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The True Identity Of Bonny/Opobo People Facts Versus Fiction

A lot of debates or arguments have been going on mainly between(we ndi igbo and our brothers ijaws) about the identity of Bonny and Opobo people. So much that lots of indigenes are confused about their own identity. The reason for this is not far fetched. The igbo language is an indigenous language in both places and while most inhabitants bear English names, some bear ijaw names and few still retain their igbo names. A large portion of videos which could be found on YouTube also portrays a largely igbo heritage till date.

However, I will try to be as neutral as possible while I implore you to be a little objective as we embark on this historical fact check.
Most of the arguments in my opinion have been nothing more than mere conjectures. For instance, ijaw people claim the igbo language spoken in both places is foreign or creolized version while trying to force inhabitants to start learning an entirely new language different from their mother tongue. There are also claims from Ijaw people that igbo language was the language of igbo slaves the ijaws were trading. It is surprising how this eventually became an indigenous language making it the first of such incidence on the Gulf of Guinea. Even Calabar another important slave port nearby didn't experience such.

Amanyanabo-Ama onye nabo/Ama-nya-nabo (igbo for he who ties up another, like master tying up slave).
It might interest you to know that the title Amanyanabo use by ijaws originated from Bonny. The igbo interpretation means, “The town/community of 2 kings/persons”.
Bonny traditionally had 2 kings as documented by Captain Hugh and he was friends with both men who held him in high esteem.
King Pepple and King Holiday were both kings that reigned in Bonny at the same time.

To understand the reality of who Bonny and Opobo people are I would be rellying on the Memoirs of Captain Hugh Crow of Liverpool(1765-1829) and I implore any true son of Bonny or Opobo to consult this book or any other one written before it to really find out their identity. If you do not have much time, you can read from chapter 10, however reading the whole book gives a huge insight into slave trade era. It is important to note that while the author confirmed Eboes/igbos as natives of Bonny, there was no mention or acknowledgement of ijaws. But I am using my discretion to assume that the ijaws were the Brass people as the author asserts that they came from the Brass country which is located North West of Bonny.

Impotant dates:
Captain Hugh Crow of Liverpool(1765-1829)
King Jaja of Opobo 1821-1891
Technically King Jaja was born 12 years after slave trade was abolished.
Slave trade was abolished in 1809 by Sir Wilberforce.
King Jaja of Opobo founded Opobo in 1870.

Apart from being a popular slave merchant, Captain Crow(a.k.a Play man) was very popular with Kings and Natives of Bonny. He was so popular that he was invited to crown one of the Kings of Bonny at a time and he was regularly invited to help resolve palaver in the kingdom. He was captain of the last ship that left Bonny with slaves after slavery was abolished.

The author's memoir is insightful for many reasons:
It rendered a vivid first person account of what trans Atlantic slave trade looks like. In his assertions, slaves taken off the West African coast to America were better off than their countrymen left behind in Africa. During the period in review, whites were also slaves and most Britons including the author became prisoners of the French.

The author asserts that:
Bonny people are chiefly a mix of Eboe/Igbo and Brass/ijaw people.
He described/mentioned the igbo country in the hinterland and the brass country lying north-west of Bonny.
However, most of the details of daily living amongst the natives was more in tune with igbo lifestyle.
He talked about igbo native doctors he referred to as dibia and the enormous influence they wield in justice and health administration, even the kings respect them. He also described details of igbo marriage customs and funneral as observed in Bonny.
He talked about the use of elephant during the commemoration of King Pepple's father 10 years after the father's death. He mention the value of elephant tusk.
Contrary to conjectures that the name Pepple was European's attempt at pronouncing Perekule, the author asserts that Bonny people derived joy in bearing english names as he himself was responsible for crowning a King who he named after an English prince. An incident that excited the populace. He confirms that both King Pepple and King Holiday were igbos.
He described in detail the physique, including complexion and character of different tribes eboes, brass, appas, quaws and ottams. No mention of Ijaw in his record.

The author described one Chief Fubara who was an acquaintance of King Pepple. He asserts that Chief Fubara was not an indigene of Bonny but a stranger who migrated from his country during a crisis with a false claim that he was a warrior in his native country.

The author proved that ijaws were not selling igbo slaves as claimed in some quarters. According to him, everyone/every tribe was sold as slave. He described instances where some igbo chiefs set people up with their beautiful young wives and victims eventually pay a fine or become slaves. He explained the reason why more igbo slaves were sold. They were more relatable to Europeans than most other tribes.

Captain Hugh is credited with one of the earliest attempt to create an Eboe/igbo dictionary.
The author asserts that Opobo is an Igbo name for male children.
He also said that natives are often marked according to their origin and that Bonny natives often have short cupped perpendicular markings on both sides of their temple(this is consistent with the igbo tribal mark).

