History of Ugep Mma Esekpa
Mma Esekpa is a revered figure in Ugep history, considered a peaceful and loving goddess. According to my research ,she was encountered by the Ugep people when they migrated to their current location, led by Edem Omilakpa. She is a fertility goddess..
Here’s a brief summary of Mma Esekpa’s significance in Ugep history:
- Mma Esekpa is considered the Melchizedek of Ugep, a symbol of peace and love.
- She was encountered by the Ugep people during their migration from Akpa.
- Mma Esekpa is associated with the land and its fertility, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the Ugep people.
- She is revered as a goddess, and her legacy is celebrated during the Leboku festival.
- Mma Esekpa’s presence is believed to have brought stability and harmony to the Ugep community.
Mma Esekpa’s story is an integral part of Ugep’s cultural heritage, representing the community’s deep connection with their land, traditions, and history.
Below is a rich and summary account of the history and culture of Ugep, a village in
Cross River State, Nigeria.
Here’s a brief summary:
- Ugep originated from Akpa, a village in Eastern Ejagham, due to a religious clash and paternal disagreement.
- The Ugep people migrated to their current location, led by Edem Omilakpa, and encountered a peaceful goddess, Mma Esekpa.
- Ugep is ruled by a potentate, the Chief priest of Ojokobi, who is the Obol Lopon (King of the land).
- The Leboku festival is an annual thanksgiving celebration to honor the gods and goddesses of the land, with a hierarchy of events lasting three weeks.
- The festival includes traditional rites, cultural displays, and wrestling contests for both men and women.
Mma Esekpa as the goddess of Ugep is a fascinating aspect of Yakurr culture and tradition. In this context, Mma Esekpa is revered as a deity or a spiritual figure who embodies the values, virtues, and ideals of the Yakurr people, particularly in relation to womanhood, fertility, and purity.
As the goddess of Ugep, Mma Esekpa might be associated with:
- Fertility and abundance: Ensuring the fertility of the land, women, and the community.
- Protection and guidance: Safeguarding the women and girls of Ugep, and offering guidance and wisdom.
- Cultural heritage: Preserving and promoting the traditions, customs, and values of the Yakurr people.
- Spiritual growth: Facilitating spiritual growth, purification, and enlightenment among her devotees.
The reverence for Mma Esekpa as a goddess highlights the importance of:
- Female empowerment: Celebrating the power, strength, and beauty of women in Yakurr culture.
- Cultural preservation: Honoring the traditions and heritage of the Yakurr people.
- Spiritual connection: Recognizing the spiritual significance of Mma Esekpa and her role in the community’s spiritual life.
The worship or veneration of Mma Esekpa might involve rituals, ceremonies, and offerings to ensure her continued blessings and protection. This aspect of Yakurr culture is truly fascinating, and I’m eager to learn more.
By Odey Ojeka