Draft:Ukhun

Ukhun kingdom is located in Esan West local government area of Edo State. It is among the constituent communities of Esanland which make up Esan Central senatorial district in Edo State, Nigeria.

Background


Ukhun Kingdom is situated on the Northern escarpment of the Esan Platea, bordered by Idoa and Ewu to the north, Ileh and Ekpoma to the east and Ekeke, Ishiolili and Afuze to the South. The people of Ukhun speak the Esan language.

History
During the Nupe invasions or Bida War of 1847 - 1850, most of these Northern Esan villages bore the brunt of the attacks and were sacked. Leading to their migration further inland were the thick impenetrable, wild animal infested jungles in which the Nupes themselves feared, and Tsetse flies made it impossible for their horses to survive in such terrain.

Quarters in Ukhun
The following quarters makeup Ukhun according to seniority:

1. 'Uwen-Okolo which is first among Ukhun components

2. Uwen-Ogbeta

3. Uwen-Ijiekhine

4. Ogbujie

5. Ebheyen

6. Uwen-tun

7. Afaken

8. Oderie

9. Ebhoigbn

10. Okede

Kingship
Kingship in the Ukhun Kingdom is operated on a rotation basis between the three ruling houses, due to the death of the king, comprising Uwen-Okolo, Uwen-Ogbeta and Uwen-Ijiekhine.

The oldest man in the three-quarter kindred (ruling quarters) receives the title in a gerontocratic system of government. The Ogbuje quarters are vested with the authority to install a new king.

Past Kings
The past Kings (Enijies) as follows:

1. HRH Zaiki Ogun

2. HRH Zaiki Uda

3. HRH Zaiki Ekpen

4. HRH Zaiki Agba

5. HRH Zaiki Ebibi Okolo

6. HRH Zaiki Okpa

7. HRH Zaiki Oba Oiboh

8. HRH Zaiki Oba

9. HRH Zaiki Omoijiafoh

10. HRH Zaiki Onaijie

11. HRH Zaiki Okhiria

12. HRH Zaiki Igebo

13. HRH Zaiki Atiba

14. HRH Zaiki Amiator

15. HRH Zaiki Agbonghale

16. HRH Zaiki Akhimien

17. HRH Zaiki Iboi

18. HRH Zaiki Usunobun

19. HRH Zaiki Clement Ehizonaga

20. HRH Zaiki Akhazeta Aigbomian

21. HRH Alhaji Saibu Abu

22. HRH Zaiki Justice James Omondiagbe Sadoh (Rtd)

23. HRH Zaiki Aboiralor Omojiade

Ihaelen Otu (age group)
The Ihaelen/Iruen Otu celebration is held after the community's youth have reached advanced adult maturity between the ages of 45 and 50 for initiation.