NewStats: 3,261,659 , 8,174,666 topics. Date: Friday, 30 May 2025 at 12:06 AM 4l13r

The Nri Kingdom stands as the oldest civilizations in Nigeria over 1000 years old, serving as a spiritual, cultural, and historical cornerstone of the Igbo people. With roots deeply intertwined with the ancient traditions of governance, spirituality, and innovation, the Nri Kingdom represents an unbroken lineage that predates many African civilizations. By integrating the origins of the Nri people as migrants from the Lejja region, which boasts Nigeria’s oldest iron-smelting sites (dating to over 780 BCE), we uncover a narrative of innovation, migration, and cultural evolution that shaped the foundations of Igbo society.


Origins: Migrants from Lejja, the Cradle of Metallurgy

According Many scholars Nri people could trace their ancestry to Lejja, an ancient settlement located in present-day Enugu State. Lejja is renowned as the site of the oldest iron-smelting technology in Nigeria, with artifacts dated to around 780 BCE, marking it as a hub of early African technological innovation. The iron smelting in Lejja not only provided tools for agriculture and warfare but also held significant ritualistic importance, symbolizing the transformation of the earthly into the sacred.

As the people migrated southwards to Anambra axis to form places like Ọkà (Awka) Igbo ukwu and other iron smithing areas, their mastery of metallurgy and ritual practices became integral to their societal organization. This migration culminated in the establishment of the Nri Kingdom initially it was Gerontocractic Kingdom till the 8th century CE Before having it had its first Eze, around the fertile banks of the Anambra River. Here, the migrants combined their knowledge of ironworking, spirituality, and governance to build a kingdom that would influence Igbo culture for over a millennium.

The Nri Kingdom: A Spiritual and Cultural Epicenter

Founded by Eri, a divine figure said to have been sent by Chukwu (God), the Nri Kingdom grew into a center of spiritual authority and cultural refinement. Eri’s settlement was characterized by its emphasis on justice, peace, and harmony, principles that were further institutionalized by his descendants like Umu eri, Agulu eri (Aguleri) and many more . The kingdom stood out for its rejection of military conquest, relying instead on diplomacy, spiritual influence, and ritual purification to expand its authority.

The Igbo Calendar (Afọ Igbo)

Central to the Nri people’s cultural identity is the Afọ Igbo, an advanced calendar system used to regulate time, agricultural cycles, and festivals. This calendar, in use for over 1,024 years, is composed of:

Four market days: Eke, Orie, Afọ, Nkwo.

Seven weeks in a month.

Thirteen months in a year, culminating in the Igu Aro festival, which marks the start of the new year.


The Afọ Igbo calendar not only underscores the Nri people's advanced understanding of astronomy but also ties their spiritual and agricultural practices to a cyclical view of time.


Nri Kingship: A Divine Lineage

The Eze Nri (Nri kings) served as both spiritual and political leaders, wielding authority through rituals, diplomacy, and adjudication. Unlike conventional monarchies, the Eze Nri were seen as divine representatives, tasked with mediating between Chukwu and the people. Their primary role was to maintain cosmic order and purity, solidifying the Nri Kingdom’s position as the spiritual nucleus of Igboland.


The lineage of Nri kings is a testament to the kingdom's enduring influence. Prominent rulers include:



Eri
948-1041
Eze Nri Ìfikuánim
1043–1089
Eze Nri Nàmóke
1090–1158
Eze Nri Buífè
1159–1259
Eze Nri Ọmalọ
1260–1299
Eze Nri Jiọfọ I
1300–1390
Eze Nri Ọmalonyeso
1391–1464
Eze Nri Anyamata
1465–1511
Eze Nri Fenenu
1512–1582
Eze Nri Agụ
1583–1676
Eze Nri Apia and Nri–Alike
1677–1700
Eze Nri Ezimilo
1701–1723
Eze Nri Èwenétem
1724–1794
Eze Nri Ènweleána I
1795–1886
Eze Nri Òbalíke
1889–1936
Eze Nri Jiọfọ II Taabansi Udene
1937–1979
Eze Nri Ènweleána II Obidiegwu (MFR)
1988- present


Archaeological and Historical Evidence

The cultural and historical significance of the Nri Kingdom is ed by archaeological findings. The ancient iron-smelting sites of Lejja highlight the technological ingenuity of the Nri ancestors, while the bronze artifacts of Igbo Ukwu (dated to the 9th century CE) reflect the kingdom’s artistic and ritualistic sophistication. These artifacts provide tangible evidence of the Nri people's advanced craftsmanship and their contributions to African history

The Nri Kingdom’s legacy endures as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and spiritual depth of the Igbo people. From their origins in the metallurgical hub of Lejja to their establishment of an influential spiritual kingdom, the Nri people exemplify the transformative power of migration, innovation, and cultural leadership. The Afọ Igbo calendar and the divine kingship of the Eze Nri remain central to Igbo identity, inspiring a sense of pride and unity among their descendants.

