Auchi
| Edo | |
|---|---|
 Edo
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| Coordinates: 5°54′N 5°40′E / 5.900°N 5.667°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Edo State |
Auchi is the second-largest city in Edo State, Nigeria, after Benin City, the capital.
Auchi is in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State and is also the headquarters of the Local Government Area which comprises Auchi, Uzairue, South Ibie, Agbede and The Anwain Clan.
The language spoken by the Auchi people is Afenmai (Afemai) (Yekhee). It is an Edoid Language dialect or variant although the language is commonly referred to by the same name as which the people are also referred to: Auchi.
There are a varied historical accounts relating to the origins of the Auchi people, for all intents and purposes the most popular of these legends asserts that a mass migration from Udo in present-day Benin City led by a man called Uchi accompanied by his family and followers headed north and finally settled for the relative calm of the Guinea Savannah belt known today as Etsako land.
This migration is believed to have taken place in the mid-15th century, during the reign of Oba Ewuare of the Benin Kingdom.
This period in the Benin empire was characterised by constant wars and incessant strife.
Auchi town is divided into five grand quarters which could also be referred to as districts; these are in turn made up of 25 villages.
The five grand quarters are:
Auchi historically is an Islamic enclave, and still has a predominantly larger population of Muslims than Christians. Since the early 1990s there has been a rush of Christian churches setting up base in Auchi and the surrounding towns, this has pushed the religious composition within the community to a 70% Muslim and 30% Christian mix. The very welcoming and hospitable nature of the Auchi people has to a very large degree contributed to the cultural and religious diversity in Auchi.
Auchi is also the hometown of Apostle Suleman Johnson.
The population grew to 42,638 by 1952, including people from many Nigerian tribes.
As of 1995, its population was 140,612. And as of 2005–2006, the population is 152,652.
Auchi has for the past 5 years been amongst the fastest growing cities in Nigeria.[citation needed]
Auchi Kingdom is headed by a monarchy and the traditional ruler is referred to as The Otaru of Auchi.
The 8th of January is designated as AUCHI DAY. This commemorative day was previously termed UCHI DAY but was renamed due to historical fettish practices linked to UCHI Day.
His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) 10th & present Otaru of Auchi
HRH Alhaji A Guruza Momoh, the 9th Otaru of Auchi (1973 - 1996)
HRH Abubakar K Momoh, The 8th Otaru of Auchi (1955 - 1970)
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Wikipedia