ODDITIES

BY TED MUKORO
To speak of the ordinary meaning of ODDITY is an over simplification. Collins English
Dictionary and Thesaurus suggests over 50 different meanings, one of which is that an ODDITY
is something UNUSUAL; an ECCENTRICITY perhaps, or even, an ABNORMALITY.
They make 3 similar meanings but are not quite synonymous.
Timbuktu remains a place of myth to the outside world today, has it has been for almost the
whole of its existence. Recently, with the liberation of Timbuktu by French forces, the ancient
city has again come into the limelight with journalists from all over the world landing to film the
newly freed citizens of Timbuktu. Another French journalist, Felix Dubois, visited Timbuktu
118 years ago in 1895, following the original wave of the first liberating French army. What
did he say and what was his report? How does this affect us and our reaction to being liberated
yet again? An extensive except is featured from his 1896 book, Timbuktoo the Mysterious
This column is about ODDITIES anyway, so it gives us an opportunity to examine not just three
variations of ODDITIES as we have already identified but as many as possible.
Life is full of ODDITIES, in Nigeria or in any part of it, no less than anywhere else!
Lets carry out a random check on some social aspect of life in any part of Nigeria; and, may I
insist, just in case, that should be the old Bendel area where I come from, so it could never be
said that anyone else but the people of Jerusalem themselves made the memorable remark: His
blood be upon us and upon our children.
Todays Edo and Delta State occupy the core area of the ancient Benin Empire whose far-flung
influence exceeded the entire coast of Nigeria which Portuguese explorers and missionaries
named BIGHT OF BENIN or, as recorded in the archives of the Vatican, in Latin ORAE
BENINI.
Among the numerous peculiarities, unusualnesses, eccentricities, abnormalities or simply social
ODDITIES exclusive to this area and not replicated anywhere else in Nigeria is the phenomenon
of a whole community or region simultaneously speaking two separate, unrelated languages,
both side-by-side and interchangeably (since everyone is adept in both languages). This happens
in 3 different localities, two within DeltaState, one on the Edo/Delta border.
First, the OROGUN people, one of the 22 Kingdoms or clans, each with its distinct dialect,
which comprise the Urhobo Nation.
The Oroguns are bilingual, speak both Urhobo and UKWUANI (Kwale Ibo)
Second, the bilingual KIAGBODO Izons (Ijaws) who speak Izon side-by-side, and
interchangeably with Urhobo Ughelli Urhie dialect.

The Clark-Bekederemos Chief E.K., Ambassador B.A and Professor (Poet/Playwright) J.P. are
Kiagbodos. According to J. P. Clark Ughelli-Urhie, is an Izon-accented Urhobo.
Third, are the famous IGBANKE people who are of pure IKA/Agbor-Ibo stock who also speak
pure Benin interchangeably.
Also, over a large area of Ukwuani country, there is a widespread bilingualism in ISOKO (a 3dialect language which enjoys a high-level mutual intelligibility with Urhobo) and UKWUANI
(Kwale-ibo).
This ODDITY, a social oddity, which is what this column is all about is a phenomenon, an earthshaking one, which being a peculiarity of the Delta area is also a distinguishing mark or identity
of it, as well as an integral part of the SOCIAL FABRIC forming the backdrop to life therein. It
is thus a permanent commonplace feature of our social fabric, hardly noticed, not even deserving
mention by us.
That is why when this SOCIAL ODDITY does get mentioned, it calls attention, to itself, evokes
surprise, amazement or even shock and anger, if it is something quite embarrassing.
The story, most probably apocryphal, has been told of John Paul II, not just the first Polish pope
ever but also the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years, getting down to his first business
meeting with his Consistory of Curial (Vatican) Cardinals, to tackle the administrative affairs of
the new administration: Important affairs such as the appointment of competent heads of
ministries or prefectures. To take charge of the finance of the Vatican, the new Pope was highly
impressed by the references of one candidate who stood out far ahead of other competitors. He
had no hesitation in firmly proposing Cardinal Pappalardo.
Suddenly, like a bombshell, the staid and solemn atmosphere of a Papal Consistory erupted into a
minor uproar. The Pope sat stunned, aghast and confused till a non-Italian cardinal spoke up.
No, no, no, no, its nothing to do with the integrity or personality of Cardinal Pappalardo a
highly-regarded prelate. Well, suddenly, its dawned on us that for the first time, we have a nonItalian Pope.
You see, when it comes to matters of finance, throughout the whole of Italy, it is simply unItalian to even think of, let alone suggest a Sicilian.
Yes, social ODDITIES, ODDITIES by Ted Mukoro has loads and loads of variety and
excitement for you. Theres more to come, so see you soon!