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Draft:Anyama-Ogbia

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Anyama Town, also known as Anyama-Ogbia or the Kingdom of Anyama-Ogbia, is a historic settlement with origins dating back to the 17th century.[1] Established in 1655[2][3] by Adeh, a successful fisherman and trader, the town became an important center for commerce, dealing in seafood, palm oil, and other goods. Located in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Anyama is also the headquarters of the Anyama Clan.

Initially called Otu-Egbesu, meaning "home of Egbesu," the town’s name reflects its spiritual connection to the Egbesu deity, the Ijaw deity of war, protection, and justice. This association with Egbesu highlights the town’s deep cultural significance, both for Anyama and the wider Ijaw community.

Though the town has faced ongoing challenges such as coastal erosion,[4][5] which threatens its land and infrastructure, the people of Anyama have shown remarkable resilience.

Anyama Town serves as the administrative hub of the Anyama Clan, one of the four clans that make up the Ogbia Kingdom, playing a central role in the region's governance and social organization. According to INEC's 2023 voting data, the population of Anyama-Ogbia is estimated to be approximately 4,970.[6]

Anyama-Ogbia
Ọ̄tù-Ēɠɓéṣū,
Kingdom of Anyama-Ogbia
Town
Anyama Town
Coordinates: 4.76018,6.23104
Founded1655
Founded byÂɗēh
Named forỌ̄tù-Ēgbéṣū, (Ijaw diety of war)
SeatThe Palace, Anyama Town
Government
 • TypeTraditional Monarchy
 • BodyCommunity Development Council
 • Sovereign DynastyỌ̄bí-Âdẹ̄h, Royal Family
 • ObenemaObi-Âdeh Royal Family
Area
 • Total
340.86 ha (842.28 acres)
 • Water60.64 ha (149.84 acres)
Population
 • Estimate 
(2023)
4,970 (Source-INEC Voting Data)
Time zoneGMT + 1
ISO 3166 codeNG.BY.AY

It is important to note that Bayelsa State is home to two distinct towns named Anyama, each located in different local government areas. Anyama-Ijaw is situated in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, while Anyama-Ogbia lies within the Ogbia Local Government Area. Both towns are part of the larger Ijaw ethnic group, but they differ significantly in language.

Anyama-Ijaw speaks Central Ijaw, one of the major dialects within the Ijaw language family, while Anyama-Ogbia inhabited by the Ogbia sub-group of the Ijaw, speak the Ogbia language. While both towns share common cultural ties as part of the broader Ijaw ethnic group, the Ogbia language spoken in Anyama-Ogbia distinguishes it from other Ijaw communities, including Anyama-Ijaw.

History

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Anyama town in Ogbia was founded in 1655 by Âɗēh (pronounced Ādî or Ad-deh), a wealthy migrant trader and fisherman who first settled in what is now known as Anyama town. Initially called Otu-Egbesu, meaning ‘home of Egbesu,’ the town’s traditional deity.  Egbesu, is revered by the Ijaw people as a deity of war and holds significant importance for Anyama.

Anyama Town developed into a bustling fishing and trading hub, renowned for its palm oil, fish, and seafood trade. The town's first traditional ruler, Âɗēh, founded the Obi-Âɗēh Royal Dynasty, which continues to hold the royal lineage.

Under King Adeh’s leadership, Anyama thrived by trading seafood, palm oil, cassava, yam, cocoyam, rice, and other agricultural products with neighboring Ijaw tribes and Europeans. Although the town briefly engaged in the slave trade by acquiring Igbo slaves via the Onitsha route, this practice was soon discontinued.

Adeh’s son, Ekpor, succeeded him as Obenema and expanded the community's trade networks eastward and southward by sea. Traditional historical accounts suggest that Ekpor named his son Obi after a friend he met during one of his trading voyages. Ekpor was famed for his extraordinary longevity, allegedly living to 138 years, earning the title “dume-dume-nekpala,” which means one who continuously adds years to his life. As legend has it, the community, believing he had lived too long, conspired to end his life by sealing him in an anthill. Before his death, Ekpor cursed the town, proclaiming that no one would live as long as he had.

Obi, Ekpor’s son, fathered 25 children, including Samuel Okori Obi, Stanley Obi, and Julius Obi. From these descendants, five royal houses were established: the House of Ekpor, House of Okori, House of Jokori, House of Âɗēh, and House of Obi. In the Anyama-Ogbia dialect, "Okori" means “to be settled in favor,” and "Obi" translates to “a king’s house,” reflecting the importance of these names to the royal lineage.

