Auchi

There are varied historical accounts relating to the origins of the Auchi people. The most popular of these legends asserts that a mass migration from Udo in present-day Benin City led by a man called Uchi accompanied by his family, and followers headed north and finally settled for the relative calm of the Guinea Savannah belt known today as Etsako{{Cite web |title=Etsako people of Edo State, Nigeria |url=https://www.edoworld.net/etsako_home.html |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=www.edoworld.net}} land. This migration is believed to have taken place in the mid-15th century, during the reign of Oba Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-25 |title=Benin {{!}} History, Culture & People of West Africa {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Benin-historical-kingdom-West-Africa |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}} This period in the Benin empire was characterised by constant wars and incessant strife.

In the 19th century, Auchi experienced a major shift due to the Nupe invasion of 1860, which led to a period of foreign rule lasting 37 years (1860–1897). The Nupe, led by Emir Masaba, imposed their administration and introduced elements of Islamic influence, taxation, and military control.{{Cite journal |last=Yakubu |first=Suleiman |date=2024-12-11 |title=The Impact of British Colonial Administration on Nigeria: The Auchi Kingdom Experience, 1904-1960 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/10195/84451 |journal=Disertační práce, Univerzita Pardubice|hdl=10195/84451 }} Although the Nupe brought economic and religious changes, their rule was largely exploitative, leading to resistance among Auchi’s people. In 1897, the British defeated the Nupe at Bida, and Auchi was subsequently absorbed into the British colonial structure. By 1904, British colonial officers formally took over Auchi, integrating it into the Kukuruku Division under the Southern Protectorate of Nigeria.{{Cite journal |last=Suleiman |first=Yakubu |date=2021-12-31 |title=Colonial Rule in Nigeria: The Auchi Kingdom Encounter with the British Colonialists and the Impacts |url=https://seer.ufrgs.br/rbea/article/view/109656 |journal=Revista Brasileira de Estudos Africanos |language=en |volume=6 |issue=12 |doi=10.22456/2448-3923.109656 |issn=2448-3923|doi-access=free }}

During British rule (1904–1960), Auchi was governed under indirect rule, where the traditional Otaru system (monarchical rule) was maintained under British supervision. British policies introduced Western education, new economic systems, and infrastructural developments such as roads and administrative buildings. However, colonial rule was also exploitative, as Auchi’s resources and labor were used to benefit the British administration. By 1960, Nigeria gained independence, and Auchi transitioned into a modern urban center while maintaining its traditional governance structure. Today, Auchi remains a key economic and cultural hub in Edo State, with a strong Islamic influence, historical landmarks, and a diverse population.

The language spoken by the Auchi people is 'Yekhè' or Etsako amongst the Afenmai language. It is an Edoid language dialect or variant.{{Cite web |title=The Languages and Local Government Areas in Edo State – Edo Dynasty United Worldwide |url=https://edodynasty.org/the-languages-and-local-government-areas-in-edo-state/ |access-date=2021-06-22 |language=en-US}}

File:The River Orle.jpg

File:Auchi central mosque.jpg

Auchi town is divided into five grand quarters which could also be referred to as districts; these are in turn made up of 25 villages.

The five grand quarters are:

• UTSOGUN
• AKPEKPE
• AIBOTSE
• IGBHEI
• IYEKHEI
• In recent times, 24 extra villages have been created

Auchi Kingdom is headed by a monarchy and the traditional ruler is referred to as the Otaru of Auchi. The 8 January is designated as Auchi Day. This commemorative day was previously called Uchi Day.{{Cite web |last=Webmaster |date=2017-01-21 |title=Auchi Day: A celebration of the Most High |url=https://dailytrust.com/auchi-day-a-celebration-of-the-most-high/ |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Daily Trust |language=en-GB}}

Auchi has been a major Islamic town.{{Cite web |last=Webmaster |date=2013-02-23 |title=Life of Momoh, Auchi's first Muslim King |url=https://dailytrust.com/life-of-momoh-auchi-s-first-muslim-king/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Daily Trust |language=en-GB}} Oba Momodu was the first person to embrace Islam in the present-day Edo State, and also the dynamic king of the kingdom and passed on 1944, Auchi followed quickly in the wake of his action. The people live peacefully. The welcoming and hospitable nature of the Auchi people has to a very large extent contributed to the cultural and religious diversity of the town.{{Cite web |last=Voice |first=Muslim |date=2022-10-10 |title=The Nigerian Mosque: Arafat Mosque, Auchi {{!}} The Muslim Voice, Nigeria |url=https://muslimvoice.com.ng/2022/10/10/the-nigerian-mosque-arafat-mosque-auchi/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |language=en-US}}

