IVHIOCHIE AND ITS VILLAGES
Ivhioche is one of the four foundational quarters of Ogbona town. This vibrant village boasts a rich agricultural tradition, with residents cultivating yams, maize, groundnuts, cassava, and cashew nuts.
Ogbona is overseen by two ruling houses—the Ivhiokhua and Ivhiomierele families—between which leadership (the Ukpi) alternates. These families play significant roles in initiating age group rites for male members, with all positions shared between the two houses. Ivhiokhua consists of Ivhiorevhor, Ivhitse, Ivhiobore, Ivhiosano, Ivhiobiri, and Ivhitse, while Ivhiomierele-Okotor includes Ivhiozima, Ivhioroke, Ivhiovhaghua, and Ivhioverah.
Ivhioche–Ivhiobore consist of several vibrant villages, all under the main axis known as IVHIOBORE–APIZA (IVHIOCHE). The three primary villages here are Agieamesor, Atogwe, and Emoepo.
Agieamesor Village is made up of several families, including the Aika/Enegwea, Edogamhe, Emalumhe/Ameh, Idode, Isunuevho, and Iza families, each contributing uniquely to the community’s fabric.
Moving to Atogwe Village, the families here are the Anabor, Ekhvhomhe, Esighie, Ikor (which further includes the Ivhador, Anopobo, and Anetane lineages), and Itsuokor families, all living in harmony and upholding the values of their village. The Emoepo Village, consists of the Emopo, Ikoko, Odega, and Omoakhia families. Together, they form a close-knit and proud community.
Beyond these villages lies the subdivision known as IVHOBORE APODIOR (IVHIOCHE), which consists of Imela and Oghie. Imela, is characterized by the presence of the Anwaosi, Idogho, Imouchi, and Ogah families. Oghie Village, is home to the Aikabeli, Aluoghor, Asekhauno, Asekomhe, Enamegbai, Idode, Okpapi, and Otsuma families, each contributing to the village’s dynamic life.
Altogether, Ivhioche–Ivhiobore is an interconnected mosaic of villages, families, and leaders, united by tradition and community spirit.
Ivhitse-Ivhioche, is composed of four villages: Akpeokhai, Enamino, Innih, and Ototo. Akpeokhai Village is home to the Azama, Ikhaghu, Omiawa, and Oboarekpe families. Enamino Village, includes the Eghieye, Egwakhe Irene, Ekhasemomhe, Esibor, Imoedemhe, and Irene families. Innih Village consists of the Asekomhe, Azoganokhai, Emoekpere, Idegbesor, Iniaru, Odogbo, Ogedegbe, Okomilo, and Onokozi families. Ototo Village, includes Anamomhe, Ateghie, Imoagene (comprising both Imoagene & Itsani), Musa (including Esi, Igesele & Musa), Odior (both Odior & Ifaorumhe), and Ogboalo.
Ivhiosano-Ivhioche is composed of several distinct villages, each with prominent families. In Agbai Family, the Otse, Ogboanor, Agbai, and Anomhe families. Moving to Ikhainade Village, the Akhughie, Eruakhor, Obeakemhe, Odanyor, and Opikhara families make up the community. Okhakia Village includes the Agbayekhai, Anaweokhai, Atsegwasi, Ekhiegbemhe, and Tankwo families forming its foundation. Finally, Osimua Village where the Akhabighimhe, Akpabor, Ayeni, Enakpene, Idinokhai, and Ivhaluogwe families reside. Together, these villages and families form the rich tapestry of IVHIOSANO – IVHIOCHE.
IVHIDO AND ITS VILLAGES
Ivhido is one of the four distinct quarters that compose the town of Ogbona, notable for both its small size and rich heritage. Located at the heart of Ogbona, its borders reflect close ties to neighboring quarters: Ivhiochie lies to the north, marked by an old road; the Ayeni and Abu families’ houses define the west; Akpabor and Adomhere families are on the east; and to the south, Ivhido merges with Ivhiochie and Ivhiorevhor across the main road.
The roots of Ivhido are anchored in two founding families, Ivhietso and Ivhiobiri, which have given rise to two main sub-groups: Ivhi Etso and Ivhi Obiri. These subdivisions are still evident in family names, such as Orbih (owners of nearly a third of the quarter), Anyiador, Aikabeli, Dunia, Igbadumhe, Ezunya, Aimiekhamhe, and Eleta.
Culturally, Ivhido is known for the Iloh custom, which highlights drumming rather than acrobatics or elaborate dance. The Elue’ Ivhido Band, notably led by Chief Jacob Orbih, set the tone for early morning processions following overnight wakes for newlywed brides, blending sorrow and joy through music.
Ivhido is also proud of its association with the Agbi Dance. Though often performed by those from Ivhiochie, it remains an Ivhido hallmark—distinguished by its infrequency, structured performance, and captivating drumming. Chief Jacob Orbih’s leadership brought the Agbi Dance recognition beyond its borders, while musicians from neighboring quarters contributed to its evolution.
