House of Okori

**The House of Okori** (_Ogbia: Ótù-Ọ̄ƙọ́rì; Ijaw: Ọ̄ƙọ́rì-Wárí_) is a royal family within the Obih-Adih dynasty of Anyama-Ogbia, in the Anyama Clan of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Its lineage traces back to Samuel Okori Obih, a descendant of Ọ̄bíh, son of Eƙpōr, and grandson of Âɗih—the founder of Anyama-Ogbia, also known as the Kingdom of Anyama or Anyama Town.

The House of Okori, established in 1879, takes its name from the Ijaw word _Okori_, meaning “to reside with favor” or “house of favor.” The family has produced two kings—one in Anyama-Ogbia and another in Epebu—and has sustained its royal lineage for nine generations under Ogbia and Ijaw traditions.

The house began with King Samuel Okori Obih, son of Obih-Adih and great-grandson of King Adih, the founder of Anyama-Ogbia. A wealthy trader known as “money man,” Samuel became king (Obenema) of Anyama-Ogbia in the late 18th century. His reign marked the start of the House of Okori as a distinct royal line, which later adopted primogeniture—passing leadership to the firstborn son. Since 1980s, the house has been under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Chief (Engr) Okori Obana Christopher, _Ekpor-na-mobiozoh IV_

The family crest features a quote on the shield: “_Á-ɗuwẹ́râ ọ́logē ẹ́ɓur̃u, ñí-taebháàri ọ́logē êtokolö, nē-gbêm ọ́logē nẹ̄-aëƙilī_,” which translates to “From the ashes we rise, in mud we blossom, we shine as a beacon of hope.” This phrase represents the House of Okori’s remarkable ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger, much like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. It also highlights the resilience of the lotus flower, which blooms beautifully despite growing in the muddy and murky waters. The lotus’s ability to rise above its challenging environment and flourish symbolizes the house’s strength and perseverance through difficult times. The family motto, “_Êƙpârárī-dā-Āzibä_,” meaning “Our strength is from God,”

## Genealogy

The ancestry of Samuel Okori Obih is vast and notable. Presented here is a segment of the lineage and genealogy of the Royal House of Okori, spanning over eight generations, beginning from the founder of Anyama-Ogbia.

- King Adih (Obenema I) born 1634, founder of Anyama-Ogbia (Otu-Egbesu) in 1655 (_First generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
    - King Ekpor Adih (Obenema II) of Anyama-Ogbia, born in the 18th century, around 1720 (_Second generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
    - King Obih Ekpor (Obenema III) of Anyama-Ogbia, born around 1789. (_Third generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
    - King Samuel Okori Obih (Obenema IV) of Anyama-Ogbia, born in the 19th century, around 1845.(_Fourth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty. Founded the House of Okori in 1879 as a distinct royal line, within the Obih-Adih royal dynasty_)
        - Monday Okori Obih (_Fifth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
            - Samari Obih
            - Azibanyi Obih
        - Saturday Okori Obih, (_Fifth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_). Married Inetioremi Obih (née Owille-Apiri) _who comes from the House of Apiri in Epebu Community and the Owillie family in Okodi Community_
            - Elizabeth Obih (_Sixth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
                - Oyan-Abula Iduru (_Seventh generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
                    - Adiosoni Obiene (_Eighth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
                    - Lambert Egoli
                    - Opaminola Obiene
                    - Obosi Egoli
                    - Apikini Egoli
                    - Wisdom Egoli
                - Oteinsi Okini Igiri
                - Azibanedigiri Ayoko Egba
            - Mercy Obih
                - Patience Okulu (_Seventh generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
                - The late Azibanator Ozeh Okulu
                - Bakomi Okulu
                - Ation Emarisi Saturday
                    - Akpo Prince Igelege (_Eighth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
                    - Gift Onikotia Otobo
                    - Favour Emarisi
                - Ayenami Emarisi
                - Aboy Emarisi
                - Ogunisi Emarisi
            - Christopher Obana Okori (_Sixth generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_) Married Betty Inemokuma Okori (née Ginah) (1974–2021). (_She hailed from Emadike Community and was a cousin to Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani._). Chief Okori holds the title of _Ekpor-na-mobiozoh (IV)_ and is the current head of the House of Okori.
                - Samari Okori Victor (_Seventh generation of the Obih-Adih Royal Dynasty_)
                    - Ebipadei Brian Victor
                    - Ebidomniere Rylie Victor
                    - Ebisine Elliot Victor
                - Ariwepere Christopher Okori
            - Lawrence Samuel Okori. Married Ebiyerimene Okori. (_He is a clergy member and previously served as the Chairman of the Anyama Rural Development Authority, also known as Anyama Local Council_). During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of public toilets and concrete roads in Anyama-Ogbia and other communities within the Anyama Clan. His leadership, however, drew criticism for being inflexible, and resistant to advice.
                - Blessedness Ákpārônida-Âzibà Okori
                - Victoria Aziba-Adhamhabi Okori
                - Heritage Okori
                - Dázibà Princess Okori
                - Florence Nagiri-Anyaziba Okori
                - Pretty Akerebuoni Okori
            - Amarebi Obih
            - Rachael Awemu Eruani (née Obih). Married the late King Alwell Eruani, Obenema of Emadike Community (Aguda IX)
                - Azibapu Godbless Eruani. He served as special adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State and as Commissioner for Health under the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR, GCON) as Governor of Bayelsa State. He is the Chairman and President of Azikiel Group. He was conferred with the national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by Nigeria’s 15th President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
            - The late Eselesi Obih (_who was a twin, sadly his twin died at birth_)
            - Dickson Obih

## Activities

The House of Okori is active in philanthropy, education, business, and community development. Through its foundation, it runs programs like the Anyama Youth Empowerment and Scholarship Initiative (AYEMSI), the Anyama Rural Renewal Project (ARRP), and the Betty Inemokuma Okori Development Project (BIODEP), focusing on education, clean water, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. The family also partners with groups such as the Red Cross, UNESCO, Rotary, and UNICEF.

In business, the House has interests in construction, real estate, petroleum, entertainment, agriculture, and technology. Key ventures include Obena Engineering Nigeria Limited (founded in 1994), Krisari Entertainment Limited (2011), Arien Industries Nigeria Limited (2016), and Krisari Consolidated, while its extended family established the Azikel Group in 2008.