About URS
Urhobo Renaissance Soceity, This is STRICTLY Urhobo platform that calls for unity and joint actions on all issues concerning Urhobo sons and daughters all over the world. We adhere to the mantra 'URHOBO Ovuovo' seriously for the survival of our people. No matter our political or religious differences we all become one when it comes to Urhobo interests, locally, nationally and internationally. The collective interest is greater than individual interests! Siagware!
- Theme: (Re)Thinking Urhobo Origins, Migrations, Cuisines and Marriage Rites
Date : 21st - 22nd November 2024
Venue : Urhobo House Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Delta State
Keynote Speaker: Professor Andrew Onoawarie Edevbie (Secretary, Editorial and Management Committee (EMC) of the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS)
Lead Paper: Professor Rose Aziza (Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka)
The narratives woven around the origins and migrations of a people are often steeped in controversies arising from different versions occasioned by new discoveries, pride, identity and ideological perspectives. It is thus inevitable that the idea of “rethinking” which affords scholars the opportunity to take another look at earlier narratives becomes a compelling task. The experience of the Urhobo people reflects the foregoing tendency. The earliest if not dominant narrative of Urhobo origins and migrations are anchored on a Benin (Edo) provenance. Hubbard (1948), Egharevba (1960), Otite (1982, 2003 and 2011), Foss (2004), Edevbie (2022), align with the dominant Benin (Aka) origin of the Urhobo people. While Ekeh (2005 and 2012) attempt disputing the claim and offering brilliant explanations aimed at rupturing the Benin origin of the Urhobo people. In the last four years or so, there has been “rumblings” questioning and disputing, albeit unorganized, of the Benin essence of Urhobo origins and migrations. This trend is not unusual for as Biobaku (1979) submits, “Historians depend upon evidence and their account of what actually happened must change in the light of any new evidence”.
In addition to the foregoing is the need to subject the rich marriage rites and cuisine of the Urhobo people to academic evaluation. Among the time tested values and traditions of the Urhobo are their marriage rites and culinary skills. This conference will offer scholars an opportunity to evaluate, interrogate and articulate various issues revolving around both tendencies.Deadline for submission of full papers: 30th September 2024
Papers should be sent to: uwa.jmo@gmail.com
Enquiries and contacts:
Professor Hope Eghagha-- President URS +234 806 325 9454
Chief Emma Avworo Chair, Organizing Committee +234 8036604330
Professor Sunny Awhefeada Alt. Chair, Organizing Committee +234 805 275 9540
Dr. John Uwa -- Secretary URS/Organizing +234 803 881 5379
