Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part F (2018)

Abstract
This study is designed to investigate the ethnographic background of Okada Region and trace the origins of the Communities that constitute Okada Region and the people. The study shall begin with the introduction of the people of Okada district in the present day Ovia North East Local Government Area, as bini people who trace their origins to the ancient Benin Kingdom in history. The study underscores the Law and Customs of Okada people particularly, in the areas of family and marriage traditional legal systems as connected with those of the entire bini people. A documentary research instrument, a self-report questionnaire based on oral evidences are designed to be used in this study which is adopted in such sensitive areas of concern such as Okada, Utesse, Egbetta, Uhen, Ogbesse and the other communities that comprised Okada Region within the old Iyekovia district of Benin Kingdom. In this study, a hypothetical conclusion shall be made on the relationship between the law and customs of Okada people and those of the entire Region as well as show the significant relationship between those cultural and traditional legal practices that are acceptable to the people and those repudiative to them. Comparism shall be made between the legal and cultural practices of Okada people in their traditional days of existence and the modern days in history. Based on this study, findings and vital recommendations will be made and suggestions for further studies given at the end of the study.