Ijala


Ijala is a historic community in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, within the traditional boundaries of the Warri Kingdom. It holds significant cultural and historical importance as the original capital of the Kingdom of Warri, established by Olu Ginuwa I around 1480 CE, and serves as the royal cemetery for the monarchs of the Warri people. Ijala is recognized for its potential as a World Heritage Site due to its historical relics and its pivotal role in the kingdom's heritage. The community is being developed as a tourist and industrial destination under the Greater Warri Metropolitan Dream.

History

Origins and founding

Ijala is one of the earliest settlements in the Warri Kingdom, predating its establishment by Olu Ginuwa I around 1480 CE. According to Itsekiri oral tradition, Prince Ginuwa, the eldest son of Oba Olua of the Benin Kingdom, founded the kingdom of warri after leaving Benin due to political tensions. The Benin chiefs, perceiving Ginuwa as a threat, planned to eliminate him. Oba Olua facilitated Ginuwa’s departure with an entourage of 70 first sons of prominent Benin nobles. The group traveled through several locations, including Ugharegin, Efurokpe, Amatu, and Oruselemo, before settling in Ijala, where he was welcomed by the people living in the land. Ginuwa married Urowoli during the journey and had two sons, Princes Ijijen and Irame, before arriving at Ijala.
Ijala served as the first capital of the Warri Kingdom and the residence of Olu Ginuwa I, marking it as the political and cultural center of the nascent kingdom. After Ginuwa’s death, he was buried in Ijala, establishing it as the royal cemetery. The royal entourage later relocated to Ode-Itsekiri under Prince Ijijen guided by a magical spear thrown by an Idibie.

Role as royal cemetery

Since 1500 CE, Ijala holds immense spiritual and cultural significance as the royal burial ground of the Warri Kingdom, All deceased Olus of Warri are buried here in a sacred grove marked by ancient iroko trees. These trees are believed to house the spirits of departed kings and are considered untouchable.
The royal cemetery includes:
  • The tomb of Olu Ginuwa I, founder of the Warri Kingdom.
  • Successive tombs of over 20 Olus buried since the 15th century.
  • Remnants of Ginuwa's original palace, including shrines and artifacts.
According to Itsekiri custom, following the death of an Olu, the Olu-elect must first visit Ijala to undergo the Iken rites and pay homage to his ancestors before his formal coronation at Idaniken in Ode-Itsekiri. This practice preserves the spiritual continuity of rulership in the Warri Kingdom.
The site remains a sacred ground and is strictly protected by traditional priests and select Warri royal family members. Public access is highly restricted, though efforts are underway to document and preserve the site.

European contact

In 1500, Portuguese traders visited Ijala during their first voyage to the Warri Kingdom, introducing cassava to Olu Ginuwa I. This significant gesture made the Itsekiris the first set of people to grow cassava in this part of the world. Between 1505 and 1522, cassava became a staple in the homes of most Nigerians. The Portuguese also traded beads with the community.

Cultural significance

As the original capital and royal cemetery of the Warri Kingdom, Ijala is a sacred site for the Itsekiri people. The community is integral to the kingdom’s monarchical traditions, particularly the burial rites of the Olus. After an Olu’s death, the Olu-elect participates in the Iken Rites at Ijala’s royal cemetery before proceeding to Idaniken for three lunar months prior to coronation.

Modern development and tourism

Ijala is being repositioned as a tourist and industrial destination under the Greater Warri Metropolitan Dream. Key initiatives include the restoration of the Royal Cemetery and the development of the Falcorp Mangrove Park and Mini Zoo. These projects aim to enhance Ijala’s appeal as a cultural and ecological tourism site, with its historical significance as the original capital supporting its potential as a World Heritage Site.

Economy

Ijala’s economy is linked to the Warri Kingdom, a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. While not an industrial hub, its tourism initiatives, such as the Falcorp Mangrove Park, suggest potential for economic growth through eco-tourism and local employment.

Governance

Ijala falls under the traditional authority of the Olu of Warri, currently Ògíamẹ̀ Atuwatsé III CFR, crowned on August 21, 2021. Local administration is managed by traditional chiefs and community leaders, consistent with the Warri Kingdom’s monarchical system.