He confirmed the existence of Cannibalism, that Andoni was considered a dangerous place to venture, the fact that Calabar people eat dog meat,the fact that he planted coconut trees on one of the islands, the influence of Benin empire, that some Brass people were usually employed to make salt during dry season under the Benin empire amongst other things.

CONCLUSION

Bonny people are a mix of Eboe/Igbo and Brass people in origin. This document however asserts a more igbo origin or dominance as most of Crow's history of the ancient kingdom was about igbos(The word Brass appeared 14 times in the history of Bonny, while the word Eboe appeared 48 times). This perhaps explains the existence of the indigenous igbos there and the presence of igbo masquerades like nwaotam. However, Opobo is a more recently founded city state by King Jaja who established his sole ownership authority and set up the kingdom with friends who accompanied him from Bonny. While Ebane/Igbanni/Ubani/Obani is the igbo dialect spoken in these locations. The same dialect that was used to write the first igbo bible commissioned by King Pepple. Shalom

P.S: I am being challenged to prove that Brass people are Ijaw people, so I must state once more that this was an assumption on my part and it remains to be proven or disputed.

Current literatures been submitted seems to indicate that the Brass were indeed a different people from the ijaws as they are known today.

Courtesy; Igbo History @FB

watch the video and see them speak IGBO
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0gAqJUJtuRk8cVGJey9W8QqgiLer8Dh8ohdpbtkd8sJnmLfpwt8TKjjWadqpGKPmbl&id=101209985249548&eav=AfbQpIuZ5NAgCBcLTp_Nilt7Daqn1xObrtuTddqjhd53mEnETtEQT9T3j_S_vHDLbRo&ref

sreamsense:
.

you don't understand. some of you here does not have a matured brain, that is why I have stopped replying many of you. Didnt you read that Bony was a,major slave trade market and largely peopled I.e populated and owned or controlled by Igbos

its just like going to Onitsha market which is the largest in west Africa to do your trade. Then even your father can take you from any part of the South Eastern region to the slave market in bony and sell you there. Even people from bonny are sold there too but Igbo's slaves are much because Igbo has the highest population in the south Eastern area. So the slave trade big market was in bonny which is part of Igboland and highly peopled by the igbos. Even bonny king wanted the creation of Igbo bible in bonny then, do you know what that means?

please I don't have time to type much...many people here no get matured brain to understand and learn.

the picture you see below is igboland before the 19th century

I love my Ibibio and Efik brothers and sisters so much. look at Idara gold, in prison since last year because she is a Biafran.https://www.nairaland.com/7391599/idara-gold-biafran-akwaibomite-brought

No inch of Biafra land and Igbo land would be lost. All Biafrans must be free. We all will get to the promise land BIAFRA

King Pepple from Bonny requesting through a letter to the queen that an Igbo bible be created for his people.
Fejoku
OfoIgbo
Slayerforever

This is how the Union Bible was created, Bonny Igbo was even collected first.

Here comes another bomb.
Source: The Ibo and Ibibio-speaking peoples of south-eastern Nigeria,
Author: Daryll Forde; G I Jones
Publisher: London, New York, Published for the International African Institute by Oxford University Press, 1950

courtesy : Igbo History FB

no guy should take care of a girl in school because he wants to marry her. let her parents pay and care for her or she hustle.

For the ladies, if you know you can't marry someone who said he wants to marry you and because of that, he is taking care of you, simply tell him you can't marry him before he begins to even spend on you. So he will know from start that you are not interested in marrying him to avoid this kind of bad news. Not every guy can take that from a lady. That was how a Chinese man killed a lady 2 months back because of same issue, now this. So ladies stop scamming guys in the name of marriage you know would not happen.

iyinoluwa1h:
I am actually sleeping with a reverend sister for 4 months now. Damn she is so sweet in bed. Her big ass was what attracted me.I am actually sleeping with a reverend sister for 4 months now. Damn she is so sweet in bed. Her big ass was what attracted me....

if you are lying u will die next month.

Simeonjoe1:
No they don't.
Only China is trying to develop one H20 but still yet the capabilities of isn't up to the 1980 B2 not to talk of the B21 ulta modern stealth bomber.

If Russian should develop one it should be blow or on par with the B2 not this B21.
Infact most of them are using the B2 engineering format. A flight wing, no vertical tail, top engine intake, and flat bottom edge design.

go update yourself

MuslimIgbo:
You started well and ended senselessly.
Biafra na country?

yes Biafra is a country and its coming with full force to emancipate Africans and provide for the world.

The truth is that if Amanda Azubuike was in Nigeria, the Nigerian government will force her into early retirement to make way for a Fulani man to Become Army Chief.