Auchi's religious history dates back to its founding during the late 15th century, when Uchi, a warrior prince from the Benin Kingdom, established the settlement following a dispute with the Oba of Benin.{{Cite journal |last1=Wajeed |first1=Obomeighie |last2=Yakubu |first2=Suleiman |date=2021-01-01 |title=The Auchi Kingdom: A century of growth and innovations |url=https://www.academia.edu/100631195 |journal=Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research}} Prior to the adoption of Islam, the people of Auchi practiced African traditional religion, which was characterized by the worship of a multiple deities. The Auchi people believed in a supreme deity, referred to as Oghena or Ogie Okuli, while also worshipping intermediary deities and ancestral spirits or deities including Uchi (the spirit of the kingdom’s founder), Orle (the River goddess), Amanue, and Ogholodio.{{Cite journal |last=Suleiman |first=Yakubu |date=2022-12-19 |title=The Socio-cultural and Political Practices of the People of the Auchi Kingdom Before the Arrival of the Nupe in Nigeria |url=https://www.academia.edu/102697378 |journal=Athens Journal of History}} Shrines dedicated to these gods served as religious centers where offerings of food and livestock were made to seek divine blessings. Ancestor veneration was also practiced, where deceased family members were believed to influence the well-being of their descendants.{{Cn|date=April 2025}} The Uchi Festival, an annual religious event, was an important occasion during which the community gathered at the site of Uchi’s original settlement to make sacrifices and prayers.{{cn|date=April 2025}} However, the spread of Islam in the early 20th century led to the decline of these practices, with Islamic reformers actively dismantling shrines and replacing traditional religious institutions with Islamic structures.

Islam was introduced to Auchi through interactions with Nupe, Hausa, Fulani, and Yoruba traders in the 19th century, but it was not widely practiced until the early 20th century. The formal adoption of Islam as the official religion of Auchi occurred in 1914, largely due to the efforts of King Momoh I (King Momoh Idaeo), a progressive leader who sought to modernize the kingdom through religious transformation. To encourage mass conversion, Momoh I incentivized religious participation by offering free Islamic clothing to those who learned how to pray and adopted Muslim names. He also invited Muslim scholars to educate the population, further integrating Islamic teachings into the daily lives of Auchi residents. By 1919, when Momoh I officially became Otaru of Auchi, Islam had become deeply rooted in the kingdom, leading to the destruction of traditional religious shrines and the widespread adoption of Islamic governance structures.{{cn|date=April 2025}} The establishment of centralized prayer locations reflected the kingdom’s transition to a predominantly Muslim society. Despite this, some Auchi residents continued to consult traditional priests and oracle diviners in secrecy, particularly in matters related to infertility, personal misfortune, and spiritual guidance.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

Today, Islam remains the dominant religion in Auchi, shaping both its governance and daily life. The city is often described as resembling a northern Nigerian Muslim community due to the strong influence of Islamic customs. The Arafat Mosque,{{Cite web |last=Voice |first=Muslim |date=2022-10-10 |title=The Nigerian Mosque: Arafat Mosque, Auchi {{!}} The Muslim Voice, Nigeria |url=https://muslimvoice.com.ng/2022/10/10/the-nigerian-mosque-arafat-mosque-auchi/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |language=en-US}} built in 2002, stands as a major Islamic landmark, symbolizing Auchi’s religious significance in the region. However, Christianity has also maintained a presence in the city, particularly with the establishment of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi{{Cite web |title=Catholic Diocese of Auchi - Official Site |url=https://www.catholicdioceseofauchi.org/history |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.catholicdioceseofauchi.org}} in 2002, which serves the Christian minority. The first secondary school in Auchi, Our Lady of Fatima College, founded by Christian missionaries in 1962, further reflects Christianity’s continued influence. While African Traditional Religion has largely faded, some elements of pre-Islamic spirituality persist, with certain individuals still offering private sacrifices to Orle (the River Goddess) for fertility and spiritual protection.{{cn|date=April 2025}} This religious transformation highlights Auchi’s journey from a traditional African religious society to a prominent Islamic community , while still retaining pockets of religious diversity.

