Ika people in Anioma as colonial officer J. Macrae Simpson documented in the 1930s are rooted deeply in heritage of Igbo, evident through their social structures, dialect, and cultural practices.
The political institutions of ndi ika evolved uniquely despite being one of the earliest Igbo autonomous aboringines influenced by interacting historically with cultures around their surroundings.
At the heart the society of ndi ika is the Umunna, this is the fundamental of Igbo family unit that defines community leadership, spirituality and kingship.
Ndi Ika throughout history acclamatized to various political challenges but brutal in maintaining their Igbo dialect despite influx of the political changes.
They incorporated certain governance practices and titles that mirrors their nearby neighbors. Traditional Igbo councils and elders, through this resilient adaptation were able to maintain their authorities with other roles influenced by neighbors.
These elements rather than indicating foreign origins shows ndi Ika’s strength in preserving their Igbo identity as they still speak their original Ika dialect whilst adapting to a cumbersome historical landscape.
Ohadike, D. C. (1994). Anioma: A social history of the western Igbo people
