Auchi

Auchi is a city in Edo State, Nigeria.

Auchi Sacred Kingdom (ASK), which is part of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, serves as the Local Government headquarters. Other towns in the Etsako West local government area include: Uzairue, South Ibie, Agbede and The Anwain Clan. During the British colonial rule, it was the headquarters of the Kukuruku Division, the administrative headquarters of five districts. It is the home of Auchi Polytechnic.

Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman and former Minister of information and culture Tony Momoh, Jeffrey Obomeghie, Nigerian-American executive and writer, were born in Auchi.

Language

The language spoken by the Auchi people is 'Yekhè' or Etsako amongst the Afenmai language. It is an Edoid language dialect or variant.

History

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 land. This migration is believed to have taken place in the mid-15th century, during the reign of Oba Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom. This period in the Benin empire was characterised by constant wars and incessant strife.

Geography

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

Religion

Auchi has been a major Islamic town. Irrespective of religion, 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.

Population

The population grew to 42,638 by 1952, including people from many Nigerian tribes.

As of 1995, its population was 140,612. As of 2005–2006, the population was about 150,000 persons.
Auchi has in recent years been amongst the fastest growing cities in Nigeria due to several factors:1 There has been mass return of Auchi indigenes and in extension other Etsako indigenes from northern Nigeria due to the urbanization and economic development of Auchi.
2: The emergence of their son Adams aliyu Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo state, who gave Auchi a serious facelift while he was Governor of Edo state. which has then made Auchi a residential hotspots for many Nigerians.
3. Graduates of the institution ( Auchi polytechnic) who has made Auchi home and has refused to return home after service
4. The siting of some industries and companies which has in turn attracted many workers and hoping applicant to Auchi.
5. The rise of famous Apostle Johnson Suleiman who has in turn given Auchi fame, and has brought many Omega fire faithfuls to settle, and also made Auchi a beehive of activities, and a transport hotspot, all these in the last sixteen years has made Auchi a formidable force in Edo state, making it grow in leaps and bounds numerically thereby successfully displacing Ekpoma as the second largest town in Edo state.

Culture and traditions

Auchi Kingdom is headed by a monarchy and the traditional ruler is referred to as the Otaru of Auchi. The 8th of January is designated as Auchi Day. This commemorative day was previously called Uchi Day.

List of Otarus (traditional kings)

* Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) 10th Otaru of Auchi (1996 -)
* Alhaji Ahmed Guruza Momoh, the 9th Otaru of Auchi (1973 - 1996)
* Abubakar Keremi Momoh, The 8th Otaru of Auchi (1955 - 1970)
* King Momoh Jimah Momoh, the 7th Otaru of Auchi (1945 - 1955)
* King Momoh Idaeo, the 6th Otaru of Auchi (1919 - 1944)
* King Ikharo Ikelebe, the 5th Otaru of Auchi (1905 - 1919)
* Odifili, the 4th Otaru of Auchi (1905)
* Idaeo Ikelebe, the 3rd Otaru of Auchi (1884 - 1905)
* Imoudu Iburogamhe, the 2nd Otaru of Auchi (1872-1884)
* Ikelebe the first, 1st Otaru of Auchi (1819 - 1861)

Institutions and infrastructure

Auchi is home to:

* Auchi Polytechnic
* Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
* Edo Fertilizer Milling Plant (commenced operation in June 2017)

Erosion

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.

Gallery

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

References

External links

*
* http://www.afemaipeople.com/
* 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

{{Authority control

Populated places in Edo State