Wrestling is one of the most celebrated cultural activities of the Ekpeye speaking people of Upata Kingdom
African traditional communities are known for their unique traditions, culture and customs. The communities observe several festivals and ceremonies which are tied to their cultural activities and their upbringing.
The celebrations are truly fundamental to the lives of the people, hence assimilated as a pattern of life which has informed a better part of the people. Particularly, wrestling is one of the most celebrated cultural activities of the Ekpeye speaking people of Upata Kingdom.
For them, wrestling is dialectically known as “Eta” and it is
one of the physical calisthenics that tends to foster unity amongst the people. Traditional wrestling among men and boys is a common tradition among the Upata people.
In fact, many people in the Kingdom consider wrestling as a male only sport. In the old days, the female folk were involved, not now again because the influence of western civilization has cut off female interest. It has been rebranded and is very much indigenous to Upata culture, widely practiced by the male gender.
Upata Kingdom, is an ancient Kingdom known for its diverse cultural tapestry, and the Kingdom boasts a rich heritage of wrestling, a traditional physical exerting sport. Wrestling stands out as a captivating display of strength, skill, and cultural significance. The sport is deeply entrenched in centuries-old traditions and, the sport, rightly indigenous, has evolved into a popular sport that continues to enthrall spectators both within Upata Kingdom, Ekpeye Nation through to Rivers State and across Nigeria.
The importance of the Upata traditional wrestling is embedded in history and oral history traces its origin back to ancient times. It was an integral part of traditional Upata society, rooted in culture and customs. The Upata traditional sport holds great significance, often performed as a rite of passage, display of bravery, and a means of resolving conflicts. The highly popular traditional wrestling serves as an acknowledgement of skill and strength as well as the promotion of indigenous culture, norms and values. This was more attested when the 2023 Wrestling Season was declared open by HRM Eze Barr. Uche Isaiah-Elikwu, DSSRS who, is the reigning Epara Rebisi. He congratulated the Upata people for holding on to the “age long wrestling culture.”
For the Nye-ishi Ele Upata Lowetu li Nye Udu Upata III of Upata Kingdom, HRM Nye Udu Felix Enene Otuwarikpo, Ph.D, Fnipr, government need to give more attention to the development of traditional wrestling. That development of the sport beside the preservation of the people’s culture, could contribute to the winning of laurels for the state and country.
The opening event attracted other guests like Hon. Hope Ikiriko, Ph.D, Executive Chairman of Ahoada West; Barr. George Turnah, former Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan; HRH (Rt. Hon.) King Agohin C.A.B Omoni,JP, Amayanabo of Ke Kingdom; ACP Aminudeen Mohammed, Area Commander, Ahoada Area Police Command; HRM Eze Maxwell Augustine Okpokiri,JP, Eze Igbu Ubie IV; and HRH Eze Herbert R. Boms, Eze Adaka Rebisi among other personalities.
In Upataland, a man is believed to prove his physical strength when he is able to fight off his aggressors and so, wrestling shows strength and courage. Before the wresting season, young men who will be competing train for months. The victorious ones are admired and respected by all especially, young maidens flock around them in awe. Sometimes, marriages are consumated.
Also, then, traditional wrestling serves as a means by which inter communal and intra communal disputes are settled. It also held as a form of entertainment.
* Oyagiri Monday is a social affairs analyst and critic.