IYC Rejects Igbo Territorial Claims, Historical Revisionism Over Bonny, Opobo and Ijaw Communities
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has rejected what it described as attempts by political organisations to alter the history of Bonny, Opobo, Egbema and other Ijaw communities through selective interpretations of language, migration patterns and colonial records.
The council made its position clear while responding to what it described as recent narratives seeking to redefine the historical identity and ancestral territories of indigenous Ijaw communities.
The IYC stressed that its position should not be interpreted as an attack on the Igbo people, noting that Igbo citizens have the right to live, work, conduct business and prosper in any part of Nigeria.
However, the council maintained that such rights should not be extended to claims or reinterpretations of the ancestral territories and identities of indigenous Ijaw communities.
IYC: Bonny and Opobo Have Distinct Histories
According to the statement, Bonny has a long-established Ibani political and traditional structure, while Opobo developed from historical political and commercial developments associated with the Bonny Kingdom.
The council acknowledged the historical significance of King Jaja but argued that his place of birth should not be interpreted as evidence of territorial ownership of Bonny or Opobo.
The IYC emphasised that historical and cultural relationships should not automatically be treated as evidence of territorial sovereignty.
“Language is not a land certificate.
Migration is not territorial ownership.
Trade is not sovereignty.
Cultural interaction does not erase indigenous identity.”
The council said these distinctions were important in discussions concerning the history, identity and territorial claims involving communities across the Niger Delta.
Colonial Records Should Be Used in Proper Context
The IYC also raised concerns over what it described as the selective interpretation of colonial-era documents.
It specifically referenced the Willink Commission and other colonial records, arguing that such materials should be examined within their broader historical context rather than selectively interpreted to establish ethnic boundaries or territorial claims that indigenous communities do not recognise.
The council maintained that historical records should contribute to a balanced understanding of the region rather than become instruments for advancing contemporary territorial narratives.
IYC Calls for Respect for Ijaw Communities
The statement further highlighted the presence of numerous historic Ijaw communities across Bayelsa State and other parts of the Niger Delta.
According to the council, these communities have their own traditions, languages, kingdoms and traditional institutions, which it said must be respected.
The IYC said it would oppose attempts to redefine the identity or territorial history of such communities through political propaganda, social media campaigns or selective historical accounts.
The council’s position, it stated, is that individual communities should have the opportunity to define and speak for themselves on matters concerning their history and identity.
‘Our History Is Not Yours to Rewrite’
The IYC said it respects the Igbo people, their history and their legitimate aspirations, but expects similar recognition and respect for the history, identity and traditional institutions of the Ijaw people.
The council consequently called on political organisations to refrain from what it described as efforts to appropriate or redefine Ijaw territories.
It also demanded that anyone making territorial claims provide complete and credible historical evidence rather than relying solely on language, migration, trade relationships or selected colonial records.
The council further called for greater respect for the identities, histories and traditional institutions of indigenous communities across the Niger Delta.
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In its concluding message, the IYC said it would continue to defend Ijaw history, identity, traditional institutions and constitutional rights through lawful advocacy, historical evidence and democratic engagement.
“OUR HISTORY IS NOT YOURS TO REWRITE.
OUR IDENTITY IS NOT YOURS TO ASSIGN.
OUR TERRITORIES ARE NOT YOURS TO ANNEX.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.”
The statement was signed by Comr. Victor Ibaningo, Spokesman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.