The Nri Kingdom’s story is not just an of the past; it is a living narrative that continues to shape the present, affirming its place as the oldest and most enduring civilizations in Nigeria.

Picture below is Eze Nri Òbalíke
1889–1936
and his grandson holding his picture (got it from Ozi ikoro)

Thank you for this piece. I almost shed tears today that our historians and scholars are not doing enough.

Origins: Migrants from Lejja, the Cradle of Metallurgy

According Many scholars Nri people could trace their ancestry to Lejja, an ancient settlement located in present-day Enugu State. Lejja is renowned as the site of the oldest iron-smelting technology in Nigeria, with artifacts dated to around 780 BCE, marking it as a hub of early African technological innovation. The iron smelting in Lejja not only provided tools for agriculture and warfare but also held significant ritualistic importance, symbolizing the transformation of the earthly into the sacred.

As the people migrated southwards to Anambra axis to form places like Ọkà (Awka) Igbo ukwu and other iron smithing areas, their mastery of metallurgy and ritual practices became integral to their societal organization. This migration culminated in the establishment of the Nri Kingdom initially it was Gerontocractic Kingdom till the 8th century CE Before having it had its first Eze, around the fertile banks of the Anambra River. Here, the migrants combined their knowledge of ironworking, spirituality, and governance to build a kingdom that would influence Igbo culture for over a millennium.

There is the possibility that the Igbo people may have pioneered the Iron Age is a profound narrative that deserves very serious academic attention and global recognition. Yet, instead of delving into such groundbreaking historical inquiries, many of our scholars are preoccupied with less consequential topics, leaving the field open for others to claim this monumental achievement.

This oversight not only robs the Igbo of their rightful place in history but also denies humanity a fuller understanding of its shared heritage. Why is this conversation absent from platforms like TED Talks, where revolutionary ideas and untold stories are meant to shine? It’s high time we redirected our intellectual energy to reclaim our God given heritage.

Ijaw is the oldest tribe in Nigeria.

Igbo is landlocked that shows they are not old.

No tribe will see ocean and leave it.

OduduwaNow:
Ijaw is the oldest tribe in Nigeria.

Igbo is landlocked that shows they are not old.

No tribe will see ocean and leave it.

OduduwaNow:
Ijaw is the oldest tribe in Nigeria.

Igbo is landlocked that shows they are not old.

No tribe will see ocean and leave it.

Lejjá sites are the oldest over 4000 years old

many Igbo migrated away from there.

Afikpo potteries sites are over 2000 years

Igbo ukwu bronze were made 9th century


Igbo ukwu textiles were made 11-12th century with well established settlements Archeologically proven

how about Udi pyramids were made in 8th and 9th century

lol humans are said to have originated from east African heartland not anywhere near ocean

so this your point holds no water

BrodaBenad:

Origins: Migrants from Lejja, the Cradle of Metallurgy

According Many scholars Nri people could trace their ancestry to Lejja,

Una don attach una self to Lejja to claim ownership of that civilization
Nri/Eri claim to come from Israel still want to put claim to something that is way older than the Jews you people claim as your origin.

kettykings:
Thank you for this piece. I almost shed tears today that our historians and scholars are not doing enough.

There is the possibility that the Igbo people may have pioneered the Iron Age is a profound narrative that deserves very serious academic attention and global recognition. Yet, instead of delving into such groundbreaking historical inquiries, many of our scholars are preoccupied with less consequential topics, leaving the field open for others to claim this monumental achievement.

This oversight not only robs the Igbo of their rightful place in history but also denies humanity a fuller understanding of its shared heritage. Why is this conversation absent from platforms like TED Talks, where revolutionary ideas and untold stories are meant to shine? It’s high time we redirected our intellectual energy to reclaim our God given heritage.

