THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF KING ODU ITARU OF ABERE, EGBEMA KINGDOM

 


THE LEGENDARY HISTORY OF KING ODU ITARU OF ABERE, EGBEMA KINGDOM

By Mr. Biriemi Powei | For Global Egberi Media International

Introduction

In the serene and spiritually rich creeks of the Niger Delta, nestled within the cultural heartland of the Egbema Kingdom, stands the historic town of Abere. Among its most illustrious and legendary rulers was King Odu Itaru, endearingly known as "The Abade-Oko." He ascended the revered throne as King Itaru II, continuing the distinguished lineage of his father, His Royal Majesty King Itaru Dedi. His reign is fondly remembered as a golden era marked by wisdom, peace, cultural preservation, and resolute protection of the Abere people.

Royal Lineage and Ascension

Born around 1074 AD to HRM King Itaru Dedi and his wife, Mrs. Saifegha, Prince Odu Itaru was nurtured for leadership. Upon the passing of his father, he naturally assumed the mantle of kingship as King Itaru II, upholding the enduring legacy of the Itaru royal dynasty in Abere and the greater Egbema Kingdom.

Marriage and Dynastic Legacy

King Odu Itaru was married to two distinguished women of noble heritage:

  1. Mrs. Kemi Odu – Daughter of Mr. Ofiyai Agidi of the Agoro family in Ofunama and Mrs. Ikohon, daughter of Tobouidoi, the founding father of Abere Town. Their union bore three children:

    • Chief Dr. Biriemi Odu

    • Mrs. Kemeke-Ama Odu

    • Mrs. Yinseiyefa Odu

  2. Mrs. Totor Odu – Daughter of Mr. Korubor (son of Epu of Arogbo) and Mrs. Tuwamokumo (daughter of Amu, son of Alopomini, the founder of ancient Ofunama Town). They had two children:

    • Mrs. Itoryor Odu

    • Mrs. Fugbemi Odu

Further Details About Ofiyai

Ofiyai, Azawari, and Kurukuru were siblings born to the same parents. Their father was Agidi, son of Ikpiti from Gelegelegbini, and their mother was Bekere from Ofunama. Notably, Bekere was the elder sister of Chief Agoro of Ofunama.

The family lineage further traces back to Mama Agbada, daughter of Chief Opiti, who married Oba, son of Egbema-Ebimiyenkumo, himself the son of Oloduwa of Opuama. Mama Agbada had nine children:

  1. Telemo

  2. Iyoro-atibi

  3. Bekere (Beke)

  4. Doizigha

  5. Malagha

  6. Ereh

  7. Bagbini

  8. Defi

  9. Agoro (the youngest)

This intricate ancestry links King Odu Itaru’s lineage to the founding families of both Abere and Ofunama, emphasizing the deep cultural and genealogical roots of the Itaru dynasty.

Descendants of King Odu Itaru: A Generational Tapestry

From Chief Dr. Biriemi Odu’s lineage:

Chief Dr. Biriemi Odu, the foremost son of King Odu Itaru, married three wives and had an extended family, comprising:

  • Mrs. Emily Biriemi

  • Mrs. Adunni Biriemi

  • Late Mr. Samuel Biriemi

  • Mr. Yeye Disi Biriemi

  • Mrs. Better Biriemi

  • Dr. Newboy Biriemi

  • Mrs. Fumilayor Biriemi

  • Chief Warifagha Pictoria Biriemi

  • Mr. Areyoo Biriemi

  • Mrs. Aibebor Biriemi

  • Mrs. Owojune Biriemi

  • Mrs. Manage Biriemi

  • Late Mrs. Demeyefa Biriemi

From Mrs. Kemeke-Ama Odu’s family:

  • Mrs. Kpekele

  • Mr. Maiku Gbeiwa

From Mrs. Yinseiyefa Odu (who married Kobor of Ajakurama):

  • Mr. Aseri Kobor

From Mrs. Itoryor Odu (who married Mr. Seituwa of Ajakurama):

  • Mrs. Oriseje Seituwa

  • Mr. Goodluck Seituwa

  • Mrs. Hausa Seituwa

  • Mr. Ebike-aki David Seituwa

  • Mrs. Asimi Seituwa

  • Mr. Moris Abiteke Seituwa

  • Mr. Tereke Seituwa

  • Mr. Feregene Dominic Seituwa

  • Mr. Ibasuru Ebis Seituwa

From Mrs. Fugbemi Odu (who married Mr. Sekun Kabuwa of Ajakurama):

  • Mrs. Ukumodah, mother of:

    • Opener

    • Mr. Agbanton

His Reign and Contributions

King Odu Itaru's reign is regarded as one of justice, vision, and spiritual leadership. Beyond the duties of a monarch, he served as a guardian of the people's traditions and a moral authority.

Under his watch, Abere town and the wider Egbema Kingdom flourished in security, harmony, and cultural preservation. His reign was defined by his unwavering commitment to internal stability and the external defense of his domain's sovereignty.

King Itaru II held the revered spiritual title of KARIWEI of OFUREFURE, a powerful deity in Egbema cosmology associated with protection and guidance. Additionally, he inherited the sacred title of BANOWEI from his father. Notably, under his leadership, the kingdom transitioned from the ancient practice of human sacrifice to animal offerings in traditional worship — a profound reform that reflected a blend of compassion and cultural sensitivity.

Conclusion: The Echoes of Royalty

The legacy of King Odu Itaru II, The Abade-Oko, resonates through the tideways of the Niger Delta and within the hearts of the Abere and Egbema people. His rule exemplifies the values of service, spiritual leadership, and dynastic continuity. His bloodline remains a tapestry interwoven across generations, connecting towns such as Ofunama, Ajakurama, and beyond within the Ijaw cultural heritage.

May the name and story of King Odu Itaru forever echo through time, remembered not just as a king, but as a visionary, a reformer, and a father to his people.

META INFO FOR SEO Author: Mr. Biriemi Powei
Blog: Global Egberi Media International
Keywords: King Odu Itaru, Abere Town, Egbema Kingdom, Ijaw Kings, Niger Delta history, Banowei, Kariwei Ofurefure, Ijaw royal history, Itaru Dedi legacy, Ofunama ancestry
Description: A historical account of King Odu Itaru of Abere, Egbema Kingdom — a revered monarch, protector, and reformer whose legacy echoes through Niger Delta history.
TAGS: #KingOduItaru #EgbemaKingdom #AbereTown #IjawHistory #NigerDeltaKings #IjawRoyalty #Banowei #KariweiOfurefure

 

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