In the Niger Delta lies a traditional state called the Nembe Kingdom. It encompasses the Nigerian Bayelsa State Local Government Areas of Nembe and Brass. When British colonists first set foot in what is now known as Nigeria, their journey was not without hardship. They encountered powerful countries led by monarchs and potentates who resisted the “white man’s” insolent attempt to impose rules on them and their people. Nembe was one such kingdom. This Izon-speaking monarchy, which was located in the River Niger delta, served as a go-between for the Royal Niger Company and the palm oil farmers in the hinterland.
Tensions erupted between the RNC and the leaders of the coastal states over its desire for a monopoly on commerce. One such disagreement resulted in Amayanabo (King) Frederick William Koko, Ming VIll of Nembe, raiding Akassa, an RNC trading post, in 1895. Numerous British citizens lost their lives in the raid. The Royal Navy’s warships attacked and set fire to Nembe and many nearby villages as the British reacted.
The Royal Niger Company’s charter was revoked in 1899 due in part to this struggle, and on January 1st, 1900, the British government acquired the company’s territories.
Amayanabo Francis O. Joseph Allagoa Mingi X, 1954–1979, is pictured here. Before advancing to the position of registrar of the Nigerian Supreme Court, he worked as an instructor for the well-known Irish Bishop Shanahan. 1946 saw him withdraw the court, and in 1954—following a brief period serving as a magistrate—he was crowned Amavanabo.