Follow Ozi ikoro

and many of our brothers digging out outstanding things about our people

we are great people

yesterday, today and forever

Ojiofor:


Una don attach una self to Lejja to claim ownership of that civilization
Nri/Eri claim to come from Israel still want to put claim to something that is way older than the Jews you people claim as your origin.

We're not Jews we are blacks we are Aboriginals

thanks

Onicha is the oldest

Extending from western to Eastern Igbo but Nri is only in Anambra

BrodaBenad:


We're not Jews we are blacks we are Aboriginals

thanks

Since when?
You guys from that corner of Igboland are just mes Igbo history and culture due to greed.Now you want to claim Lejja after claiming Jewish origin.

Ojiofor:


Una don attach una self to Lejja to claim ownership of that civilization
Nri/Eri claim to come from Israel still want to put claim to something that is way older than the Jews you people claim as your origin.

This claim is definitely not being made by Nri people.

Nri people are very ancient with a lot of civilising innovations that their fellow Igbo brothers and neighbouring ethnic groups have adopted.

Nri people are possibly from Israel because their culture is heavily Israelite.
That's possibly why the Jewish Rabbinical court ruled that this Levitical community ought to be recognized as Israelite Levites.
But Nri people don't adorn their attire with the star of David. It is Aguleri people who are attempting to commit cultural fraud, that are doing that. But in spite of this Aguleri move, the Rabbinical court didn't pay one single attention to them in their ruling. It was Nri that they recognized in spite of the fact that. Ri people hardly mention anything about their felt with Israel. Nri people are all about Igbo customs and traditions. They have no time for simping and clowning.

You may not want to hear or read this, but Igbo custom is more related to Jewish custom than to Yoruba or Ijaw customs

OfoIgbo:


This claim is definitely not being made by Nri people.

Nri people are very ancient with a lot of civilising innovations that their fellow Igbo brothers and neighbouring ethnic groups have adopted.

Nri people are possibly from Israel because their culture is heavily Israelite.
That's possibly why the Jewish Rabbinical court ruled that this Levitical community ought to be recognized as Israelite Levites

Confusion everywhere,which of your Nri culture with ichi tribal marks all over the faces of your ancestors is heavily Israelite?

Hahahah

This particular history is related to humping onfrom the tree nakedly back then

The stubbornness of the history sometimes heh

Ojiofor:


Confusion everywhere,which of your Nri culture with ichi tribal marks all over the faces of your ancestors is heavily Israelite?

Even breaking of the kolanut is not Israelite, but the core of Igbo custom is Israelite
1. Circumcisions of male babies on the eighth day
2. over celebrations which are uniquely Israelite. Research Igba nkwa and onwa asato
3. Keeping the Sabbath day holy. Research why Eke market day is meant to be a day of rest in traditional Igbo so ieties
4. Feast of atonement and it's similarities with Ikpu Alu, carried out by Nri priests e.t.c

OfoIgbo:


Even breaking of the kolanut is not Israelite, but the core of Igbo custom is Israelite
1. Circumcisions of male babies on the eighth day
2. over celebrations which are uniquely Israelite. Research Igba nkwa and onwa asato
3. Keeping the Sabbath day holy. Research why Eke market day is meant to be a day of rest in traditional Igbo so ieties
4. Feast of atonement and it's similarities with Ikpu Alu, carried out by Nri priests e.t.c

U Nigerians are just grossly confused.

OfoIgbo:


Even breaking of the kolanut is not Israelite, but the core of Igbo custom is Israelite
1. Circumcisions of male babies on the eighth day
2. over celebrations which are uniquely Israelite. Research Igba nkwa and onwa asato
3. Keeping the Sabbath day holy. Research why Eke market day is meant to be a day of rest in traditional Igbo so ieties
4. Feast of atonement and it's similarities with Ikpu Alu, carried out by Nri priests e.t.c

No 1,If circumcision of male child on the 8th day is Jewish custom what about female circumcision widely practised in Igboland but not in Israel? Circumcision is African culture borrow by the Jews.
No2 is false.
No3 every village have their own market day like my village our rest and market day is Orie not Eke.
No4 is African traditional religion it is not only practised in Igboland.
This is my argument,you people claim to have migrated from Israel why then is the OP attaching Nri to Lejja metal site which scientists have dated to be over 6000 years which is way older than Eri/Gad the Jewish migrants to Igboland?
Abeg make una carry una confusion seat one place.

