The Ibani people are of Ijaw ethnic group who live along with the Ijaw speaking people in the Bonny and Opobo areas of Rivers State, Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast. Bonny town is the tribal seat of the Ibani which is located on the bight of Bonny River. Ibani language is spoken predominantly by residents of Bonny and Opobo.
Bonny's development was also shaped by the tribe's close interaction with European traders.[1]
History
The Kingdom of Bonny was a major trading center[2] from the 16th century onwards; initially trading in slaves, its people were later known for the exportation of palm oil and palm kernel.[3] The indigenes of the Bonny and Opobo kingdoms are collectively known as the Ibani people.[4]
Language
The Ibani language is widely spoken. Historically, Bonny engaged in several wars against its nearby rivals, such as Elem Kalabari, Obolo people or Andoni.[5]
