Eze Chima, Benin Residence and the Igbo Origins of Anioma, Ikwerre and Onicha

This post challenges claims that the Anioma, Ikwerre and Onicha people are of Benin ancestry. It argues that Eze Chima was an Igbo chief from Arochukwu who lived in Benin before leading his followers eastward after a conflict in the kingdom. According to the account, Eze Chima and his relatives formed an Aro settlement in Benin and later migrated through Agbor, Isele-Uku and other communities. Oreze, identified as Eze Chima’s eldest son, is said to have led a group across the Niger to the area now known as Onitsha. The post says the long stay in Benin produced cultural exchange, including chieftaincy practices and traditional customs. It maintains that these shared influences do not prove Benin ancestry, and presents the descendants of Eze Chima as Igbo by origin.

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