Ibani tribe

The Ibani people are an Ijaw ethnic group who live along with other Ijaw speaking peoples in the Bonny and Opobo areas of Rivers State, Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast.^[citation needed]

Bonny town is the tribal seat of the Ibani, and is located on the bight of Bonny River. The Ibani language, an Ijoid dialect, is spoken predominantly by the residents of Bonny and Opobo. Bonny's development was significantly shaped by the tribe's close interaction with European traders from the 15th century to the 18th century.[1]

History

The Kingdom of Bonny was a major trading center[2] from the 16th century onwards; initially trading in slaves, its people were later known for the exportation of palm oil and palm kernel.[3] The indigenes of the Bonny and Opobo kingdoms are collectively known as the Ibani people.[4]

Language

The Ibani language is widely spoken, although its pervasiveness has been declining in more recent years due to Westernization.

Wars

Historically, Bonny engaged in several wars against its nearby rivals, such as Elem Kalabari, Obolo people and Andoni.[5]

Settlements

Some Ibani settlements include: Finima, Abalama, Oloma, and Kuruama.

References

1. Bortolot, Alexander Ives (October 2003). "Trade Relations among European and African Nations". www.metmuseum.org. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
2. "Bonny | Nigeria". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
3. "Bonny | Nigeria". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
4. Enemugwem, JH; Romokere, BS (2009-10-08). "Obolo (Andoni) Women in The Nigerian Civil War, 1967-1970". Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research. 6 (2). doi:10.4314/lwati.v6i2.46559. ISSN 1813-2227.
5. Alagoa, Ebiegberi Joe (2005). A History of the Niger Delta, Port Harcourt: Onyoma Research Publications. ISBN 978-37314-5-9