Ika language (Nigeria)

The Ika language is a hybrid language originally Edoid which is seen in the name of the people (Jim Ovia, Obi Efeziomor, Lucky Irabor, L.O.N Onyesom etc) but having influence from the neighboring Igbo speaking communities around them. Ika language is spoken primarily by the Ika people of Delta and Edo states of southern Nigeria. Ika people are joined with Aniocha, Oshimili etc, called Anioma (for political and economical reasons only) but don’t speak same language or share cultural ties.

Ika
RegionDelta and Edo States, Nigeria
EthnicityIka people
Native speakers
Ika[1]
Niger–Congo?
Language codes
ISO 639-3ikk
Glottologikaa1238

The Ika people are specifically located in the North-West of Delta State but some like Igbanke, Inyelen and Ekpon are presently located in Edo State. Ika communities mostly comprise the following: Agbor , Owa, Umunede, Mbiri, Abavo, Orogodo, Otolokpo, Igbodo, Ute-Okpu, Ute-Ugbeje, Idumuesah, Akumazi, Ekpon (Edo State), Igbanke (Edo State), Inyelen Edo State), Iru egbede (Edo State).[2]

Other Ika communities found in Edo State are Owanikeke, Owa-Riuzo Idu and Igbogili. On Delta Radio there is now news in Ika. Ikas have commenced writing the Bible in their language, and right now the gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John have been published in Ika along with other books. Ifeanyi Okowa is a prominent son of Ika background.[3]

There are other Ika speaking communities who are presently in Edo state, namely;[4]

Belief

The Ika people are predominantly Christian's as Christianity is the most common religion practiced among the Ika people although with traditional worship still in practice also.[6]

Economy

The Ika (of Delta state) brag of being the home to the best African Palmwine. Ika clan are significantly Farmers and the rich participate in Palm wine business with red oil extraction or different structures, for example, palm wine tapping is their major source of income.[6]

References
  1. Ika at Ethnologue (18th ed., 2015) (subscription required)
  2. Onyeakagbu, Adaobi (2022-02-09). "A brief walk into the lives of Ika tribe". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  3. "Delta State Government". Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  4. Onyeakagbu, Adaobi (2022-02-09). "A brief walk into the lives of Ika tribe". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  5. "EKPON". Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  6. "Ika tribe: A brief walk into the lives of this ethnic group". Pulse Nigeria. 2021-05-25. Retrieved 2021-09-16.

https://www.academia.edu/42798338/IKA_IGBO_or_EDO

https://www.ikaweekly.com/stop-promoting-igbo-culture-says-dein-of-agbor/#

https://www.theoasisreporters.com/promote-the-unique-agbor-culture-instead-of-igbo-dein-keagborekuzi-tells-subjects/

https://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/igboid

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