MKPANI OTOTOBILOTO

INTRODUCTION: Yakurr nation like other nations in Nigeria had been a theatre for the dramatization of socio- political and cultural development since the beginning of history. Thus, from the earliest of time, it has remained a continuous process. Man irrespective of where he lives has enormously multiplied his knowledge and capacity to eke a living from nature, solve humans problems and govern her people though at varying degrees. Therefore, every ethnic group independently participated in the early conquest of his environment. This goes to suggest in effect that, every tribe in Nigeria can lay claims to political development. Yakurr as a nation is not an exception and indeed was among the major participants in the process in which human groups displayed enormous capacity to govern her people. Chew and Hand-Over Of ‘’Etun’’ (Kingly Sacred Chewing Stick) has became a major concern among students of History who are researching on the topic in the 21st Century. This is because, non-pr

I hail thee my own dear native land, at the heartland of Yakor nation, Ototobiloto, the true vine and progenitor of Yakorr-Ibe, without which Kekor is but only a part. Mkpani Ototoliloto, Eful obor libang the ancient habitation of proud, indomitable Warriors in ancestral Yakor forests Idem-ofo, whose crudely armed foot soldiers joining Edem Omiriakpa and in concert roll-spinned the rock crushing enmasse ferocious Akpa at Idomi hill. Shrewed Ekpe Porwa porwa, in the midst of wolves in sheep fur assigned to walk upon and plunder The pleasant pastures and mountains of thine heritage Mkpani Ototoliloto, of whom my grandfather use to always sonorously chant: Mkpani Ototobiloto Orkpe keti orpoi Eful obor Libang Kordorng ben Koryai Kural kosi ligai Ototobiloto my Mkpani, Lopon Jor kupo tamatam Ototobiloto wor osen oryi keti Awoibe ke kebe, apeyorbe Lortumapon jor Ibunukpabi Okpornorke Orkpitong Mkpani Idemofo, the very land of my birth Where I am obligated to live and ser