Oputibeya and the Evolution of the State in Okrika

This book focuses essentially on the historical evolution of the State in Okrika and the contradictions involved in that process. It was inspired by an inner compulsion to bridge the apparent fissure between academic knowledge and traditional precepts to adapt the former to the explanation and interpretation of the latter and also settle an intrinsic struggle and indeed an obligation to provide the service of generating understanding of the historical processes into which one was born and through which one was nurtured. The immediate impetus to produce a work of this nature was provided by an invitation extended to me by the Koniju Town Council of Chiefs (KTCC) to present a paper on the Oputibeya dynasty as part the burial ceremonies of the Late Chief Nemi Tamunoiyalla Oputibeya X Amanyanabo of Koniama Okrika in December 2016. The scope of a public lecture imposed severe limitations on an adequate analysis of the issues involved in the historical development of political institutions in Okrika. My B. Sc. Project titled “The Evolution of the State in Okrika” proved very helpful in the preparation of the public lecture.