# Anyama, Ogbia

Anyama Town, also known as Anyama-Ogbia or the Kingdom of Anyama-Ogbia, is a historic ijaw town with origins dating back to the 17th century. Founded in 1655 by Adih, 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 town 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.
Though the town has faced ongoing challenges such as coastal erosion, which threatens its land and infrastructure.
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 2019 voting data, the population of Anyama-Ogbia is estimated to be approximately 4,970.
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

Anyama town was founded in 1655 by Adih (pronounced Ādî or Ad-deh), a prosperous trader and fisherman. Initially known as Otu-Egbesu, meaning "home of Egbesu”, the town was named after its traditional deity, Egbesu (water spirit), revered by the Ijaw people as a deity of war and protection. The town was originally founded as a fishing and trading settlement.
Early development and growth
Anyama evolved into a thriving fishing and trading hub, renowned for its trade in palm oil, fish, seafood, and other agricultural products such as cassava, yam, cocoyam, and rice. Under King Adih, Anyama engaged in trade with neighboring Ijaw communities and Europeans. Like other ijaw clans, Anyama briefly participated in the transatlantic slave trade by acquiring Igbo slaves through the Onitsha route, this practice was soon abandoned.
Legacy of Adih
Âɗēh became the town’s first traditional ruler, laying the foundation for the Obi-Âɗih Royal Dynasty, which continues to maintain the royal lineage in Anyama. His leadership set the stage for economic prosperity and cultural significance. After Âɗih’s reign, his son, Ekpor, succeeded him as Obenema II.
Ekpor expanded Anyama’s trade networks eastward and southward, strengthening its economic ties with other regions. Oral history describes Ekpor as a man of extraordinary longevity, allegedly living to 138 years. His long life earned him the title “dume-dume-nekpala,” meaning “one who continuously adds years to his life.” According to legend, his prolonged life led to a conspiracy within the community to end his life by sealing him in an anthill. Before his death, Ekpor is said to have cursed the town, declaring that no one would live as long as he did.

### The royal lineage

Ekpor’s son, Obi, reportedly fathered 25 children, establishing a robust royal lineage that gave rise to several prominent royal houses. These include the House of Ekpor, the House of Okori, the House of Jokori, the House of Adih, and the House of Obi. These royal houses remain integral to the cultural and historical heritage of Anyama. In the Anyama Ogbia dialect, "Okori" translates to "to be settled in favor," while "Obi" means "a king's house," underscoring their cultural and royal importance.
Obi Ekpor, also referred to as “obi-te-ekpor” meaning, “Obi, son of Ekpor”, succeeded his father as Obenema III, leading Anyama through a period of growth and prosperity. His son, Samuel Okori Obi, carried forward this legacy as Obenema IV, contributing to the community’s economic and social progress. Samuel earned notable titles such as "ekpor-na-mobiozoh (I)," meaning "a person from the house of kings," and "odidi-ama-kwe (I)," meaning "an indestructible pillar of the town or family." His influence and affluence earned him the moniker "money man."
King Samuel Okori Obi is celebrated for his military leadership, which played a pivotal role in safeguarding the kingdom’s prosperity. He developed an organized military structure that included elite warriors and a fleet of war canoes, ensuring the protection of trade routes and the defense of the kingdom’s borders. These measures strengthened Anyama-Ogbia’s economic stability and solidified its position as a key regional trade hub. His strategic use of military strength and diplomacy also expanded the kingdom's influence, fostering alliances with neighboring communities.
Connections and descendants
The Obi-Âɗih Royal dynasty maintains close ties with notable families across the Ijaw region, including the Eleibiri family of Nembe, the Apiri family of Epebu, the Owille family of Okodi, and the Eruani family of Twon-Brass.
Members of the royal dynasty include HRH Chief (Engr.) Okori Obana Christopher of the Royal House of Okori, who became Obenema (King) of Epebu Community through his maternal ties to the House of Apiri. Other figures include Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless (CFR), a former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, and HRH Rev. Lawrence Samuel Okori, who served as Chairman of the Anyama Rural Development Authority.

