TheIbani people are a sub-tribe ofIjaw people who live in Bonny and Opobo areas ofRivers State, Nigeria.[citation needed]
Bonny town is the tribal seat of the Ibani, and is located on the bight ofBonny River. Bonny's development was significantly shaped by the tribe's close interaction with European traders from the 15th century to the 18th century. They also engaged in the trading of igbo slaves.[1]
TheKingdom of Bonny was a major trading center[2] from the 16thcentury onwards; initially trading inslaves, its people were later known for the exportation ofpalm oil and palm kernel.[3] The indigenes of the Bonny andOpobo kingdoms are collectively known as the Ibani people.[4]
The Ibani language, which is a dialect that has existed since before Nigeria was given it's name is widely spoken in Bonny Kingdom and the Opobo Kingdom, although its pervasiveness has been declining in more recent years due toWesternization.
Historically, Bonny engaged in several wars against its nearby rivals, such asElem Kalabari,Obolo people andAndoni.[5]
Some Ibani settlements include:Finima,Abalama, Oloma, and Kuruama.
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