All About Oba History

Oba is a town in Idemili south local government area Anambra state of Nigeria. Oba lies between Kilometers 8 and 15 southeast of Onitsha on the Ontisha-Owerri Federal highway of Nigeria.
Two other major highways: the old Oba -Nnewi-Ozubulu road and the new Oba-Nnewi-Okigwe road converge in Oba. Oba is strategically located on the roads to Western states and six of the Eastern states of Nigeria; Anambra, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Aka-Ibom and Cross- River.

Oba is bound in the North and northwest by the Idemili River- across which lie the villages of Umuoji, Nkpor and Obosi in Idemili north Local Government Area (LGA). To the west of Oba lies a stretch of swamp, which drains into the River Niger. This strech of Swamp land is know as Ose and bothers Odepke and Ifite-Olu in Ogbaru LGA. It is bound in the South by the Ekulo stream beyond which lie Akwu-Ukwu and Oraifite, in Ekwusigo LGA. Oba shares a common boundry with villages of Ojoto to the East and Ichi to the Southeast. Oba is one of the towns that make up the idemili-South LGA of Anambra State in Southeast Nigeria.
Oba has an estimated population of over 40,000 people based the data from the 1991 Nigerian national Census. Oba is currently experiencing a huge influx of immigrant due in part to its strategic positioning and new urban status.
Oba is made up of nine villages- Urueze, Umu-ogali, Isu, Okuzu, Umueze (Formerly Ogwugwu), Aboime, Ifite (formerly Ogboenwe), Aboji and
Ezele.Oba history trace back to Oba Ezechidebelu Okehi as the man from whom Oba town descended. Oba Okehi had two nine sons, each of which is the progenitor of the village named after him. Beyond the history Oba Okehi, little is known. There are two prevailing legends regarding the parentage and origin of Oba Okehi. One has it that a giant bird gave birth to Oba Okehi and another holds that the giant bird brought Oba Okehi to the present settlement without parental claim.Oba is renowned for it fresh palm wine production. There are two major variations of wine produced in Oba. They are Nkwu- produced from palm trees grown in-land and Ngwo- produced from palms grown in the wetlands. The wines of Oba are known across the country as "Ife-di-n'Oba".

Oba is also known for rich educational heritage. It is home to Merchants of Light School, one of the oldest and most respected high schools in Igboland. Oba also produced the second University graduate in all of Igboland after the late Dr. Alvan Ikoku, in the person of Chief Dr. Enoch Ifediora Oli, the first Ide -Oba. Dr. Oli established Eastern Nigeria's privately owned High School, Merchants of Light School in 1946. Oba has four major High Schools - Merchants of Light, Girls' secondary school, A science High school and a privately owned High School There are 20 Primary schools and one tertiary vocational institution, Gruntvig Institute that is partly funded through Danish government aid program. At present, Gruntvig Institute offers degrees of the Delta State University in specialty courses.
Oba is gradually transforming into an international market city. Currently, there is a modern market built through community effort. A new international market is under construction. The project is being funded by three market associations: Electronic spare parts, Electronics sets & appliances
and General Electric goods is nearing completion. The Government of Anambra State is also funding the construction of yet another international market in Oba.
Up until 1977, Oba was governed by Oba Progressive Union, OPU. In 1977, when Nigerian government recognized the office traditional rulers, Oba people installed their first traditional ruler. Igwe, Eze-Okpoko is the traditional title of the spiritual, cultural and political leader. HRH Igwe Peter C. Ezenwa is the first is first Eze-Okpoko of Oba. He was been on the throne since its establishment in 1977. Together with his cabinet and the OPU, they form the administrators and Oba governing body.