Had it been she committed a crime, Nigeria media will carry it as, Igbo women in the USA Commits Crime and not Nigeria Born.

But since she is in the USA where merit counts, she is now a Brigadier-General.

The truth is that she is not a Nigerian. She is a Biafran.

CoronaVirusRelo:


Sometimes when I imagine Russia struggling with Ukraine, and still wants to go to war with the U.S.A, all I can do is just laugh!


Putin is so anxious to know why Americans don't have free healthcare!

see this one. Russia already has aircrafts with this capabilities. Update your brain

Russia already have aircraft with such capabilities

LikeAking:
Emefile no try...

Buhari is a criminal using Emiefele to commit silent stealing.

NigeriaIsGreat:
How do Nigerians join you to end Nigeria?

Una go just dey talk like mumu seriously

I am a Biafran

Even Peter Obi cannot fix the mess. The Zoo is dead.
if Nigerians are wise, join us to end Nigeria now.

those are Nigerian army and police terrorist.

take note of where she stated that
She said, “Those kidnappers were more than 30; they covered their faces. They were putting on army and police uniforms.

Remember how some group of people putting on army uniforms were dropped at a school in Abia. They are terrorist army. these ones in Ibadan closed their face because they are the normal army and police you see in your street not knowing that they are the northern terrorist army recruited by the government.

SECURITY ALERT !!!

On Sunday 23rd October, 2022. My brother in law was taking his last son back to school from Onitsha to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu university Igbariam. After Nkwelle junction, group of unidentified policemen stopped them. They were asked to come down from their car. My brother in law identified himself, showed them particulars of his vehicle which they carefully scrutinised. He told them that he is taking the boy back to school. They searched their vehicle saw stew, soup, garri, uncooked yam and rice.
They asked the son to produce his phone which he did. They shouted that the boy is using a BIG PHONE. This became an issue. The father said that he was the person that bought the phone for the son.
Case changed. The police men said that they are EFCC officers that they were on a special assignment from Abuja. That they were sent to Anambra state on a special mission.
They asked the son to unlock the phone which he did. They went through the phone but could not find any incriminating thing there at all. They asked for his account balance, which he showed them. In the account he has less than hundred thousand.
They now said that they are arresting the guy for using a big phone. The father interjected that he was the person that bought the phone as a birthday present.
They were surrendered. Their phones were seized from them including the car key. They were asked to enter the car that they are taking them to their station. My in law was begging them, but they insisted that they must take them to the station. This was happening around 12.45pm. They forced them inside the car, one of the police officer took the wheel. Two others sat at the back of the car. They drove down to Ogidi, Abatete, Oraukwu, Nnokwa, Nnobi and eventually stopped at Alor,. During which negotiations were going on. They started bargaining from 1 million naira. To 8 hundred thousand, to 5 hundred thousand and eventually landed at 3 hundred thousand. they were asked not communicate with igbo so they can be understood whatever they were saying. And if they try to play smart ,that they will waste them
They gave my in law his phone to make call and asked for money. Later the sum of 3 hundred thousand naira was transferred to him. Which these policemen took them to a certain pos and made the withdrawal. They drove them back to Alor junction. Tell them to count themselves lucky if not for one thing that they would wipe them and nobody will know. They seriously warned them not tell anybody that the police collected money from them or else they will come after them. And if they do, no power will save them. At that Alor junction they came down and handed the man his car key and his phone. They said that their colleagues will pick them from there.
They were later released by 3.47pm.
My question is this
Are these people really police officers?
Are they kidnappers?
But they are not Igbos.

Please my people we need to be careful and extra vigilant. The enemies are within.
We thank God for sparing their lives.

Copied by China Nworu

FakeIgboJew:
Cry more

new miscreant nuisance account, a Fulani fooooll. na d only and last reply I go ever give be this. no time for mumu people

Racoon:
Just an outfit is scaring the he'll out of a govt. Meanwhile, matchete wielding or armed-to-the-teeth killer fulani terrorists will openly brandish their weapons causing catastrophic damage while the govt will claim ignorance.

the Fulani terrorist even killed and injured many in Benue today but as usual, police and soldiers didn't come to save the villagers nor go after the terrorist. but if the villagers enters the forest to catch and retaliate on the terrorist, the police and soldiers would swiftly arrest such villagers

She was kidnapped since 2021

Idara Gold is from Akwaibom. A proud Biafran young lady who was abducted some time last year by Nigería government through DSS. Her crime is posting a birthday pictures where she wore Biafra colours.

