Onicha Olona is an Enuani settlement of the western Igbo people, located west of the Niger River in present-day Delta State, Nigeria. The Enuani, like other western Igbo groups, trace their ancestry to migrations from the eastern Igbo centuries ago. Their historical interactions with the Edo and Igala kingdoms shaped their political and cultural structures, with significant influence from the Benin Empire, particularly during the reign of Oba Ewuare in the 15th century.
By the early 20th century, when British colonial anthropologist Northcote Thomas photographed a young woman from Onicha Olona (c. 1912-1913), the Enuani people were deeply engaged in the Ekumeku Movement—a 30-year resistance against British colonial expansion. This movement, which began in the 1880s and lasted until the 1910s, was a defining moment in the history of the western Igbo people.
Enuani Settlement and Benin Influence
The Enuani people, including those in Onicha Olona, were influenced by the Benin Kingdom through trade, political interactions, and military conquest. The expansionist policies of Oba Ewuare in the 15th century led to increased Benin dominance in many western Igbo communities. This influence was evident in aspects of governance, military organization, and cultural exchanges (Igbafe, 1971). However, despite these influences, the Enuani people maintained their distinct Igbo identity and governance structures.
The Ekumeku Resistance (1883–1914)
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, British colonial forces attempted to impose their rule over Igbo communities west of the Niger. This led to the emergence of the Ekumeku Movement, a secretive and highly coordinated resistance effort. The Ekumeku fighters employed guerrilla tactics, ambushing British troops and disrupting colonial administration (Isichei, 1976).
The British responded with severe punitive expeditions, burning villages, executing suspected resistance leaders, and imprisoning fighters. Despite these brutal measures, the movement persisted for nearly three decades, making it one of the longest anti-colonial struggles in Nigeria’s history (Igbafe, 1971). The Enuani people, particularly those from settlements like Onicha Olona, played a crucial role in this resistance.
Northcote Thomas and Colonial Documentation
Northcote Thomas, a British anthropologist, conducted ethnographic research in the western Igbo region around 1912-1913. His work, which included photographs and written accounts, documented the cultural practices, governance structures, and daily lives of the people. The image of the young woman from Onicha Olona provides a rare glimpse into the life of Enuani women during a time of intense colonial resistance (Thomas, 1913).
Legacy of the Ekumeku Movement
The Ekumeku Movement, though ultimately suppressed, had a lasting impact on the political consciousness of the Igbo people west of the niger. It laid the foundation for future nationalist movements that contributed to Nigeria’s eventual independence in 1960. The resistance demonstrated the determination of indigenous communities to fight against foreign domination and maintain their sovereignty (Isichei, 1976).
Today, Onicha Olona and other Enuani communities continue to preserve their rich history and cultural heritage. The memory of the Ekumeku fighters remains a symbol of courage and resistance against oppression.
The history of Onicha Olona is deeply intertwined with the broader struggles of the Enuani and western Igbo people against colonial rule. The Ekumeku Movement stands as a testament to their resilience and determination to defend their land and traditions. Through historical documentation, including the work of Northcote Thomas, we gain valuable insights into this critical period in Igbo history.
References
Igbafe, P. A. (1971). Western Ibo Society and Its Resistance to British Rule. The Journal of African History, 12(2), 219–234.
Isichei, E. (1976). A History of the Igbo People. Macmillan Press.
Thomas, N. (1913). Anthropological Report on the Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria. Harrison and Sons.
