Asarama

Asarama is a riverine community in Andoni, Rivers State, Nigeria. It is located near Kono and its geographic coordinates are: 4°31′51″N 7°26′40″E / 4.53083°N 7.44444°E / 4.53083; 7.44444 (4.530993, 7.444611).^[1][2]

About Town

Asarama, is a town located at the southern part of Nigeria, in Rivers State. It is one of the largest and the most Populated towns in Andoni Local Government Area of the state. It latitude of 4.5323100 and longitude of 7.4408400, it has an elevation of 9 meters above sea level. degrees North of the equatorial region and 9 meters above the sea level.

Asarama has 7 different villages which are Egwebe(largest and populated), Egwe-Aja, Egwe-ewaye(Royal village) Egwe-Idake, Egwe-Esu, Asuk and finally the Ikpak in it and 6 other smaller town which are Iyong-Orong, Asarama-ija, Iwoma-Asarama, Asalakiri, Agbaokwan-Asarama 1 and 2. Egwebe being the largest usually produces twice the require for everything, therefore when job opportunities come, its position is twice higher than the rest. The Egwebe village square is located in the heart of Asalakiri. Though these villages in Asarama can not be differentiated due to the mutual relationship which existed more a thousand years ago. The Egwe-Ewaya (Ewaye for short is the only village which produces the King. others do contribute when it comes to the religious, socio-cultural and war activities.

History

The Andoni are situated in present-day Rivers and Awka-Ibom States. By the evidence of traditional history, the Andoni are descended from Ayama the son of Tara (Tarakiri) who was left with Kala-Okun at Igbedi creek. The migrating ancestors are mentioned as Asara or Asa founder of Asarama, Ifop, Edeh or Edabiri, Alama and Abah to name a few. They left the Igbedi creek area at an early stage taking with them the title \"Indo Oru\" which they remembered and gave to their priest rulers. The title \"Indo Oru\" was later corrupted to \"Ando Oru\", while during their sojourn NI was added to give the term \"Andoni Oru\". Leaving the central delta the early ancestors made their way through creeks and swamps felling trees to cross the waterways. They first encamped for sometime in the southeastern region before moving into the delta. Their first settlement was called Ayama after their ancestor. The site of Ayama was the site of Peterside in Ibani or Bonny town. They stayed here for centuries manufacturing salt for the interior markets before moving. It was from Ayama that Asarama (i.e. Asara\'s town) was founded. A second group moved on to the southern Cameroons and Calabar region. It was here that they inter-married with Bantu speaking people. Approximately around the 12th century AD these Andoni made a return journey into the Niger Delta and settled at Egwede, where they sited their national emblem called Oyobolo (Obolo). Further migration patterns were caused by the repeating conflicts with the Ibani (Beni or Bonny to Europeans), as a result of the slave raiding confusion of those times. From the site of Peterside they moved eastwards to the Rio Real, then to Asarama-Toru, then further east to Okoma the site, which is opposite the present town.

Again we state that the old settlement was the site of Peterside in Bonny which was called Ayama (or old Asarama). Asarama being the oldest of the Andoni towns. And other Andoni towns including Ayangala, while Alabie was the other name for Egwede. In the 1940\'s the chief title of the Andoni native court judge was still Andoni Oru, acknowledging the ancestral connection to Indo-Oru the original title of father Ujo the ancestor of Ijo people. The Andoni no longer speak the original Ijo language. The foundation of Andoni is between 10th and 12th century AD.

Social Life

The Asarama People are highly social and as well religious, though there are few who do not care about the religion. Predominantly, are Christian followed by traditional worshipers. About 40 years, there are many fetish and cultural play/event but many are being faced out by the introduction of Christianity. Presently, the only fetish and most dangerous and frightful play is the Efie-okpo which is being played at night between the hours of 9 pm to 4 am in September every year. The others are Nwantam and Okekpe. Though the Okekpe is a little more frightful, but stranger do play with the indigins, then the Nwantam is general though most Christians believe that these activities are for the gods and should not be done. The Ofio-okpo is never and can never be seen with eyes except you are a member thus, it is seen as an occult and devilish organization. According to the members, those who set eyes on it will die if they are not members but people find pleasure in listening to the melody, tune songs instrumental beats coming from the masquerade.

The youths saw that these played are too old for them, and thereby brought the western culture into the town. So the arrangement of the events are as follow: Ofiokpo 3 days in September, Nwantam 1 January Beach party 2 January and Okekpe is the 3rd of January. Aside these, there are other events which happens within the year in at list every 3 month, as the Asarama people return home with friends from all works of life to and for partying, clubbing, marriages and wedding ceremonies chieftaincy installations burial ceremonies and other cultural activities which blend the quarterly events which the Asarama people called Otayan(ending of moon or months). Its first one is at the last week of March to first week of April, second quarter is in the last week of June to first week of July, the 3rd quarter is last week of September to the first week of October and finally the last week of December to any length you can survive in January which is also the new year celebration. The Asarama people rarely celebrate Christmas at home but outside Asarama, they do observe the season due to friends who will visit them.

Location

Asarama is Its center lies at a latitude of 4.5323100 and longitude of 7.4408400, it has an elevation of 9 meters above sea level. It is boarders Egendem at the west and Opobo on the east. The Ogonis are at its North and Ebuguma at its South. Few miles away from the Atlantic Ocean

Tourist Places

Things to see and places to visit are the Awoh village Square, Egwe-idake play ground, Asalakiri play ground, Awoh Palace, The ancient town Hall built by women, the first primary school in Andoni, Asarama power station built and donated by an industrious son of Asarama, The ultra-modern beach and market, The Unity road, the Ewaye Royal palace, oka-Ama, Cemetery, the first public library in Andoni, the Okekpe play ground and lots more. All these places are free, though you may have to pay for transportation from the hotel accommodation where you live if the place is not closer.

See also

• Obolo people

References

1. Alagoa E J. - A History of the Niger Delta - An historical interpretation of Ijo oral traditions. (1972 University of Ibadan Press).
2. Owonaro S K - The History of Ijo and her Neighbouring tribes in Nigeria. (1949 Niger printing Press Lagos).
3. Eneyo S.-The Andoni Monarchy. (1991 Riverside communications).
4. Culled from http://wikiedit.org/Nigeria/Asarama/2399628/ as Written by : Owen Awajiokan