By Efe Onodjae
Introduction
Every great family story has a beginning, rooted in love, migration, tradition, and legacy. This is the story of Onodjae, a man whose journey from inheritance to settlement gave rise to a lineage of resilience, wealth, and influence. Known as Okorchi, Onodjae’s name lives on through his children and grandchildren, whose lives have shaped and stretched the boundaries of their ancestral land, Ozuaka-Orogun.
In tracing the origins and lives of The Big Six, the six children of Onodjae, this account sheds light not only on their individual paths but also on the values, customs, and decisions that have continued to shape the Onodjae family for generations.
The Origins of Onodjae
According to oral tradition and historical accounts, every settlement has its roots in migration. Onodjae’s father, a businessman from Oghara-Agbahara, traveled to Eboh-Orogun for trade. There, he met Obivwu, a woman from a wealthy and respected family. Their union led to a pregnancy. Eager to share the news, he returned home to Oghara-Agbahara. Tragically, he passed away a few weeks later, never seeing his child.
Upon hearing of his death, his relatives journeyed to Eboh-Orogun, where Obivwu had already given birth to a baby boy named Onodjae. She was heartbroken at the news. After some years, Onodjae’s paternal family returned to claim him for cultural integration into his father’s lineage. Tradition demanded it, and Obivwu let him go.
However, she later became disturbed by the treatment her son was receiving. In anger, she reclaimed him and brought him back to her family in Eboh-Orogun, where he was raised by his mother and wealthy grandparents.
As the only child, Onodjae inherited the family’s wealth. Yet, feeling unfulfilled in Eboh-Orogun, he sought a new beginning and migrated to Ozuaka-Orogun, located between Orhomuru and Ugono. There, he purchased vast land and became one of the first settlers, laying the foundation for what would become a lasting family legacy.
Marriage and Family
Onodjae married Ogbemu, a young woman from the royal Agagaraga family in Umuedede, Obiaruku. They had five children together:
David Oseoghene Onodjae (My father)
Rebecca Onodjae
Onyeima Onodjae
Jonah Onodjae
Clara Onodjae
Later, Onodjae married another woman, who bore him a sixth child, Cecilia Onodjae, his last and youngest.
1. David Oseoghene Onodjae
Born December 24, 1923, David was the first child of Onodjae and Ogbemu. A primary school teacher, he was affectionately nicknamed “Small Teacher” due to his height and was known for riding a white bicycle.
His first marriage ended due to childlessness and pressure from his mother. He later married:
Obatavwe (from Awire) – 8 children
Yellow (from Ugono) – 4 children
Helen (from Emonu) – 5 children
David had 17 children (8 boys, 9 girls). He passed away on January 26, 2005, at age 82.
2. Rebecca Onodjae
Born in 1925, Rebecca was the second child and first daughter. She married Igugu from Ugono, and they had two children (one boy, one girl). Her son was known for his intelligence. Rebecca died in 2006, aged 80.
3. Onyeima Onodjae
Born in 1928, Onyeima was a hardworking farmer. She married Pama from Ozuaka, and together they had three children (two boys, one girl). She died on April 17, 2001, at age 73.
4. Jonah Onodjae
Born in 1933, Jonah was both a civil servant and a farmer, known for his strong work ethic. He married:
Ego (from Ozuaka) – 8 children
Tobore (from Orhomuru) – 6 children
Jonah had 14 children (8 boys, 6 girls). He passed away in November 2016, aged 83.
5. Clara Onodjae (Obada)
Born in 1936, Clara was the last child of Ogbemu. A generous woman, she was fondly called Obada. She married Odivwiri from Emonu, and they had five children (four boys, one girl). Clara died in 2013 at age 77 and closely resembled her mother, Ogbemu.
6. Cecilia Onodjae
Also born in 1936, Cecilia was Onodjae’s last child, born to his second wife. After birth, she was left in the care of her grandmother. Her mother did not continue the marriage, making Cecilia her only child with Onodjae.
She married James Obukohwo from Ovara-Orogun, and they had five children (three girls, two boys). Cecilia is currently the only surviving child of Onodjae (Okorchi).
Conclusion
Onodjae’s father hailed from Oghara-Agbahara, and his mother from Eboh-Orogun, yet he was raised in his maternal village. His bold decision to migrate to Ozuaka-Orogun marked the beginning of a great lineage. Today, all his descendants proudly trace their roots to Ozuaka, the land of their forefather.
As the Onodjae family tree continues to branch out, let this story serve as a reminder to the younger generation: know your heritage, ask questions, and cherish the bonds of family—lest the past be forgotten and the future confused.
