GBASHIKERE KINGDOM
Written by; DENWI JOSHUA ADUNGA
Denwiadungajoshua@gmail.com
On the 21st April, 2023.
Published: 8th March, 2024
GBASHIKERE is a settlement found in AKUBA I district of Bassa Local Government Kogi State, Nigeria. It is about 10km east of Oguma, the Bassa Local Government headquarters.
Gbashikere settlement came into existence in the year 1870. The first settler of Gbashikerɛ Kingdom is GADO MUNGAZHƐ . He migrated from a village known as OWURU due to the USMAN DANFODIO led Fulani War.
GADO MUNGAZHƐ was a fisherman and a hunter. He name the settlement GBASHIKERE; which means a place of rest or relaxation. The name came as a result of passerbys who usually see GADO MUNGAZHƐ sitting by the road side after fishing or hunting relaxing on his wooden chair. The passersby will say “bụ kwụbɛ bụtụ ga ‘jɛjɛ gbashɛ-gbashɛ kere”, meaning see this person sitting comfortably alone. Hence, this gave birth to the name GBASHIKERE which has been coined by the British as Gbadikere or Gbedikere.
After GADO MUNGAZHƐ arrived GBASHIKERE his first search was water, just like every settler in a new environment will do. During his search for water he found a water and he said “meni muko na kwurimi”, meaning, this is a water so low. In furtherance to familiarize with his new environment, he (GADO MUNGAZHƐ) found another water and he said “minya meni na”, implying, this is another water.
This gave birth to the two waters found in GBASHIKERE KINGDOM, which are KURIMI AND MINYA- which is the largest.
People who have ruled GBASHIKERE as kings since inception till date are;
- GADO MUNGAZHE – 1871-1891 (20 years).
- DAKU GADO – 1892-1934 (42 years).
- DAUDU GADO – 1935-1952 (17 years).
- GWATANA TASSA ZHƐSHƐ – 1953-1972 (19 years).
- DANGARA KURE – 1973-2012 (39 years).
- STEPHEN UYE GWATANA – 2012 TILL DATE.
GBASHIKERE KINGDOM has two dominant clans (ulamụ) in population which are, AKUBA AND ARƐNJƐ. The Akuba clan are the rulling clan in chieftaincy.
GBASHIKERE shares boundary with ESULE to the east. To the west, it shares boundary with GBƐCHI (Isese rụgba gwụmɛ through to ishɛmɛ bukuto).
To the North, it shares boundary with River Benue. And to the South, it shares boundary with KPOYIBO (Ishɛmɛ Lagba).
GBASHIKERE kingdom has five streets (Ekpekpe) which are;
- Ukpekpe Nabayɛ
- Ukpekpe Ashashɛ
- Ukpekpe Gbugbudu
- Ukpekpe Judea
- Ukpekpe Kwunini.
Gbashikere Kingdom is known as the number one hub for fishing activities in Bassa Local Government with it’s great river (MINYA). People from neighbouring Local Governments comes to buy fish in GBASHIKERE for retail or consumption purposes. No doubt Gbashikere is tagged a commercial town among the many others in Bassa Local Government.
The people of Gbashikere Kingdom also engage in farming activities in which their farm produce include, Yam, Cassava, Maize, Guinea Corn, Millet, Rice, etcetera.
GBASHIKERE KINGDOM has also produce many graduates in diverse fields of studies who are making great impact in the society. Some among them are former Chairmen of the Local Government, Late Hon. Luke Shigaba and Hon. Bako Shigaba. Late Michael Jimba (Judge), Late Hon. Sunday Jimba, Late Hon. Luke Guma, Hon. Jimba Emmanuel Nibi, Uye Lucky (MC Bassa Kwomu One), Paul Gudu (Paul-G), Amb. Denwi Joshua Adunga and host of others.
The people of GBASHIKERE are one of the most accommodative people you will find in Bassa Local Government.
GBASHIKERE settlement is a linear one which lies between Mountains and Lake Minya.
SOURCE:
Oral Interviews
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