Ututu, a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage, is situated in a region steeped in history and tradition. Bounded in the north by Ihechiowa Clan, Ututu has a fascinating history that intertwines with its neighboring clans, including Ihechiowa, Isu, Arochukwu, Ukwa, Ito, and the Abatum of Enyong. The oral history of Ututu speaks of migration, interaction, and coexistence with these neighboring clans, highlighting the deep-rooted connections and relationships that have shaped the community over the years.
Ihechiowa Clan and the Strong Ties with Ututu
The history of Ututu and Ihechiowa is intertwined, with both clans sharing a common heritage and language. Despite some historical skirmishes, the relationship between Ututu and Ihechiowa has been congenial in recent times. The similarity in their Igbo dialects has further strengthened their bond, with both clans considering themselves as brothers. Marriages between the two clans have been common, despite occasional disagreements from some Ihechiowa parents.
Isu Clan: Peaceful Neighbors of Ututu
To the southeast of Ututu lies the Isu Clan, another Igbo-speaking community with a peaceful history of coexistence with Ututu. While the origins of Isu are obscure, they share a common dialect with Ututu, possibly due to their close proximity. The people of Isu have remained peaceful neighbors, further contributing to the harmonious relationship between the two communities.
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Arochukwu: Centuries-Old Kingdom and Its Relationship with Ututu
In the south of Ututu lies the historic town of Arochukwu, a kingdom with a rich history dating back centuries. The three kindreds of Arochukwu, namely Okennachi, Ibom Isii, and Ezeagwu, have maintained a cohesive and progressive coexistence, setting an example for other communities in Igboland. Arochukwu has maintained a high degree of cordiality with its neighbors, including Ututu, Isu, and Ihechiowa, over the centuries.
The Aro Connection and Interdependence with Ututu
The Aro people, known for their intelligence and eloquence, have a strong connection with Ututu, with some accounts tracing the mother of Agwu, a major figure in Igbo history, to Ututu Clan. The Aro’s belief in Chukwu and their reliance on the people’s oracle, Ibiniukpabi or Long Juju, have been central to their culture. Despite occasional exploitation and disputes, Ututu and Arochukwu have maintained a good neighborly relationship, with the Aro’s recognizing Ututu as the real farmers.
Ukwa, Ito, and Abatum of Enyong: Other Neighboring Clans
North-east of Ututu lies the Ukwa Clan, consisting of six small villages whose ancestors came from Ibibio-land as fishermen. The Ukwa people settled near the Cross River, with a peaceful relationship with Ututu. South-east of Ututu is the Ito Clan, whose ancestors came from Ikot-Ekpene area as traders. They settled near the Cross River creeks for fishing and hunting, establishing a cordial relationship with Ututu. The Abatum of Enyong, Efik-speaking people from Calabar area, settled along the Cross River banks, engaging in fishing, trading, and slave dealing, with Ututu granting them permission to settle and trade in the area.
The history of Ututu is not just a story of migration and settlement but also a narrative of interconnectedness and coexistence with its neighboring clans. The relationships forged over centuries have shaped the cultural landscape of Ututu, highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving these historical ties for future generations. Despite occasional challenges and disputes, Ututu and its neighboring clans have demonstrated that peaceful coexistence and mutual respect are the pillars of a harmonious community.
