Anyama, Ogbia

Anyama Town, also called Anyama-Ogbia or the Kingdom of Anyama-Ogbia, is a historic Ogbia community and traditional monarchy with Ijaw roots in the 17th century. It was founded in 1655 by Adih, a fisherman and trader, and grew into a key center of trade in seafood, palm oil, and other goods. 

Located in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, it is the ancestral headquarters of the Anyama Clan. The town was first known as Otu-Egbesu, meaning “home of Egbesu,” showing its spiritual link to the Ijaw deity of war, justice, and protection.

Today, despite its importance, the town faces serious challenges such as coastal erosion, which continues to threaten its land and infrastructure. Based on INEC’s 2019 voting data, the population of Anyama-Ogbia is about 4,970.

Bayelsa State has two towns named Anyama, located in different local government areas. Anyama-Ijaw is in Southern Ijaw LGA and speaks Central Ijaw, while Anyama-Ogbia is in Ogbia LGA and speaks the Ogbia language, a branch of the larger Ijaw languages. Both towns belong to the larger Ijaw ethnic group and share cultural ties, but their languages set them apart, making Anyama-Ogbia distinct within the wider Ijaw community.

 Anyama Clan 
The Anyama Clan, a key part of the Ogbia Kingdom, is rich in crude oil reserves, which has drawn many international oil companies to its land. It is led by His Royal Majesty King Omie Theophilus, the Obanobhan of Anyama Clan. The clan is made up of 17 communities, and despite its resources, it faces serious challenges that threaten its stability and growth.

Major issues include flooding, gas flaring, and especially coastal erosion, which has destroyed homes and infrastructure, forcing people to relocate and form new settlements. In addition, sea piracy creates security risks, endangering lives and disrupting economic activities in the clan’s communities.
The 17 Communities that make up Anyama Clan are;
+Communities/TownsAnyama TownAncestral Headquarters of Anyama ClanAyakoro CommunityEpebu CommunityEwoma CommunityEmadike CommunityOkodi TownOtuebule 1Onuebum CommunityOtuorbhi CommunityOtuokpein TownOrrkiki CommunityOtuokenegu CommunityOlogierye CommunityOtuedu CommunityOlogi CommunityOtuogori CommunityOtuoegwe Community

 References 

Category:Cities in Nigeria