Asarama is a city located in Rivers State, southern Nigeria. It is one of the largest and most populated cities in the Andoni Local Government Area. Asarama was formed from an amalgamation of many villages, including Egwebe, Egwe-Aja, Egwe-Ewaye Egwe-Idake, Egwe-Esu, Asuk, and Ikpak. Other villages include Iyong-Orong, Asarama-Ija, Iwoma-Asarama, Asalakiri, Agbaokwan-Asarama 1 to 15, Uja-Ama, and Asarama-Toru. The Egwebe village square is in the heart of Asalakiri. However, since these villages have over a thousand years of mutual relationships, they cannot be differentiated. Egwe-Ewaya is the only village that produces the King . Others do contribute when it comes to religious, socio-cultural, and war activities.
History
The Andoni resides in present-day Rivers and Awka-Ibom States. Based on the evidence from traditional history, the Andoni are descended from Ayama, the Son of Tara, who was left with Kala-Okun at Igbedi creek. The migrating ancestors are mentioned as Asara or Asa founder of Asarama, Ifop, Edeh or Edabiri, Alama, and Abah, to name a few. They left Igbedi creek area at an early stage, taking with them the title \"Indo Oru\" which they remembered and gave to their priest rulers. The title \"Indo Oru\" was subsequently corrupted to \"Ando Oru\," and then during their sojourn, this term was altered to \"Andoni Oru\." Leaving the central delta, the early ancestors made their way through creeks and swamps, cutting down trees to cross the water waves. They first encamped for some time in the southeastern region before moving into the delta. Their first settlement was called Ayama, after their ancestor. The site of Ayama was the site of Peterside in Ibani or Bonny town. They stayed here for centuries manufacturing salt for the interior markets before moving. It was from Ayama that Asarama was founded. A second group moved on to the southern Cameroons and Calabar region. It was here that they intermarried with Bantu-speaking people. In approximately the 12th century AD, these Andoni made a return journey into the Niger Delta and settled at Egwede, where they sited their national emblem, called Oyobolo. Further migration patterns were caused by the repeating conflicts with the Ibani, as a result of the slave-raiding confusion of those times. From the site of Peterside, they moved eastwards to the Rio Real, then to Asarama-Toru, then further east to Okoma, the site opposite the present town. The old settlement was the site of Peterside in Bonny, which was called Ayama, Asarama being the oldest of the Andoni towns. Other Andoni towns include Ayangala, while Alabie was the other name for Egwede. In the 1940's, the chief title of the Andoni native court judge was still Andoni Oru, acknowledging the ancestral connection to Indo-Oru. The Andoni no longer speak the original Ijo language. The foundation of Andoni was between the 10th and 12th century AD.
Social life
The Asarama People are highly social and religious, though there are a few who do not care about the religion. They are predominantly Christians and traditional worshipers. About 40 years ago, there are many fetish and cultural play/events, but the introduction of Christianity is facing many. Presently, the only fetish and most dangerous and frightful play is the Efie-okpo, which is being played at night between the hours of 9 pm to 4 am in September every year. The others are Nwantam and Okekpe. Though the Okekpe is a little more frightful, strangers do play with the indigenous, the Nwantam is general. Most Christians believe that these activities are for the Gods and should not be done. The Ofio-okpo is never and can never be seen with eyes unless you are a member; thus it is seen as an occult and devilish organization. According to the members, those who set eyes on it will die if they are not members, but people find pleasure in listening to the songs and instrumental beats coming from the masquerade. The youths felt that these plays were too old for them, and therefore brought the western culture into the town. The arrangement of the events are as follows: Ofiokpo, Nwantam, Beach Party, and Okekpe Aside from these, there are other events which happen within the year at least every 3 months, as the Asarama people return home with friends from all walks of life for partying, clubbing, marriages and wedding ceremonies, chieftaincy installations, burial ceremonies and other cultural activities, which blend the quarterly events which the Asarama people called Otayan. Its first one is from the last week of March to the first week of April; the second quarter is the last week of June to the first week of July, the 3rd quarter is the last week of September to the first week of October and finally the last week of December to any length you can survive in January, which is also the new year celebration. The Asarama people rarely celebrate Christmas at home, but outside Asarama, they do observe the season due to friends who will visit them.
Geography
Asarama lies at a latitude of 4.5323100 and longitude of 7.4408400. It has an elevation of 9 meters above sea level. It borders Egendem to the west and Opobo to the east, Ogoni to its north, and Ebuguma to its south. It is a few miles away from the Atlantic Ocean.
Tourist spots
Things to see and places to visit include the Awoh Village Square, Egwe-idake playground, Asalakiri playground, Awoh Palace, ancient Town Hall, first primary school in Andoni, Asarama power station built and donated by an industrious son of Asarama, ultra-modern beach and market, Unity Road, Ewaye Royal Palace, Oka-Ama, cemetery, first public library in Andoni, and Okekpe playground, all of which are free of charge.
