Ekumeku War Case Study

Ekumeku War At A Glance

1. In 1884 - Treaty of Friendship between Queen Victoria of Britain represented by the British Consul Edward H. Hewit and Asaba Chiefs. The British monopoly of trade in the entire Asaba and Aboh Divisions
2. In January 1886 - Asaba became the headquarters - the Capital of the present Northern and Southern Nigeria
3. 1886 - 1887 - Rift between Britain and Asaba chiefs on the implementation of the 1884 Friendship Treaty.
4. Having sensed the conflict, courageous Ibusa young militia “planned” and inaugurated Ekwunokwu (Ekumeku) Movement. The movement took off in most current Anioma towns. Ibusa became the coordinating headquarters of the movement in 1887.
5. In 1888 the British bombardment of Asaba and Ibusa presumably

Change of Administration and Military. In 1900, the British Government revoked the Charter of the Royal Niger Company. The R.N.C soldiers were immediately replaced by Southern Nigerian Regiment (SNR) who were better trained and equipped. They continued the war
11. Role of Early Missionaries: Introduction of Christian education and converted pagans to Christianity. Method of conversion which included the burning and destruction of rituals were opposed by the community who felt that the Missionaries had similar objectives as the colonial officers. Stiff opposition and lack of trust resulted to burning of several Churches killing of early Christians in such communities as Ezi, Illah, Abor, Onicha Olona and at Ogwashi-Ukwu
12. The only community that was spared from the attack was Issele-uku. The community was not touched and no traditional leader was detained and tried due principally to the support of a Catholic Priest - Bishop Carlos Zappa (known as Father Ozo-Kpokpo) due to his stamina in trekking from his base at Asaba to various communities. He was respected highly by the colonial officers. The other factor that saved Issele-uku was the diplomatic postures of Issele-uku traditional leaders particularly the dedicated leadership of Obi