Ojiofor:


Since when?
You guys from that corner of Igboland are just mes Igbo history and culture due to greed.Now you want to claim Lejja after claiming Jewish origin.

No Igbo scholar believe in that rubbish

whites Just noted certain cultural similarities with jews and thats it


na Ipob guys popularise that nonsense


we've always been here


thus the reason for the very very wide Igbo dialects that cuts accross Enugu,Anambra,Imo, Ebonyi,Abia,Anioma(Delta State) , Ịgbanke-Igbo akriri ( Edo State) , Osekwenike(Bayelsa), Rivers, western Boundary towns in Cross river, Benue, Kogi (In Ibaji LGA, we can see some town names such as Nwajala, Umuoye, Ubulie-Umueze)

Thanks

OfoIgbo:


This claim is definitely not being made by Nri people.

Nri people are very ancient with a lot of civilising innovations that their fellow Igbo brothers and neighbouring ethnic groups have adopted.

Nri people are possibly from Israel because their culture is heavily Israelite.
That's possibly why the Jewish Rabbinical court ruled that this Levitical community ought to be recognized as Israelite Levites.
But Nri people don't adorn their attire with the star of David. It is Aguleri people who are attempting to commit cultural fraud, that are doing that. But in spite of this Aguleri move, the Rabbinical court didn't pay one single attention to them in their ruling. It was Nri that they recognized in spite of the fact that. Ri people hardly mention anything about their felt with Israel. Nri people are all about Igbo customs and traditions. They have no time for simping and clowning.

You may not want to hear or read this, but Igbo custom is more related to Jewish custom than to Yoruba or Ijaw customs

you mnk boys are the reasons we're receiving insults upadan


we're Aboriginals here we're a people who started our civilization in the isolated forest here. we learnt weaving, we learnt how live and be independent.


We are not jews not even close


we're Africans and all our DNAs don't have any trace of middle East

you're more related to Yorubas linguistically
and genetically because we're in the volta Niger family of languages same with Edoid and akokoid groups

Ojiofor:


No 1,If circumcision of male child on the 8th day is Jewish custom what about female circumcision widely practised in Igboland but not in Israel? Circumcision is African culture borrow by the Jews.
No2 is false.
No3 every village have their own market day like my village our rest and market day is Orie not Eke.
No4 is African traditional religion it is not only practised in Igboland.
This is my argument,you people claim to have migrated from Israel why then is the OP attaching Nri to Lejja metal site which scientists have dated to be over 6000 years which is way older than Eri/Gad the Jewish migrants to Igboland?
Abeg make una carry una confusion seat one place.

don't go to Lejja


Afikpo pottery sites are over 4000 years Ago made over 2000Bce

that's same time Abraham was alive in middle east

Igbos were making Ite Ụrọ (glazed clay pots) in afikpo


Our people can't grasp how extra ordinary those sites are

BrodaBenad:


No Igbo scholar believe in that rubbish

whites Just noted certain cultural similarities with jews and thats it


na Ipob guys popularise that nonsense


we've always been here


thus the reason for the very very wide Igbo dialects that cuts accross Enugu,Anambra,Imo, Ebonyi,Abia,Anioma(Delta State) , Ịgbanke-Igbo akriri ( Edo State) , Osekwenike(Bayelsa), Rivers, western Boundary towns in Cross river, Benue, Kogi (In Ibaji LGA, we can see some town names such as Nwajala, Umuoye, Ubulie-Umueze)

Thanks

Make I believe you but Nri have nothing to do with Leja metal site.

Bendeco02:
Onicha is the oldest

Extending from western to Eastern Igbo but Nri is only in Anambra

we'll follow evidence for now

lejja and Afikpo are the oldest based on archological evidence

Nri is the oldest kingdom that is the first people to have Eze

you know Eze originally means priest or skilled one
before it was now associated to king

that's a story for another day

BrodaBenad:



don't go to Lejja


Afikpo pottery sites are over 4000 years Ago made over 2000Bce

that's same time Abraham was alive in middle east

Igbos were making Ite Ụrọ (glazed clay pots) in afikpo


Our people can't grasp how extra ordinary those sites are

We should be proud of our heritage as a people rather than claiming to be migrants in our own land by some people.It is pathetic.

Ojiofor:


Make I believe you but Nri have nothing to do with Leja metal site.

