Interrogating Okrika-Ikwerre Intergroup Relations in the 19th and 20th century

The study explored Okrika and Ikwerre relations in the 19th and 20th century. The study made use of historical research design in both data collection and analysis. Thus, in sourcing for data the study made use of both primary and secondary sources such as oral traditions, oral history, archival materials, academic journals, text books and among others. The study revealed that before 1900, the various city states of Niger Delta of Nigeria, regardless of their hash environment, had contacts among themselves and other kingdoms inside and outside of the Niger Delta. They were linked together during the pre-colonial period and this linkage were influenced by trade, political and cultural relations. One social-political relation that determined the fate of Okrika-Ikwerre relations was the establishment of Port Harcourt within the second decade of the 20th century. The establishment of Port Harcourt and the ownership claim was one main event that distorted the existing relations between Okrika and her Ikwerre (Rebisi) neighbour. It is crucial to note that Okrika and Ikwerre, Diobu (Rebisi) share very close social relations. The two groups, Ogoloma people of Okrika and their Diobu (Rebisi) Ikwere neighbours had very close economic and social relations as they traded together in markets like Ahia makara, Ahia Kalabo and Nwaja (Waja) located at present day Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt. The trade between Ogoloma (Okrika) and Ikwerre (Rebisi) after several years, brought about social relations and acculturation through intermarriages between Ogoloma-Okrika and Rebisi Ikwerre.