As Obenema, Obi Ekpor, also called “obi-te-ekpor” (Obi, son of Ekpor), guided Anyama into a prosperous era. His son, Samuel Okori Obi, continued this legacy, enhancing the town’s wealth and influence. Samuel earned titles such as “ekpor-na-mobiozoh (I)” meaning a person from the house of kings, and “odidia-markwe (I)” meaning the pillar of the family. He was also known as the “money man” for his vast wealth.

The Obi-Adeh Royal Family maintains strong ties with other notable families, including the Eleibiri family in Nembe and the Eruani family in Brass. Prominent figures include HRH Chief (Engr) Okori Obana Christopher, of the Royal House of Okori, who became Obenema of Epebu Community through his matrilineal lineage in the House of Apiri, and HRH Rev. Lawrence Samuel Okori, a former Chairman of the Anyama Rural Development Authority. Numerous members of the royal family have held governmental and community leadership roles throughout the Anyama Clan.

Economy

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The vibrant community of Anyama persists in its trading activities, specializing in a diverse array of seafood such as fish, prawns, and crab, alongside the cultivation and sale of palm oil and various agricultural produce. This enduring tradition reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit ingrained within the fabric of Anyama’s cultural and economic landscape.

Environmental Issues

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Anyama Town is faced with several environmental issues including flooding,[7] erosion and gas flaring. These issues affect not just Anyama Community but several other communities within the Anyama clan.

Building and other infrastructure has been washed away. Coastal erosion is a huge problem.[8] The erosion has brought about untold hardship. Over 500 houses have been washed away over the years. A new settlement was formed because the old original Anyama has almost been eroded away. People have moved out to other places because of fear of coastal erosion.[9]

The erosion has washed away houses,[10] economic trees and vital government establishments earlier cited in Anyama-Ogbia. Pubic property lost to the coastal erosion includes a government courtyard established around 1935, St. James Anglican Church established around 1910, two rice mills[11] established around 1977[12] a primary school,[13] three jetties, the general post office established around 1935 and a police station, while an old oil mill established around 1955 is on the verge been washed away.[14]

Anyama Clan

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The Anyama Clan, one of the constituent parts of the Ogbia Kingdom, is famed for its abundant crude oil reserves, attracting numerous international oil companies to its communities. Governed by traditional monarchy under the leadership of His Royal Majesty King Omie Theophilus, the Obanobhan of Anyama Clan, the clan faces a host of challenges jeopardizing its stability and prosperity

Anyama Clan
Anyama Group
Anyama District
Municipality
Anyama Clan
Government
 • TypeTraditional Monarchy
 • BodyAnyama Ruling Council
 • ObanobhanHis Royal Majesty, King Omie Theophilus
Population
 • Estimate 
(2023)
17,750 (INEC Voting Data)
Time zoneGMT+1

Among these challenges are environmental[15] issues such as flooding, coastal erosion and gas flaring, which disrupt the lives of residents. Coastal erosion[16], especially, has resulted in the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure[17], necessitating the relocation of many and the establishment of new settlements.


Furthermore, the Anyama Clan grapples with security threats posed by sea pirates[18], compounding the hardships faced by its communities and posing risks to both residents' safety and economic stability.

Addressing these complex issues requires collaborative efforts from stakeholders. Strategic partnerships with the leadership of all 17 communities within the clan, the Ogbia Local Government Council, Anyama Rural Development Authority, Bayelsa State Government, Niger Delta Development Commission, and local and international non-profit organizations are essential. Proactive measures must be taken to confront these challenges and safeguard the well-being and stability of the Anyama Clan. Through concerted efforts and effective collaboration, solutions can be found to these urgent issues, paving the way for a brighter future for the clan's residents.


