EGBESU: THE BLESSING AND THE CURSE

Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond

For Egbema Egberi Media International

In the ancient chronicles of the oral history of Egbema Kingdom, nestled in present-day Edo and Delta States, there exists a sacred narrative — a tale older than time, passed down through the lips of sages and the songs of griots. It is the story of Egbesu, the divine spirit of justice and protection, the unseen force sent from the right hand of Teme-Owei (Almighty God) to Izon, the first human being fashioned by the Creator Himself.

Egbesu, in the cosmic order of things, was no ordinary spirit. He was the guiding force, the warrior energy, the moral compass, and the sacred covenant bestowed upon Izon and his descendants — the progenitors of all Ijaw clans scattered across the Niger Delta. Each clan would go on to forge its own relationship with this divine force, but for the people of Egbema, their story with Egbesu was both glorious and grim.

The First Temple: Bolou Jamagie and the Spirit’s Covenant

According to the revered elders and oral custodians of Egbema history, the original shrine and temple of Egbesu for the Egbema people — known as Egbema Egbesu — was first established in Bolou Jamagie, a now largely forgotten city but once a booming center of civilization. It was here that the people, in reverence and awe, began building a temple dedicated solely to Egbesu. In response, the spirit enveloped the entire kingdom in protection and peace, shielding Egbema from enemy invasions and spiritual misfortunes — stretching its divine umbrella from Polobubou to Ajakurama.

It was said that when warriors invoked the name of Egbesu in battle, their enemies fled in fear. When judgment was needed, Egbesu was the arbiter. When storms threatened their farms and floods their homes, Egbesu stood in defense. Bolou Jamagie, in this era, was not just the spiritual headquarters; it was the very heart of the Egbema Kingdom.

The Great Shift: A Sacrifice Forgotten

But as with many divine relationships, balance and respect were paramount. At a mysterious juncture in history — still unclear and deeply debated by ancestral priests — Toidigha and other revered forebears made the fateful decision to relocate the Egbesu temple. This movement, according to oral accounts, may have occurred without the full rituals, sacrifices, or divine approval that such an act demanded. The spirit of Egbesu, sacred and exacting, was angered.

Then came the curse.

The Plague of Bolou Jamagie

What followed was a dark chapter in the annals of Egbema. A terrible plague broke out in Bolou Jamagie, wiping out over ten thousand inhabitants in a short span of time. The city — once glowing with spiritual light and cultural majesty — became a graveyard. Survivors, stricken by sorrow and fear, fled the doomed settlement. The remnants of that once-mighty city journeyed across the waterways and forests and eventually resettled at Abadegbene, where their descendants still live to this day.

This event was seen not merely as a natural disaster, but as a spiritual punishment for mishandling the covenant with Egbesu. Bolou Jamagie had been cursed, and the spirit had withdrawn its presence.

The Rebirth at Ajakurama: From Curse to Blessing

But what was a curse to one land became a blessing to another. The relocated shrine of Egbesu eventually found its new home in Ajakurama. And from that moment onward, the winds of fortune shifted in favor of this once-modest settlement.

Ajakurama began to flourish in ways that stunned even the most skeptical observers. Its sons and daughters prospered in trade, education, politics, and commerce. The population soared. Infrastructure began to emerge — including the first public means of transportation in Egbema, such as okadas and kekes (commercial motorcycles and tricycles). Ajakurama became a center of innovation, resilience, and cultural awakening.

More than just development, the presence of Egbesu transformed Ajakurama into a spiritual headquarters. It became the natural seat of the Agadagba, the revered king of Egbema Kingdom. Spiritual festivals, cleansing rites, and traditional laws began to emanate from this center, radiating throughout the Ijaw nation.

The Duality of Egbesu: A Lesson for All Generations

This tale serves as a timeless lesson: that Egbesu is both a blessing and a curse, depending on the reverence and obedience shown to it. It demands respect, sacred protocol, and loyalty. Where it is honored, prosperity follows. Where it is taken for granted, destruction is not far behind.

To this day, the descendants of Ajakurama walk with confidence and pride, knowing that they house the spirit of Egbesu — not by chance, but by destiny. And the echoes of Bolou Jamagie remain a somber reminder of what happens when divine order is disturbed.

Let every clan, every king, and every child of Izon remember:

Egbesu is not just a spirit. It is a covenant.

For questions, oral contributions, or further historical clarification, contact the author via Egbema Egberi Media International.

© 2025 Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond