Draft:House of Okori

⅙

The House of Okori (Ogbia: Ótù-Ọ̄ƙọ́rì),  is a royal house in the Ọ̄bí-Âɗẹ̄h royal dynasty of Anyama-Ogbia, in Anyama Clan, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It is composed of the descendants of Samuel Okori Obi, who is a direct descendant of Ọ̄bí-Âɗẹ̄h, son of Ọ̄bí- Ẹ́kpōr, son of Âɗẹ̄h, founder of Anyama-Ogbia also known as Kingdom of Anyama-Ogbia or Anyama Town.

The name of the royal house is inspired from the meaning of "Okori" in the Ogbia dialect, which translates to "to reside with favor." Thus, the House of Okori can be understood as the "house of favor." Since its establishment in 1889, the House of Okori has produced notable members who have served in various public roles.

The House of Okori rose to prominence as its members assumed significant royal and political roles within Bayelsa State. HRH Chief (Engr) Christopher Obana of the House of Okori was elected Obenema of Epebu Community through his matrilineal lineage in the House of Apiri. In Ogbia and many Ijaw cultures, a child can claim both agnatic and matrilineal lineage.

Chief Okori's nephew, HRH Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless CFR, played a notable role in the state's politics. He served as advisor to the late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State and later becoming a special adviser to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR, GCON) during his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa. Dr. Eruani later served as Commissioner for Health under Governors Timipre Sylva and Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR, GCON). The house's influence further increased when HRH Rev. Okori Lawrence Samuel became Chairman of the Anyama Rural Development Authority, also known as Anyama Local Government. These roles solidified the House of Okori's standing in Bayelsa's public sphere.

History
The origins of the House of Okori trace back to the birth of Samuel Okori Obi in the mid-18th century. The House of Okori has a rich lineage that spans over seven generations. Samuel was the son of Obi-Adeh, who in turn was the son of Ekpor-Adeh, and the grandson of King Adeh. Historical accounts suggest that Samuel had 24 siblings, all fathered by Obi-Adeh.

Samuel Okori Obi distinguished himself as a hardworking individual, excelling in the trade of farm produce and seafood. His success in these ventures brought him considerable wealth, earning him the nickname ‘money man.’ His ascension to the position of Obenema of Anyama-Ogbia in the late 18th century laid the groundwork for the establishment of the House of Okori as a distinct royal line. In 1889, the House of Okori began its existence as a distinct royal line within the Obi-Adeh royal dynasty, adopting primogeniture as its model for succession.

As Obenema, HRH Samuel Okori Obi expanded trade and forged strong relations with neighboring Ijaw communities and other towns via sea trade routes. His leadership saw Anyama-Ogbia flourish economically. Known for his lavish lifestyle, Samuel invested in vast amounts of farmland and livestock. He was also known for acquiring slaves from the east, a practice that was short-lived in Anyama-Ogbia but indicative of the era’s complex social and economic dynamics.

Samuel Okori Obi’s efforts in trade and expansion significantly contributed to the wealth, significance and development of Anyama-Ogbia. He bore the titles ōdîdîá-már̃-ƙwê (I), meaning ‘an indestructible pillar,’ and ekpor-na-mobi-ozo (I), meaning ‘someone from the house of kings.’ These titles reflect his status and influence within the region.

Genealogy
The ancestry of Samuel Okori Obi is vast and notable. Presented here is a segment of the lineage and genealogy of the Royal House of Okori.


 * His Royal Highness Samuel Okori Obi had two sons: Monday Okori Obi and Saturday Okori Obi. Monday had a son named Samari Obi and a daughter named Azibanyi Okori Obi.
 * Saturday Okori Obi had eight children: Elizabeth Obi, Mercy Obi, Christopher Obana Okori, Lawrence Samuel Okori, Amarebi Obi, Dickson Obi, Rachael Awemu Eruani (née Obi), and the late Eselesi (who was a twin, sadly his twin died at birth). Saturday Okori Obi was married to Inetioremi Okori Obi from the House of Apiri in Epebu Community and the Owillie family in Okodi Community.
 * Elizabeth Obi had three children: Oyan-Abula Iduru, Oteinsi Okini Igiri, and Azibanedigiri Ayoko Egba. Oyan-Abula Iduru later had six children: Adiosoni Obiene, Lambert Egoli, Opaminola Obiene, Obosi Egoli, Apikini Egoli, and Wisdom Egoli.
 * Mercy Obi had seven children: Patience Okulu, the late Azibanator Ozeh Okulu, Bakomi Okulu, Ation Emarisi Saturday, Ayenami Emarisi, Aboy Emarisi, and Ogunisi Emarisi.
 * Christopher Obana Okori had two children: a daughter, Samari Okori Victor, and a son, Ariwepere Christopher Okori. He married Betty Inemokuma Okori (née Ginah) (1974–2021). She hailed from Emadike Community and was a cousin to Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani. Chief Okori holds the title of Ekpor-na-mobi-ozo (II) and is the current head of the House of Okori.
 * Lawrence Samuel Okori fathered six children: Blessedness Ákpārônida-Âzibà Okori, Victoria Aziba-Adhamhabi Okori, Heritage Okori, Dázibà Princess Okori, Florence Nagiri-Anyaziba Okori, and Pretty Akerebuoni Okori. He is a clergy member and previously served as the Chairman of the Anyama Rural Development Authority, also known as Anyama Local Government . During his tenure, he initiated and managed the construction of public toilets and concrete roads in Anyama-Ogbia and other communities within the Anyama Clan. However, his term faced criticism for his perceived authoritarianism, stubbornness, and unwillingness to accept advice.
 * Rachael Awemu Eruani (née Obi) married the late King Alwell Eruani, Obenema of Emadike Community (Aguda IX), and had a son, Azibapu Godbless Eruani. Azibapu Godbless, a trained medical doctor, served as a special adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State and as Commissioner for Health under the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR, GCON) as Governor of Bayelsa State. He is the Chairman and President of Azikiel Group . He was conferred with the national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by Nigeria’s 15th President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.