We know homo sapiens migrated from East Africa because of archological evidence of very old sites there if we see it anywhere else we'll reconsider


if you know anywhere more ancient than Lejja sites please present it

migration always start from the place of old
outward
Scholars believe the development of farming tools was one of the reasons for migration.

BrodaBenad:


Lejjá sites are the oldest over 4000 years old

many Igbo migrated away from there.

Afikpo potteries sites are over 2000 years

Igbo ukwu bronze were made 9th century


Igbo ukwu textiles were made 11-12th century with well established settlements Archeologically proven

how about Udi pyramids were made in 8th and 9th century

lol humans are said to have originated from east African heartland not anywhere near ocean

so this your point holds no water

4000 years ko, 4 million years ni. OK, show us your proof. You made so many extraordinary claims without a shred of proof.
You have a civilisation that is 4000 years with no writing, no science, no pottery, no architecture, nothing.

BrodaBenad:


We know homo sapiens migrated from East Africa because of archological evidence of very old sites there if we see it anywhere else we'll reconsider


if you know anywhere more ancient than Lejja sites please present it

migration always start from the place of old
outward
Scholars believe the development of farming tools was one of the reasons for migration.

Leja and Ugwueke cave in Uturu are the two most oldest sites in Igboland that I know.
Attaching every Igbo civilization to Nri is what I oppose.

BrodaBenad:


We know homo sapiens migrated from East Africa because of archological evidence of very old sites there if we see it anywhere else we'll reconsider


if you know anywhere more ancient than Lejja sites please present it

migration always start from the place of old
outward
Scholars believe the development of farming tools was one of the reasons for migration.

No mind them. Small time dem go claim say the Garden of Eden where Yahweh created Adam and Eve is in Igboland.

Early Civilisations starts due to some extraordinary geographical advantage, either a confluence of two rivers, a large river, an ocean, a fertile land or great mountain. What advantages did Igbo land have that ed flourishing Civilisation?

Ojiofor:


Leja and Ugwueke cave in Uturu are the two most oldest sites in Igboland that I know.
Attaching every Igbo civilization to Nri is what I oppose.

Proof. Proof. proof. Provide academic papers thar the claims.

wirinet:

Proof. Proof. proof. Provide academic papers thar the claims.

Which one exactly do you need proof?

Ojiofor:


Which one exactly do you need proof?

Any of your claims. Start by showing us academic papers claiming Nri is the Oldest Kingdom in Nigeria.

You claims means that Nri people were air dropped into the middle of the jungle and then spread to other parts of Nigeria from there.

wirinet:

Any of your claims. Start by showing us academic papers claiming Nri is the Oldest Kingdom in Nigeria.

Myself is challenging OP in some of his claims can't you read?
Ask op for proof.

OfoIgbo:


This claim is definitely not being made by Nri people.

Nri people are very ancient with a lot of civilising innovations that their fellow Igbo brothers and neighbouring ethnic groups have adopted.

Nri people are possibly from Israel because their culture is heavily Israelite.
That's possibly why the Jewish Rabbinical court ruled that this Levitical community ought to be recognized as Israelite Levites.
But Nri people don't adorn their attire with the star of David. It is Aguleri people who are attempting to commit cultural fraud, that are doing that. But in spite of this Aguleri move, the Rabbinical court didn't pay one single attention to them in their ruling. It was Nri that they recognized in spite of the fact that. Ri people hardly mention anything about their felt with Israel. Nri people are all about Igbo customs and traditions. They have no time for simping and clowning.

You may not want to hear or read this, but Igbo custom is more related to Jewish custom than to Yoruba or Ijaw customs

Nonsense, i have nothing in common with Israel or Jewish people, please take your inferiority complex to your village people and possible your state. enough of your stupidity

Ojiofor:


Myself is challenging OP in some of his claims can't you read?
Ask op for proof.

Sorry jare. I thought you are one of them making all kinds of claims without any proof.
Imagine showing a colour photograph of Eze Nri Òbalíke, someone wearing an embroidered cotton fabric that died in 1936 as proof of Nri civilisation being 4000 years old. Even in the US colour photograph was not common in the 30s. Most photos of world War 11 were in black and white.

If you look at the photo of Eze Nri Òbalíke closely you will see pattern on the wall superimposed on the right shoulder, showing clearly that the photo was photoshopped.