Women also play an essential role in Ivhido’s traditions through the Uke Dance, led by figures such as Uwomha Mary Anyiador. Younger generations participate by drumming and dancing, integrating artistry with daily life and community labor.
Today, Ivhido is distinguished by its drum-centered rituals, strong family identities, and enduring energy—especially of its women—whose music and movement keep the quarter vibrant within Ogbona’s living history.
Ivhido consists of two major communities: IVHIOBERE Village and IVHIETSO Village. Each village brings its unique contributions to the area’s culture and heritage. In IVHIOBERE, families include Akaka, Akhamiemona, Azemeye, Dunia, Kasimi, Olumekhor, and Umago. The ANWEUKPE section features Amiekhamhe, Avhiomotor, Ileh, and Orbih families. In IVHIETSO and AYORA IVHIETSO, foundational families are Atsighi, Eleta, Idamaza, Ilele, Isumugemhe, and Kadiri. Finally, ATEGIE/IVHIETSO is home to Aikabeli, Igbadumhe, Okhumaile, Ugbodaga, and Uloko Isedu families.
IVHIOREVHOR AND ITS VILLAGES
Ivhiorevhor is one of four villages comprising the larger Ogbona community. Geographically, it borders the Oghena and Esue families to the north, the Eleta and Anyiador families to the west, and is interspersed with Okotor and Ivhido quarters to the east and south.
The village consists of two main family groups: the Ikhane family, which is the largest and renowned for its hospitality, and the Ape Odegbe lineage, which includes the Ikhanoba, Okhaimera, Ayalomhe, Igonor, and other families.
Ivhiorevhor’s heritage reflects strong family ties, a reputation for hospitality, and the cultural diversity that characterizes the Ogbona area.
The village is organized into three settlements: Ikhane, Anyai, and Okhatie. Ikhane Village includes the Adomabua, Akpeokhai, Ikhane, and Ogbamudu families. Anyai Village is home to the Aruokhai, Iretodu, and Osiakpemhe families. Okhatie Village is comprised of the Ayokhai, Ikeagwa, and Muchi families.
OKOTOR AND ITS VILLAGES
Okotor is a prominent quarter in Ogbona, meaning “south” or “downtown.” It is recognized as the community’s second-largest quarter—larger than both Ivhido and Ivhiorevhor combined. Okotor is divided into the sub-quarters of Ivhianaga and Ivhiosua. Ivhianaga contains Ivhiulaghua and Ivhiovhera, while Ivhiosua is divided into Ivhiozima and Ivhioroke. Prominent families such as Ikhumhi, Okhumholor, Umole, Ozoh, Oshiotse, Anavhe, Eshiesimua, and Ilegah are distributed throughout these subdivisions, highlighting Okotor’s internal diversity.
Geographically, Okotor borders Fugar to the south, Imiava to the east, and Ivhiorevhor to the west, with a less defined northern boundary with Ivhiochie. These communities coexist peacefully.
Family ties in Okotor are strong, with families often collaborating in agriculture and mutual support. For example, members of the Ikhumhi family and the larger Ivhiera kin group work closely together.
Traditionally, Ivhianaga sets itself apart by not practicing the Okhei rites; instead, it observes its own rite called “AGBE LAGI URU.” Although they wear the same red cap as Okhei title holders, their ceremonies are distinct, representing Okotor’s blend of unity and diversity.
The villages of Ivhiomierele-Okotor include Ivhioroke, Ivhiozima, Ivhiovera, and Ivhiulagua, each with unique family and leadership structures. In Ivhioroke (Ivhiomierele-Okotor), Aleghe Village comprises the Aleghe, Obomhe, and Okwelagwe families; Imonighie Village is home to Aigbepue and Amanesi families; and Oyemeuno Village includes the Ayekhemhe, Okhotor, and Ozekhomhe families. Each village reflects a rich heritage and close-knit families led by their respective village heads.
Ivhiozima Ivhiomierele (Okotor) consists of several villages: Umogbai Village (Alabi, Aliu, Amalu, Isede, Omadimhe, and Umosokelo families), Uzobonwu Village (Anetekhai, Ilegah, and Osigbemhe families), and Irume Village (Ikeku, Ikiebe, Oshioma, and Owunuma families).
In Ivhiovera-Ivhiomierele (Okotor), Eragbe Village is notable for the Atete, Iyevhe, and Umole families. Akpabeghie Village is home to the Esiesimua, Ikhanoba, and Odalumhe families. These villages collectively illustrate the rich community structure of Ivhiozima and Ivhiovera-Ivhiomierele (Okotor).
Ivhiulagua consists of several communities under Ivhiomierele/Okotor. In Apekhore Village, prominent families include Aigekamhe, Esue, Iseh, Oghena, and Oleisimi. Okozi Village is chiefly home to the Okozi family, while Ukhami Village includes the Anavhe, Ayemoba, Oshiotse, and Owekhai families.
These families and villages together form a vibrant and interconnected community, each contributing its unique legacy and strengths to the broader structure of Ivhiulagua within the Avhianwu clan.