The 17 Communities that make up Anyama[19] Clan are;

Communities/Towns[20]
Anyama Town Headquarters of Anyama Clan
Ayakoro Community
Epebu Community
Ewoma Community
Emadike Community
Okodi Town
Otuebule 1
Onuebum Community
Otuorbhi Community[21]
Otuokpein Town[22]
Orrkiki Community
Otuokenegu Community
Ologierye Community
Otuedu Community
Ologi Community
Otuogori Community
Otuoegwe Community

Anyama Clan has produced notable people including:

  • HRH The Honourable (Chief) Justice- Emmanuel Joel Igoniwari, Obanobhan-Elect[23] of Ogbia Kingdom and former Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, who passed on in 2007. He hailed from Otuedu Community in Anyama Clan.
  • Billionaire industrialist,[24] Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless CFR, son of late King Alwell Eruani, Obanema of Emadike, Aguda the IX. He is former Commissioner of Health for Bayelsa State and Chairman of Azikiel Group,[25] His matrilineal lineage can be traced to the House of Okori in Anyama-Ogbia and House of Apiri in Epebu Community.
  • Rev. Lawrence Okori, former Chairman of Anyama Rural Development Authority, (popularly known as Anyama Local Government)[26] who paternally hails from the House of Okori in Anyama-Ogbia. His matrilineal lineage can be traced to the House of Apiri in Epebu Community.
  • Hon. Munalayefa Gibson,[27] a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who hails from Epebu Community
  • Hon. Robert Enogha Ayalla, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chairman of Ayalla Hotels[28] Limited, who hails from Orkiki Community.
  • HRH Late Paul I. Nathan, Obanobhan of Anyama Clan[29] and Acting Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom

References

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  1. ^ TVC News Nigeria (2022-05-04). Erosion Threatens Anyama Community As Residents Seek Help. Retrieved 2024-11-11 – via YouTube.
  2. ^ "Erosion: Bayelsa Community Protests Neglect, Calls For Help – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 2022-05-03. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Igoni, Daniels (2022-05-04). "Coastal erosion: Bayelsa community protests neglect, seeks help". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  5. ^ Rapheal (2022-05-24). "Coastal erosion: Bayelsa under threat". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Sesan (2017-11-06). "Flood ravages Jonathan's council, residents seek FG's intervention". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  8. ^ "Studypool Homework Help - Journal on coastal erosion in niger delta". studypool.com. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  9. ^ Igoni, Daniels (2022-05-04). "Coastal erosion: Bayelsa community protests neglect, seeks help". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  10. ^ Anyama Ogbia endures 50 years of Erosion flooding, 22 October 2017, retrieved 2023-06-09
  11. ^ "Ogbia LGA". Explore Bayelsa. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  12. ^ Rapheal (2022-05-24). "Coastal erosion: Bayelsa under threat". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  13. ^ Rapheal (2022-05-24). "Coastal erosion: Bayelsa under threat". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  14. ^ Igoni, Daniels (2022-05-04). "Coastal erosion: Bayelsa community protests neglect, seeks help". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  15. ^ "Floods Sack Bayelsa Communities - THISDAYLIVE". thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
  16. ^ TVC News Nigeria (2018-09-15). Anyama-Ogbia, Otuobhi communities seek govt's intervention over perennial flooding. Retrieved 2024-11-11 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ "King Omie decries lack of basic amenities in Anyama clan .Appeal to Buhari, Gov Diri to provide motorable road .Calls for solution over unabated sea pirate activities". Global Overseer News. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  18. ^ "Sea Pirates Kill 2, Injure 3 In Bayelsa". Sahara Reporters. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
  19. ^ Evarada (2023). "Ogu-Anyama-Emadike Road, in Anyama Clan/District". The Sun News.
  20. ^ Sesan (2017-11-06). "Flood ravages Jonathan's council, residents seek FG's intervention". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  21. ^ TVC News Nigeria (2018-09-15). Anyama-Ogbia, Otuobhi communities seek govt's intervention over perennial flooding. Retrieved 2024-11-11 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "Otuekpien Primary Health Centre Anyama, Ogbia – Thehospitalbook". 2022-09-01. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  23. ^ Abalijay (2023-02-05). "OGBIA KINGSHIP (OBANOBHAN) STOOL IN RETROSPECTION". Timeless Persons. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  24. ^ Nsehe, Mfonobong. "How Nigerian Businessman Eruani Azibapu Built An $80 Million Empire On Sand". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  25. ^ "Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless". Azikel Group. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  26. ^ Soluap (2023-05-10). "Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State, Nigeria". Soluap. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  27. ^ "Public offices held by Munalayefa Gibson in Nigeria". citizensciencenigeria.org. 2019. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  28. ^ "About us – Official Website of Ayalla Hotels Limited". Retrieved 2023-06-06.
  29. ^ Abalijay (2023-02-05). "OGBIA KINGSHIP (OBANOBHAN) STOOL IN RETROSPECTION". Timeless Persons. Retrieved 2024-05-30.


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