HISTORIO-CULTURAL RELATIONSHIP OF OBOLO (ANDONI)-KALABARI COMMUNITIES OF RIVERS STATE (1800-2000)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/aasd.vol4no1.108Keywords:
Obolo-Kalabari, Political, Economic, Cultural, RelationsAbstract
This study explored Obolo (Andoni)-Kalabari Relations, 1800-2023. The two ethnic groups inhabit the Eastern Niger Delta region which formed the basis of their relations since the ancient times. The study traced the origin of their relationship to fishing, trading, marriage, linguistic influence, culture contact and interactions. Subsequently, their relationship was consolidated by the traditional and colonial political developments, the economic forces of the Trans-Atlantic trade and the colonial economy pulled them together to foster greater ethnic relations between them. The methodology used to document their historical antecedents is primary and secondary sources. The study found out that their relationship promoted economic growth between them. The Obolo helped in the peopling of Kalabari territory which greatly enhanced their political status in the sub-region, Niger Delta and Rivers State. There was diffusion of culture of the ethnic groups within the sub-region. The work concluded that Obolo (Andoni)-Kalabari relations essentially promoted harmonious socio-economic, political development and integration in the Eastern Niger Delta, Niger Delta and Rivers State.
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