An identity revealed – The Oro people of Nigeria

By Christie Williams

The Oro people are one of the major ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and can be found in different local government areas, including, Oron, Udung Uko, Mbo, Okobo and Urue Offong/Oruko.

The Oro people, said to have come from Cameroon, in fact, share similarities with the Cameroonians.

The Oro people engage in economic activities such as fishing and farming. They produce the most number of seafood in the state as they are located on the coast of the Atlantic ocean. Their produce, including crayfish, garri and palm oil, have even been trademarked as they are unique. Their farming is lucrative owing to the fertile lands that they possess. They also engage in trading.

The Oro people have an organized traditional political system and at the top is the paramount ruler who is called “Attah Oro.” They also have the clan heads who rule their local government areas and oversee the protection of the culture.

The Oro people culture consist of rich masquerade traditions which include secret societies that play a role in maintaining spiritual balance. Their traditional wears consist of a long flowy dress called “onyonyo”, for the ladies and for the men, a white shirt and a wrapper tied on the waist and bunched up on one side with a signatory hat called the “irà.” These dress styles are unique and therefore give them an identity that they uphold strongly.

Prior to the coming of the Europeans which led to the establishment of Christianity as a religion, the Oro people practiced traditional religion and worshipped deities. Despite the predominance of Christianity, some parts of the Oro Nation still practice traditional religion system.

Some fun facts about the Oro people include their ability to communicate in the language of the neighbouring communities and apparently, their sexual escapades.

An Oro man can speak and understand Ibibio and Anang, but on the contrary, an Ibibio man can not do the same for the Oron language.

The Oro people are said to be very active in the sexual aspect and it is one of the things they are known for, but this is not completely true as every other tribe also involve much in such activities.

The Oro Nation is made up of mostly light skinned persons. Most of their female are tall and extremely beautiful.

The Oro people are unique and they reflect a clear balance of connection to their heritage and modernity.

This is their identity.