Ika language (Nigeria)

The Ika language is an Igboid language spoken primarily by the Ika people of Delta and Edo states of southern Nigeria.

Ika
RegionDelta and Edo States, Nigeria
Ethnicity
Native speakers
23,000 (2000)[1]
Niger–Congo?
Language codes
ISO 639-3ikk
Glottologikaa1238

The Ika people are specifically located in the North-West of Delta State but some like Igbanke, Inyelen and Ekpon are presently located in Edo State. Ika communities mostly comprise the following: Agbor , Owa, Umunede, Mbiri, Abavo, Orogodo, Otolokpo, Igbodo, Ute-Okpu, Ute-Ugbeje, Idumuesah, Akumazi, Ekpon (Edo State), Igbanke (Edo State), Inyelen Edo State), Iru egbede (Edo State).[2]

Other Ika communities found in Edo State are Owanikeke, Owa-Riuzo Idu, Igbogili, Ute Oheze and Ute Obagie N’Oheze. On Delta Radio there is now news in Ika. Ikas have commenced writing the Bible in their language, and right now the gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John have been published in Ika along with other books. Ifeanyi Okowa is a prominent son of Ika background.[3]

There are other Ika speaking communities who are presently in Edo state, namely;[4]

  • Igbanke
  • Ekpon[5][6]
  • Owa
  • Ute Oheze
  • Ute Obagie N’Oheze
  • Iru
  • Oghada
  • Ogan

Belief

The Ika people are predominantly Christian's as Christianity is the most common religion practiced among the Ika people although with traditional worship still in practice also.[6]

Economy

The Ika (of Delta state) brag of being the home to the best African Palmwine. Ika clan are significantly Farmers and the rich participate in Palm wine business with red oil extraction or different structures, for example, palm wine tapping is their major source of income.[6]

Further reading
  • Uguru, Joy Oluchi (2015). "Ika Igbo". Illustrations of the IPA. Journal of the International Phonetic Association. 45 (2): 213–219. doi:10.1017/S0025100315000067, with supplementary sound recordings.

References
  1. Ika at Ethnologue (25th ed., 2022) closed access
  2. Onyeakagbu, Adaobi (2022-02-09). "A brief walk into the lives of Ika tribe". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  3. "Delta State Government". Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  4. Onyeakagbu, Adaobi (2022-02-09). "A brief walk into the lives of Ika tribe". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  5. "EKPON". Retrieved 2021-09-16.
  6. "Ika tribe: A brief walk into the lives of this ethnic group". Pulse Nigeria. 2021-05-25. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
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