Over five hundred years ago, the people of Omadino migrated from a place called Ode in Yoruba area and founded Okerenghigho (or Okenghigho). As their number was systematically increasing, it became necessary for other settlements like Aghigho, Akpata and finally Omadino to be made and Okerenghigho then became a camp for seasonal fishing.
In the 1800s, Princess lye of Warri Kingdom whose mother was a from Omadino made a request from the Omadino people to allow her to use Okerenghigho as a temporary habitation for the several slaves she had, and this was allowed. She was then living in the Benin River area. As time went by, an ljaw by name Akpata went to Chanomi, son of Princess lye to allow him and his people, settle on a portion of Okerenghigho land and this was also allowed after Chanomi had obtained the consent of the Omadino people at Omadino village.
Etymology
The name “Okerenghigho” has been corrupted by the Ijaws of Gbaramatu to “Okerenkoko”. The original name, Okerenghigho, is of Itsekiri origin, reflecting the community’s historical ties to the Omadino people.
Legal Disputes
A long-standing legal dispute has existed between the Ijaws of Gbaramatu and the Omadino people over the ownership of Okerenghigho. The case has been taken to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, with the Omadino people emerging victorious on multiple occasions. The court has consistently declared the Omadino people as the rightful owners of the land, with the Ijaws of Gbaramatu recognized as tenants.
Geography
Okerenghigho is situated in Warri Southwest LGA of Delta State, Nigeria. The community’s geographical coordinates are:
* Latitude: 5° 37′ 37″ N
* Longitude: 5° 23′ 34″ E
* Latitude/Longitude (decimal): 5.62713, 5.39288
Postal Code
The postal code for Okerenghigho is 332104.
Reference
The Iwere (Warri) Kingdom and The Olu’s Overlordship Rights in Itsekiri land By R. A. I. Ogbobine