Abstract
The study examines the syllable structure and typology of Urhobo language. Urhobo is a minority language spoken in Nigeria’s Delta region. It is little studied; hence this research extends research in its phonology. The motivation for this study, is to demonstrate its syllable typological characterisation gauged from Maddiesson 2005, within which it could be shown to belong to the simple structure type. It further provides evidence for the centrality of the syllable. Accordingly, the syllable is a vital aspect of language study, which enables one to understand the general workings of the spoken language. Data for this study comprises 400 words, elicited from two native speakers of the Agbarho dialect of Urhobo, using the Ibadan 400 wordlist. The data are analysed using the Autosegmental phonology of Goldsmith (1976); because it is a non-linear theory of phonology, which accounted for syllable appropriately. It was discovered from the analysis that only onset can branch in Urhobo; coda elements are not attested, and the nucleus may not branch, among others. Conclusion was drawn from the analysis that Urhobo operates the simple syllable structure typology.