akpabio tried to make peace with them they fired at them. The white men burnt down his compound, destroyed his properties and farms, attempted to burn his father’s drum, and failed, then they returned to Ikot Ekpene.
Due to the great loss of lives and properties they decided to resolve with the white men, and they were asked to bring a white goat, a cow and twenty thousand manillas which they gladly obliged to.
Over the years to come, Okuku Udo Akpabio observed the ways of the white men, their lifestyle, habits, and lots more.
Story Source – FONDCUP Team Edo state
Photo Credit – Grinde Spotlight Photography
