AMGBARA WAR CANOE HOUSE OF OGU KINGDOM

 AMGBARA WAR CANOE HOUSE

The official drum name of the House is: OGONO GBANA BURUFUN BALA BU BU

The present-day Amgbara Chieftaincy House derives its origin and designation from Bereya-Amgbara, a legendary warrior, versatile adventurer, and prosperous fisher-folk.

His mother, Bere, was the second wife of Ama, the patriarch of the Ama Group of Houses (Warinyengise). Bere’s children included:

Opuayo – the first daughter and eldest child

Amgbara – the founder

Sotarikoro – who died prematurely

Palibo

Today, the dominant family units in Amgbara House trace their lineage to Amgbara, his elder sister Opuayo, and his sibling Palibo.

Military Prowess and Influence

In an era when military skill, material wealth, and mercantile enterprise determined a man’s influence, Bereya-Amgbara excelled in all three. His exploits benefited Ogu in particular and the wider Okrika (Wakirike) nation in general.

When Ogu faced military threats, his sister Opuayo, described by Obuoforibo as a “woman with bellicose impetuosity”, was sent to Nembe, where Amgbara resided, to summon him. He led expeditions with remarkable success, defending Ogu and the Wakirike Commonwealth, often clashing with rivals but always emerging victorious.

Thus, when Ama House evolved into separate yet interdependent chiefdoms, it was only natural that the uterine War Canoe House should be named after such an iconic hero. Amgbara House stands today alongside its counterparts: Kune, Perebo, Opugo, Taritoku, Owiyakune, and Daso-Derefaka.

The Legacy of Walter Angapukotanka (ANGA)

Another illustrious figure in Amgbara House history is Walter Angapukotanka, renowned for his exceptional Western education and linguistic prowess.

In 1897, when colonial security forces threatened to arrest and attack Ogu, his diplomacy and eloquence saved the town. His skill as an interlocutor endeared him to the colonial authorities and protected Ogu people from grave danger.

His name, Angapukotanka, has since been shortened to Anga, now borne by one of the two sub-segments of the Opuayo Family in Amgbara House, the other being Awokumaka.

Chieftaincy Status and Succession

In 1959, Amgbara House attained autonomous chieftaincy status. Its pioneer head was Chief Dandeson Ayo Anga, who was tragically murdered at Igwuruta by Biafran soldiers during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

In 1980, he was succeeded by Chief Israel Tamunoiyaowupele Anga, who served until his death in 1991.

Since 2004, the stool has been occupied by Chief Ambassador (Career) Spiff Micar Kalaokpara Taribo, JP (Rtd.).

The official drum name of the House is: OGONO GBANA BURUFUN BALA BU BU

Meaning: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.”

Literal interpretation: The piece of yam placed on top of the block attracts the pricks of the testing stick to itself.

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