The population grew to 42,638 by 1952, including people from many Nigerian tribes.{{Cite web |title=Ajakolo {{!}} Nigeria Facts |url=http://nigeriafacts.net/ajakolo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124122849/http://nigeriafacts.net/ajakolo |url-status=usurped |archive-date=24 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=nigeriafacts.net}}

As of 1995, its population was 140,612. As of 2005–2006, currently, the population is about 150,000 persons. In 2019, Auchi was regarded amongst the fastest growing urban area in Edo State, Nigeria.{{Cite journal |last1=Ajayi |first1=A.S |last2=Ibrahim |first2=Rasheed |last3=Brai |first3=M. A. |last4=Seghosime |first4=Sule |date=2019 |title=Overview of the Anthropogenic Causes of Soil Erosion in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria |url=https://meritresearchjournals.org/asss/Content/2019/August/Ajayi%20et%20al.pdf |journal=Merit Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Sciences |volume=7 |issue=8 |pages=087–090 |doi=10.5281/zenodo.3380575 |via=}}

File:Otaru Daudu.png

• Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) 10th Otaru of Auchi (1996 -){{Cite web|date=2016-07-15|title=Otaru of Auchi splashes N5m on Asalatu Muslim women|url=https://t.guardian.ng/features/otaru-of-auchi-splashes-n5m-on-asalatu-muslim-women/|access-date=2021-06-22|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2019-10-13|title=I abandoned my gold mining business when I became king — Momoh|url=https://punchng.com/i-abandoned-my-gold-mining-business-when-i-became-king-momoh/|access-date=2021-06-22|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}
• Alhaji Ahmed Guruza Momoh, the 9th Otaru of Auchi (1973 - 1996){{Cite web|last=Adeolu|date=2017-03-20|title=MOMOH, (His Highness, Alhaji) Ahmad Guruza, Ikelebe II|url=https://blerf.org/index.php/biography/momoh-his-highness-alhaji-ahmad-guruza-ikelebe-ii/|access-date=2021-06-22|website=Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation|language=en-US}}
• Abubakar Keremi Momoh, The 8th Otaru of Auchi (1955 - 1970){{Cite web|date=2019-01-20|title=114 years after, Ikharos seek court validation for rotation of Auchi stool|url=https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/c104-sunday-magazine/114-years-after-ikharos-seek-court-validation-for-rotation-of-auchi-stool/|access-date=2021-06-22|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}
• King Momoh Jimah Momoh, the 7th Otaru of Auchi (1945 - 1955){{Cite web|date=2019-01-20|title=114 years after, Ikharos seek court validation for rotation of Auchi stool|url=https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/c104-sunday-magazine/114-years-after-ikharos-seek-court-validation-for-rotation-of-auchi-stool/|access-date=2021-07-11|website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News|language=en-US}}
• King Momoh Idaeo, the 6th Otaru of Auchi (1919 - 1944)
• King Ikharo Ikelebe, the 5th Otaru of Auchi (1905 - 1919){{Cite web|title=Nigerian Traditional States|url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_native.html|access-date=2021-06-22|website=www.worldstatesmen.org}}{{Cite web|date=2020-06-15|title=Saliu Osifuemhe Ahmed – A Man Of Many Parts|url=https://aledeh.com/saliu-osifuemhe-ahmed-a-man-of-many-parts/|access-date=2021-07-11|website=ALEDEH|language=en-US}}
• Odifili, the 4th Otaru of Auchi (1905){{Cite web|last=Mubarak|first=Abdulrasheed|title=All You Need To Know About Auchi Land ⋆ Tropics Nigeria|url=https://tropics.ng/2020/12/11/all-you-need-to-know-about-auchi-land/|access-date=2021-06-22|language=en-US}}
• Idaeo Ikelebe, the 3rd Otaru of Auchi (1884 - 1905){{Cite web|title=otaru|url=https://library.answerthepublic.net/tag/otaru|access-date=2021-06-22|website=library.answerthepublic.net}}
• Imoudu Iburogamhe, the 2nd Otaru of Auchi (1872-1884){{Cite book |last=Arunah |first=Abdulrahman Osioke |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oaYuAQAAIAAJ |title=A History of Auchi Kingdom |date=2006 |publisher=Haytee Press & Publishing Company |isbn=978-978-8090-25-0 |language=en}}
• Ikelebe the first, 1st Otaru of Auchi (1819 - 1861){{Cite web |last=Okogba |first=Emmanuel |date=2021-01-05 |title=The relevance of January 14 in Oyo (3) |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/01/the-relevance-of-january-14-in-oyo-3/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}

