The Ijaw People: A Comprehensive Overview

Dave Ikiedei Asei 

January 2nd

Introduction

.According to a 2023 estimate, the Ijaw population is around 15 million, accounting for approximately 6.9% of Nigeria's total population, positioning them as the fourth largest ethnic group in the country

Geographic Distribution and Population

The Ijaws inhabit approximately 26 local government areas across six Nigerian states. They also maintain a presence in Benue, Kogi, and as far as Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Gabon. Renowned for their ancient heritage, they are among the most populous tribes in the Niger Delta region.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Ijaw people are believed to be one of the world’s most ancient ethnic groups, with connections to sea trade routes as early as the 14th and 15th centuries. In their languages, they refer to themselves as Izon, reflecting their deep cultural and historical roots.

Language and Religion

The Ijaw people primarily speak Ijaw languages, which are part of the Niger-Congo language family. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by about 90% of the population, while traditional beliefs account for 5%, and Islam is minimal at 0.1%.

Ijaw Subgroups and Communities

1. Central Ijaw (Ijo)

Ogbia Subgroup

This group is native to Bayelsa State and includes communities such as Ogbia Town, Emakalakala, Anyama-Ogbia, and Oloibiri. The Ogbia language is predominantly spoken here.

Epie-Atisa Subgroup

Found in communities like Agudama, Okutukutu, and Swali, the Epie-Atisa people speak the Epie dialect.

Nembe-Brass Subgroup

Located in Nembe and Brass LGAs of Bayelsa State, this group speaks the Nembe dialect. Historically, they resisted British colonization under King Frederick William Koko.

Abua Subgroup

Situated in Abua/Odual LGA of Rivers State, the Abua people speak a dialect closely related to Ogbia.

Other notable Central Ijaw subgroups include the Biseni, Akinima, and Engeni people, spread across various localities in Rivers State.

2. Eastern Ijaw (Ijo)

Kalabari Subgroup

Located in areas like Abonnema, Buguma, and Degema, the Kalabari people share close ancestry with the Nembe and Ogbia subgroups.

Okrika Subgroup

Known as Wakirike, this group occupies Okrika and surrounding areas, sharing lineage with the Amassoma people of Bayelsa State.

Opobo and Nkoro Subgroup

These communities, near Port Harcourt, speak the Ibani dialect and include towns like Opobo, Nkoro, and Kala-Ibiama.

Andoni and Obolo Subgroup

This subgroup spans Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, with communities in Ikuru Town, Asarama, and others.

3. Western Ijaw (Ijo)

Arogbo and Apoi Subgroup

The Arogbo and Apoi clans migrated from Bayelsa State to Ondo in the 9th century. Today, they reside in areas like Arogbo, Igbobini, and Ajapa.

Central Delta Communities

The Ijaw population in Delta State includes clans such as Gbaramatu, Ogulagha, and Egbema, occupying six local government areas.

Edo State Communities

In Edo State, Ijaw settlements include Ikoro, Abere, and Okomu. Their leaders, known as Peres and Agadagbas, predate the Benin monarchy.

Conclusion

The Ijaw people are a vital component of Nigeria’s ethnic mosaic, with a rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic geographic spread. Their contributions to Nigeria's socio-economic and cultural landscape underscore their significance as one of the country’s oldest and most influential ethnic groups.