The Ikwerre natively known as Iwhuruọha are an ethnic group in Nigeria located in Rivers State Niger Delta, South-South, Nigeria. The Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State, spans over four Local Government Areas; Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor, Ikwerre, and Emohua.

Traditional history has classified Ikwerre into seven groups called "Ikwerre Essa". They are Elele, Isiokpo, Rumuji, Emohua, Choba, Aluu, Igwuruta and Obio group. The Ikwerre people resides in the upland part of Rivers State, Nigeria. And are predominantly settled in the Ikwerre, Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt and Emohua local government areas of Rivers State.

Ikwerre people are bordered by the following ethnic groups; Ogba-Egbema, Ekpeye, and Abua in the north and west; Ijaw Ijo in the south; Tai-Eleme, and Etche in the southwest and east; Ibo of Imo State in the northeast.

The Ikwerre are made up of four main groups, namely the Elele group Ishimbam, the Igwuruta-Aluu Ishiali group, the Rumuji-Emohua-Ogbakiri REO or Risimini group, and the OPA group Obio/Port Harcourt/Akpor.

The Ishimbam or Elele clan cluster is located at the northern part of Ikwerre land, in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas. Most of these communities believe in one ancestor called "Ochichi" whose descendants founded most of the clans. Elele is believed to have been founded by "Ele", Ochichi's first son. This is why Elele is called Okaniali among the Ishimbam clans. The Ishimbam clans include: Elele, Akpabu, Elele-Alimini, Egbeda, Omerelu, Apani, Ubimini and Omudioga. The Ishiali or Esila group inhabit the remaining parts of Ikwerre Local Government Area. Clans here include: Isiokpo, Ipo, Igwuruta-Ali, Aluu, Omuanwa, Omademe, Omagwa, Ozuoha and Ubima.

The REO Rumuji/Emohua/Ogbakiri cluster, or RIshimini as classified by Ogbakor Ikwerre, inhabit the southern part of Emohua Local Government Area. They are located in a riverine area. This cluster comprises: Odegu clan: Rumuji, Rumuodogo, Ovogo, Evekwu, Rumuewhor, Ndele, Rumuekpe; Uvuahu clan: Ibaa, Obelle, Emohua clan, Ogbakiri clan

The OPA Obio-Port Harcourt-Akpor is a broad cluster that occupies the entire Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas. It is subdivided into the Obio and the Akpor groups.

Obio: The Obio group is divided into three: Evo, Apara and Rebisi Port Harcourt. Obio is regarded as the common ancestor of the Evo and Apara communities; Evo is the senior while Apara is younger. Evo: This is subdivided into three: Oro–Evo: Rumuodomanya, Rumurorlu, Oginigba, Rumuobiakani, Rumuobochi, Woji, Rumuibekwe, Rumuogba
Oro – Esara: Okporo:{Rumukwurushi, Rumuodara, Iriebe}, Rumuokoro, Oroigwe, Atali Oropotoma: Rumuomasi and Elelenwo Apara: Apara, the second son of Obio, had nine children: Eneka, Nkpoku, Ekinigbo, Okwuta, Adaolu a daughter, Epirikom, Ola, Orosi, and Rebisi. These descendants founded the principal Apara communities of Eneka, Rukpokwu, Rumuigbo, Rumuokwuta, Rumuadaolu, Rumuepirikom, Rumuola, and Rumuorosi, respectively. Rumueme was established in the Apara territory, after Ozuruoha, one of Epirikom's descendants had invited his in-laws from Isiokpo to help him wage a war against his kinsman. Rumueme is said to be where these warriors from Isiokpo had resided permanently. Rumuomoi also joined in the said war and is believed to come from Isiokpo and joined Apara later. Rebisi: This is an offshoot of the Apara clan. Rebisi had fled Apara during a conflict with his brothers. Rebisi had seven children: Ochiri, Adasobia, Olozu, Worukwo, Ezimgbu, Ogbum and Abali. The descendants founded: Orochiri, Oroada, Orolozu, Oroworukwo, Oromerezimgbu, and Ogbumnuabali a merger of Orogbum and Oroabali, respectively. Internal migrations led to the establishment of other communities from the original seven, such as Elekahia. Others are Nkpogu, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Nkpolu Orogbum, Rumuwoji, Rumukalagbo, Oroije, Rumuibekwe and Orominieke.
Akpor: Akpor is located east of the REO group, south of the Ishiali group and west of Obio. The clan has ten communities: Ozuoba, Choba Isoba, Ogbogoro, Rumuosi, Rumuolumeni, Rumuokparali, Rumualaogu, Rumuokwachi, Rumuekini and Alakahia.

The ancestral name of the Ikwerre people is Iwhuruọha in Ikwerre language. The name of the grand ancestor is Akalaka and their relations in Rivers State are the Ekpeye and Ogba people. The paramount rulers in Ikwerre Land are united in what is known as Ogbakor Ikwerre, which was formed in 1963 as an umbrella socio-cultural organization of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

The identity of the Ikwerre people is disputed by several history scholars who insist that they are Igbos. However, both the Ikwerre people of Rivers State and their neighbours agree that they are a distinct independent group with linguistic and cultural similarity with the Igbos due to proximity, trade and marriage. The Ikwerre people were recognized in 1979 as a separate group in the Nigerian Constitution.

Ikwerre have a long and rich history of trade and interaction with their neighbors. They have been influenced by the cultures of their neighbors, and have also influenced them in turn. The Ikwerre people are proud and resilient people, and they have a strong sense of community and identity. Ikwerre people are known for their hospitality and generosity, and have made significant contributions to Nigerian culture and society.