• Kamaru Usman, former UFC Welterweight Champion{{Cite web |last=Tewari |first=Avinash |date=2021-05-17 |title=Where was UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman born? |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-where-ufc-welterweight-champion-kamaru-usman-born |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}
• John Momoh, media personality
• Tony Momoh, politician
• Johnson Suleman, pastor
• Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, Lawyer & the first Senior Advocate
• Major General Hafiz Brahim Momoh, Former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC){{Cite web |title=Momoh Royal Family |url=https://momohroyalfamily.com.ng/major-general-rtd-hafiz-brahim-momoh/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |language=en-US}}

Auchi is home to:

• Auchi Polytechnic{{Cite web |title=About the School |url=https://auchipoly.edu.ng/ap/about-the-school/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi |language=en-US}}
• Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering {{citation needed|date=August 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2024-01-24 |title=Commander Of 4th Brigade Of Nigerian Army Visits NASEME In Auchi {{!}} The Reliance Newspaper |url=http://thereliancenewspaper.com.ng/2024/01/24/commander-of-4th-brigade-of-nigerian-army-visits-naseme-in-auchi/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |language=en-US}}
• Edo Fertilizer Milling Plant (commenced operation in June 2017){{cite news|title=Edo Fertilizer Blending Plant To Commence Operation June|url=http://www.concisenews.global/news/edo-fertilizer-blending-plant-to-commence-operation/|work=Concise News|date=June 2017}}
• Arafat Mosque

The climate at Auchi, which has an elevation of 0 meters (None feet) above sea level, is tropical wet and dry or savanna (Aw classification). The district's average annual temperature is -0.74% lower than Nigeria's averages at 28.72 °C (83.7 °F). 183.14 millimeters (7.21 inches) of precipitation and 265.4 rainy days (72.71% of the time) are typical yearly totals for Auchi.{{Cite web |title=Auchi, Edo, NG Climate Zone, Monthly Averages, Historical Weather Data |url=https://tcktcktck.org/nigeria/edo/auchi |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=tcktcktck.org}}

File:Auchi erosion.ogv

Some parts of Auchi have been seriously devastated due to soil erosion. The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), assisted by the World Bank, are now tackling the menace and are making fast progress.{{Cite journal|last=Olatunji, Iretomiwa|date=2016-01-19|title=Resettlement action plan for Auchi erosion Gully site in Etsako West, Edo State|url=http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/667611468096572604/Resettlement-action-plan-for-Auchi-erosion-Gully-site-in-Etsako-West-Edo-State|language=en|journal=The World Bank}}{{Cite web | date=2022-05-11 |title=Auchi residents cry out over erosion, seek Obaseki's intervention |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/auchi-residents-cry-out-over-erosion-seek-obasekis-intervention/ |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}

File:Ahlaji Ridwan street, Agbede, Auchi, Edo state.jpg

File:Auchi Polytechnic gate, Auchi, Edo state 5.jpg

File:Auchi Polytechnic gate, Auchi, Edo state 9.jpg

File:Etsako West Local Government Secretariat.jpg

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikivoyage}}

• {{cite web |title=Nigeria - Erosion and Watershed Management Project : resettlement plan (Vol. 6) : Resettlement action plan for Auchi erosion Gully site in Etsako West, Edo State |url=http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/667611468096572604/Resettlement-action-plan-for-Auchi-erosion-Gully-site-in-Etsako-West-Edo-State |website=World Bank |access-date=19 June 2021 |language=en}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20131230163430/http://www.afemaipeople.com/ Article title]}}
• http://stanwilly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/etsako-people-of-nigeria-history-and.html
• http://ihuanedo.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-real-story-of-auchi-town
• http://auchipoly.edu.ng

{{Edo State}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Populated places in Edo State