Ibani tribe

The Ibani people are a mixture of Igbo and Ijaw people who live in Bonny and Opobo areas of Rivers State, Nigeria.^{[ citation needed ]}

Bonny town is the tribal seat of the Ibani, and is located on the bight of Bonny River. 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, which is a dialect that has existed since before Nigeria was given it's name is widely spoken in Bonny Kingdom and the Opobo Kingdom, 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