The Ikwerre people, an ethnic group primarily located in Rivers State, Nigeria, have been the subject of considerable debate regarding their identity and linguistic heritage. While they speak a dialect often termed ‘Igbo vernacular’, the question of whether they are truly Igbo or distinct from the Igbo ethnic group has sparked significant discussion among scholars, politicians, and community leaders.
Historical Background
The Ikwerre people, known natively as Iwhuruọnha, inhabit several local government areas including Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, and Emohua. Their traditional history categorizes them into seven groups: Elele, Isiokpo, Rumuji, Emohua, Choba, Aluu, and Igwuruta[1]. The origins of the Ikwerre are traced back to a grand ancestor named Akalaka, who is also linked to other ethnic groups such as the Ekpeye and Ogba.
Cultural Identity
Barrister Uche Okwukwu, a prominent lawyer and former General Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo, argues that the Ikwerre people are culturally and historically aligned with the Igbo. He asserts that claims of Ikwerre being ethnically distinct from the Igbo are politically motivated and largely stem from the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War. Okwukwu emphasizes that many Ikwerre individuals who deny their Igbo heritage do so for political reasons rather than historical accuracy.
Key Arguments Supporting Ikwerre’s Igbo Identity
- Cultural Practices: Okwukwu points out that the Ikwerre share similar cultural practices with the Igbo, including religious beliefs and societal structures. For instance, their kingship system is based on gerontocracy rather than hereditary succession, which aligns with traditional Igbo governance.
- Linguistic Evidence: The Ikwerre language exhibits significant similarities to Igbo dialects. While some may refer to it as ‘Igbo vernacular’, it is essential to recognize that many vernaculars in Nigeria share linguistic roots due to historical interactions among ethnic groups.
- Historical Documentation: Historical records from colonial times indicate that Ikwerre leaders identified their land as part of Igboland. Notably, during the Henry Willink Commission in 1957, Ikwerre representatives explicitly stated that “from Port Harcourt to Onitsha is Igbo land”.
- Prominent Figures: Many notable figures from Ikwerre have publicly identified as Igbo. This includes politicians and intellectuals who have contributed significantly to both Ikwerre and broader Igbo communities.
The Debate on Bini Ancestry
Contrasting views exist regarding the ancestry of the Ikwerre people. Some scholars propose a connection between the Ikwerre and the Bini people based on oral traditions suggesting migration from Benin. However, Okwukwu firmly rejects this notion, arguing that there is no substantial historical evidence linking Ikwerre to Bini ancestry. He states that cultural practices, deities worshipped, and even names within the Ikwerre community align more closely with those of the Igbo than with Bini traditions.
Counterarguments
- Migration Narratives: Some narratives within academic circles suggest that certain clans within Ikwerre may have origins linked to Benin due to historical migrations. This perspective is supported by various oral traditions but lacks comprehensive documentation.
- Cultural Distinctions: Proponents of a distinct Ikwerre identity argue that differences in language nuances and certain cultural practices justify their classification as separate from the Igbo.
Conclusion
The identity of the Ikwerre people remains a complex issue intertwined with historical narratives, cultural practices, and political contexts. While many assert their affiliation with the Igbo due to shared cultural traits and linguistic similarities, others advocate for a recognition of their unique identity shaped by historical migrations and local customs.
As discussions continue among community leaders and scholars alike, it is evident that understanding the identity of the Ikwerre requires a nuanced approach that considers both historical contexts and contemporary realities. The ongoing debates reflect broader themes of ethnic identity in Nigeria and highlight how history can shape modern political landscapes.