Ughoton: An Analysis of Its Declining State, 1506-1897

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse the issue at stake in the decline of Ughoton. It examines the bad climatic condition of Ughoton and the factor of Christianity. It also discusses trade as not producing the expected result and the effect of the British invasion of 1897. Finally it evaluates the rise of Sapele and Itsekiri middlemen as factors that also contributed to the decline of Ughoton. The researcher used primary and secondary sources to obtain date. The primary sources include oral interview and archival materials while the secondary sources were books, newspapers, journal, articles, theses, dissertations. The study found that the issues of bad climatic and the factor of Christianity contributed to the decline. Again the trade at Ughoton did not produce the desired results. It was found that the British invasion of 1897 destroyed all the houses at Ughoton and the political head of Ughoton was killed. The rise of Sapele and Itsekiri middlemen were issues that affected Ughoton negatively.

Keywords: Trade, Diversification, Invation, Decline, Effect