## Economy

The economy of Anyama-Ogbia is primarily based on its abundant natural resources and traditional livelihoods. Located in the resource-rich Niger Delta region, the community engages in economic activities that are closely tied to its environment. Below is an overview of the various sectors contributing to Anyama-Ogbia’s economy:
* Fishing and Aquaculture
Fishing plays a significant role in the economic life of Anyama-Ogbia. Situated near rivers and creeks, the community’s fishermen use traditional techniques to catch fish, crayfish, crabs, oysters, and other seafood. These products are vital for both local consumption and trade with nearby areas.
* Farming and Agriculture
Agriculture is another important aspect of the local economy. The fertile land in the region supports the cultivation of various crops, including cassava, yams, plantains, and vegetables. Most farming is done on a small scale, with households growing crops for their own use and selling excess produce in local markets.
* Palm Oil and Cash Crops
Palm oil production is a notable economic activity in Anyama-Ogbia. Families and cooperative groups extract palm oil, which is used domestically and sold in nearby communities. Other cash crops, such as coconuts and raffia, are also cultivated and traded, contributing to the local economy.
* Trading and Markets
Trade and commerce are vital components of economic life in Anyama-Ogbia. The community serves as a marketplace for nearby villages, with traders exchanging agricultural goods, seafood, handmade items, and other essential products. Local markets also provide a space for social interaction and cultural activities.
* Oil and Gas Impact
As part of the Niger Delta region, Anyama-Ogbia is influenced by oil and gas activities. While the community does not host large-scale oil facilities, the industry’s presence in surrounding areas indirectly supports the local economy through infrastructure development and limited employment opportunities.
* Traditional Crafts
Traditional craftsmanship is another source of livelihood in Anyama-Ogbia. Skilled artisans produce items such as canoes, fishing nets, and raffia products. These crafts are both practical and serve as an additional source of income through local and regional sales.

## Environmental issues

Anyama Town is faced with several environmental issues including flooding, 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. 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.
The erosion has washed away houses, economic trees and vital government establishments earlier cited in Anyama-Ogbia. Public property lost to the coastal erosion includes a government courtyard established around 1935, St. James Anglican Church established around 1910, two rice mills established around 1977 a primary school, 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.

## Anyama Clan

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
Among these challenges are environmental issues such as flooding, coastal erosion and gas flaring, which disrupt the lives of residents. Coastal erosion, especially, has resulted in the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure, necessitating the relocation of many and the establishment of new settlements.
Furthermore, the Anyama Clan grapples with security threats posed by sea pirates, compounding the hardships faced by its communities and posing risks to both residents' safety and economic stability.
The 17 Communities that make up Anyama Clan are;
| Communities/Towns | |
| Anyama Town | Headquarters of Anyama Clan |
| Ayakoro Community | |
| Epebu Community | |
| Ewoma Community | |
| Emadike Community | |
| Okodi Town | |
| Otuebule 1 | |
| Onuebum Community | |
| Otuorbhi Community | |
| Otuokpein Town | |
| Orrkiki Community | |
| Otuokenegu Community | |
| Ologierye Community | |
| Otuedu Community | |
| Ologi Community | |
| Otuogori Community | |
| Otuoegwe Community | |

## Notable people

Anyama Clan has produced notable people including:
* HRH The Honourable (Chief) Justice- Emmanuel Joel Igoniwari, Obanobhan-Elect 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, 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, His matrilineal lineage can be traced to the House of Okori in Anyama-Ogbia and House of Apiri in Epebu Community.
* His Royal Higness, Chief (Engr) Okori Obana Christopher, ekpor-na-mobiozoh (IV) who had a tenure as the Obenema (King) of Epebu community. He is the founder of Obena Engineering Limited. He paternally hails form the House of Okori in Anyama-Ogbia and maternally from the House of Apiri in Epebu community.
* Rev. Lawrence Okori, former Chairman of Anyama Rural Development Authority, (popularly known as Anyama Local Government) 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, he has been a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and a commissioner. He hails from Epebu Community
* Hon. Robert Enogha Ayalla, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chairman of Ayalla Hotels Limited, who hails from Orkiki Community.
* HRH Late Paul I. Nathan, Obanobhan of Anyama Clan and Acting Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom
* Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, from Ayakoro community has been chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)