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OKORO'S THREE MEANINGS
IN URHOBO LANGUAGE
By
Smith T. M. Omonuwa, M.D.
The word spelt "O K O R O" has a t least three different meanings in Urhobo, depending on the intonation and inflexions. None of them derives from Bini. These are: -
With an accent on the middle O, Okoro= man or male;
with accents on all "O's" (as it is also pronounced in Igbo) Okoro=
hunter;
with accent on only the last O, Okoro = a squat as in "Okere dj'okoro"
and "Okoro b'okere-e."
The last, frequently used Okoro in Urhobo, is actually a compound word or phrase Oko re oro (friend of gold), meaning a dear, or valued or golden friend. None is related to a king or prince. As in Igbo, none is a royal name.
F. Oghogho Agidigbi's piece is so imaginative, and some will say insulting, that it does not deserve any more comments other than that we must all seek at all times what is honorable and unifying.
Agbraghala.