ASPECTS OF OBOLO (ANDONI)-IBIBIO RELATIONS IN THE LOWER IMO RIVER, 1800-2000

Abstract

It is an historical fact that both Obolo and Ibibio are two distinct ethnic groups with little or no trace of history of ancestral origin but the Obolo (Andoni) and Ibibio established contacts and relationship since the remote past through inter-ethnic marriages, cultural assimilation and economic activities. Besides, the Lower Imo River, and the Andoni River were other sources of Obolo and Ibibio contacts and relationship. This study explored the various aspects that strengthen their relationship. Such aspects were the era of domestic and trans-Atlantic slave trade, legitimate trade and post-legitimate trade as well as colonial rule and post-colonial era. The forces of the trans-Atlantic trade pulled the Obolo and Ibibio together especially, as the Ibibio area became one of the major centers where slaves and palm oil were purchased by trade merchants including the Obolo people. On the other hand, the Ibibio also acquired marine resources from Obolo and sold their farm goods to them. Their relationship spanned the three phases of Nigeria history. This study relied on primary and secondary sources to interpret this historical past. The ϔinding of this work is that, the foundation of their relationship was laid by the forces of social and economic developments. The paper therefore, concluded that their relations was instrumental to the growth of international commerce in the Lower Imo River.