When you are in Ikwerre land you expect a warm welcome and hospitality, a strong sense of community and identity, a rich history and culture, a vibrant and diverse community, a commitment to education and progress, a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, a love of life and laughter, a deep appreciation for family and friends. If you have the opportunity to stay in the Ikwerre land, I encourage you to do so. You will be welcomed with open arms and you will be sure to have a memorable experience.

Ikwerre people are a family-oriented people who place a high value on extended family ties. They have a strong sense of community and are always willing to help out their neighbors. They are known for their strong work ethic and are always looking for ways to improve their lives. They place a high value on education and believe that it is the key to a better future. Ikwerre people have a rich and vibrant culture that is expressed through their music, dance, and art. Their lifestyle is a reflection of their rich history and culture. Ikwerre people are a proud and resilient people who continue to make significant contributions to Nigerian society.

Ikwerre people exist in a well-delineated clans, with each clan having its own paramount king. The Ikwerre do not have an overall paramount ruler or king, but designated kings, rulers or leaders mostly approved by their constituents. However, all paramount rulers in Ikwerre are united in what is known as Ogbakor Ikwerre, which was formed in 1963 as an umbrella socio-cultural organization of the Ikwerre people.

Markets in Ikwerre land are vibrant and diverse place where people from all walks of life come together to buy and sell goods and services. Ikwerre markets are major economic hub for the Ikwerre people and plays an important role in the local economy. Their market is a great place to experience the local culture and learn about the Ikwerre way of life.


Ikwerre people area warm and welcoming people, they have a rich and vibrant culture, their food is delicious! It is a beautiful place resident. Ikwerre land is a growing and vibrant community. Ikwerre land is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. If you are looking for a place to fall in love, Ikwerre is the perfect place for you.

The Ikwerre people are predominantly farmers and hunters, this is because they have a very fertile soil and forests teeming with wildlife. Ikwerre main indigenous meal, which you must find at any major occasion burials, weddings etc, is a combo of Miniwiri-okazi with plenty of smoked fish, smoked meat and major periwinkle presence and Odogoro Fufu or Otara-iji Pounded yam. A typical Ikwerre person of Apara/Rumuapara extraction knows how to Dundu; this is the act of eating your well spiced and smoked fish or meat with your Odogoro or Otara-iji… and without any soup. Yum!

The Ikwerre people traditionally use Jioji wrapper. Ikwerre women tie two pieces and a blouse with a head-tie of a different but corresponding Jioji wrapper, while the men wear an Etibo top and tie one piece of Jioji wrapper with a pair of jumper shorts under.

Ikwerre land play host to several multinational oil-producing and servicing companies, in addition to many other industries and establishments.

The notable people from Ikwerre land are: Simeon Chituru Achinewhu, biochemist, scholar and university administrator; Elechi Amadi, writer; Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor, Rivers State, and former, Minister of Transportation; Thankgod Amaefule born 1984, soccer player; Kingsley Chinda, minority leader, House of Representatives; Monalisa Chinda, actress; Mercy Chinwo, gospel musician; Chinonye Chukwu, writer, director; Tonto Dikeh, actress, musician, and politician; Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta North; Omah Lay, musician; Duncan Mighty, musician; Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, Vice-Chancellor Rivers State University; Celestine Omehia, former Governor of Rivers State; Emmanuel Onunwor, former Mayor of East Cleveland, Ohio, US; Austin Opara, former Deputy Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives; Waconzy, singer, songwriter; Obi Wali, professor, and politician; Isaac Grant Prayer, Marketpointnigeria.com & Propertypointng.com; Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Access Bank PLC; Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of the FCT.

Ikwerre land has notable primary and secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria, it includes both public and private schools that are currently in operation, they are: Ultimate Victory Academy, Baptist High School, Borokiri, Bereton Montessori Nursery and Primary School, Old GRA, Crest Forth International School Emarid College, Faith Baptist College, Old GRA, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri, Greenoak International School, New GRA, Holy Rosary College, Old GRA;Methodist Girls High School;Norwegian International School; Our Lady of Fatima College, Borokiri; St. Mary's Catholic Model High School; Starlets Academy, Old GRA; Stella Maris College Stepping Stone Educational Centre; Tantua International Group of Schools; The Graceland International School, Port Harcourt; Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls' School, Elelenwo; KADOSHLAND INTERNATIONAL ' SCHOOL, 4 Omachi street; Ash Merlyn International School, Elelenwo; Ave Maria International Academy, East West Road; CITA International School, Rumuogba; De World International Secondary School; Emilio Piazza Memorial School, Rumuigbo; Government Secondary School, Eneka; Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School; La Pierre Angulaire High School; Loretto School of Childhood, Rumuigbo; Marygold International School, Elelenwo; Niger Delta Science School; St. Benedict Immaculate Canadian Academy; St Maria Goretti's School; St. Scholarstica International Schools, Orazi Mile 4; Shalom International School; Topline Schools, Elelenwo; Trans Amadi International School; Titare Star Royal Academy, Off Okporo Rd, Port Harcourt; Rockbase International School, Choba; University Demonstration Secondary School, Aluu; University Demonstration Primary School, Uniport; Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Port Harcourt; Gloria Educational Center, Port Harcourt; Community secondary school, ogbogoro; Brookstone School Secondary; Charles Dale Memorial International School; Emarid College; Jesuit Memorial College, Aluuccss;

Ikwerre land has notable universities in Rivers State, Nigeria, it includes both public and private schools that are currently in operation, they are: Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni; River State University; University of Port-Harcourt; PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt; Wigwe University, Isiokpo Rivers State