Idara Gold was arrested to deter other people from Akwaibom and environs from embracing their Biafra identity. The government believed that kidnapping her will stop others. Her boldness was intimidating and must be curtailed.
You can ask yourself this question. Is Idara Gold the only person that have worn Biafra colours on her birthday? Why did they expend such resources just to take her? Why keep her for one year before bringing her to court? They wanted to send a message to her Akwaibom brothers and sisters, that we won't take it lightly with any body talking about Biafra from Akwaibom. And they are using Intimidation to achieve this.

But you can't take away people's identity from them. Philip Efiong was from that axis. He was a deputy to Odumegwu Ojukwu during the 3 years of the Great Republic of Biafra.

The courage and determination of Idara Gold should be the strength of every coastal lady of Biafra. One year of torture she is still there strongly determined in her belief.

Idara Gold committed no crime. Idara Gold is a beliver in her right to self determination.

As an Activist I demand for the release of Idara Gold and all other detained Biafra agitators.

Elochukwu Ohagi, Philosopher, Teacher And Activist, 2022.

What Idara Gold reviewed to Umuchiukwu Writers

"Me and other 30 persons who are supposedly Biafran supporters were abducted and kept incommunicado in DSS dungeon and later transferred to the Wawa military camp in Kainji Dam where Department of States Security, DSS held us " .

"The vehicle which transfered me to Abuja from Enugu was also filled with over 30 other people whom are suspected to be IPOB members , Also there were other vehicles which are also occupied by Biafra sympathisers in our company down to Abuja".

PROUDIGBO:
You understand what’s going on!

I do bro...that's why I sharing the info for urgent alert in the land.

Belteshazzar1:
No image?

you didnt read the post. they took pics but soldiers collected their phones and deleted the pics and videos then warn them not to take pics.

Don't be surprised if Fulani terrorist starts kidnappings and invading villages in that area. These soldiers are possibly terrorist Nigeria army. The government now disguise them like soldiers so they can enter villages in pretense that they are soldiers but they are terrorist

Breaking News!

Villagers Are In Panic As Helicopter Is Sighted Offloading Troops Inside Amavo Primary School, Osisioma Ngwa

Reports reaching Umuchiukwu Writers has stated that a military helicopter was seen offloading personnel of the Nigerian soldiers today right inside Amavo Primary School in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to reports, the scenario has re-vibrated fear among the villagers as there were no reasons given for such.

According to an eyewitness who is from the village, he had approached the soldiers to know what was going on, but was told that everything was under control. Also, reports have it that people who attempted to take pictures and videos of the scene were immediately forced to delete the snaps.

This is to bring to the notice of the public that the afformentioned community is under military threat at the moment. And people living in this area must be careful and vigilant. Do not hesitate to report any questionable movements by the soldiers.

At the time of this report, there are no picture or video evidence.

Please, share widely to reach out to people.

Umuchiukwu Writers Reporting.

in my dream I saw US been destroyed with its own nuclear weapons. US vanished

attackgat:
Yesterday October 17th, Biafran trooped to the famous Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, to remember those killed in the Asaba massacre of October 1967.

Asaba is an Igbo town on the west flank of the River Niger and is capital of Delta State. In October 1967 when Soldiers of Nigeria's second division entered the city, there was widespread massacre of unarmed civilians. It is estimated that over a thousand people were lined up and shot by the Nigerian Army

Although Asaba was not part of Biafra, it is thought that the massacre was purely because it was an Igbo town

you are a big fool, you chipped in a foolish statement in your post that Asaba is not part of Biafra...Na thunder go strike u and your family there. Asaba is more Biafra than Abia state. They fought and stood firm but were overpowered by the Nigerian army because Asaba was close to the Nigerian Boarder. Biafran Army had to blow up the bridge to slow down the movement of Nigerian Army and regroup after people from Asaba have crossed the bridge.

Slurity:
You are a big problem to humanity and God will deal with you soon if you do2 not repent.

I am doing God's work on earth. Biafrans and other emerging country in Nigeria must be freed from British enclave called Nigeria.

@ jerseyboy

You are showing us article writing by someone who hates Biafra. The British have been against Biafra right from time and still against Biafra by sponsoring several divide and conquer articles and even supporting Fulani leaders to divide biafrans but they kept failing. Biafra is the light of Africa and will be competing with developed countries in no time. Have you read half of a yellow sun by Chi Ngozi Adichie, go and read it. Also read the article on the link below where Adichie spoke at a Biafra's commemoration event. That Abommnema celebration was sponsored by the Fulani terrorist leaders to divide Biafrans. I know you are a Fulani man but I want to assure you that all your terrorist leaders plans will fail because Biafra has come.

https://gwtoday.gwu.edu/rediscovering-biafra-through-nigerian-novelist

the pic below is a glimpse of what Ngozi said that day

Nigeria is a terrorist enclave and a failed country. How can a country with out future and direction join brics.

Nigerians are just fooling around, break up is the only solution.