ANDONI (OBOLO) IBE

ANDONI (OBOLO) IBE: The Andoni (Obolo) are in present day Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States. By the evidence of traditional history, the Andoni are descended from Ayama the son of Tara who was left with Kala-Okun at Igbedi creek. The migrating ancestors are mentioned as Asara or Asa founder of Asarama, Ifop, Edeh or Edabiri, Alama  and Abah  to name a few. They left the Igbedi creek area at an early stage taking with them the title "Indo Oru" which they remembered and gave to their priest rulers. The title "Indo Oru" was later corrupted to "Ando Oru", while during their sojourn NI was added to give the term "Andoni Oru". Leaving the central delta the early ancestors made their way through creeks and swamps felling trees to cross the waterways. They first encamped for sometime in the southeastern region before moving into the delta. Their first settlement was called Ayama after their ancestor. The site of Ayama was the site of Peterside in Ibani or Bonny town. They stayed here for centuries manufacturing salt for the interior markets before moving. It was from Ayama that Asarama (i.e. Asara's town) was founded. A second group moved on to the southern Cameroons and Calabar region. It was here that they inter-married with Bantu speaking people. Approximately around the 12th century AD these Andoni made a return journey into the Niger Delta and settled at Egwede, where they sited their national emblem called Oyobolo (Obolo). Further migration patterns were caused by the repeating conflicts with the Ibani (Beni or Bonny to Europeans), as a result of the slave raiding confusion of those times. From the site of Peterside they moved eastwards to the Rio Real, then to Asarama-Toru, then further east to Okoma the site, which is opposite the present town.

Again we state that the old settlement was the site of Peterside in Bonny which was called Ayama (or old Asarama). Asarama being the oldest of the Andoni towns. And other Andoni towns including Ayangala, while Alabie was the other name for Egwede. In the 1940's the chief title of the Andoni native court judge was still Andoni Oru, acknowledging the ancestral connection to Indo-Oru the original title of father Ujo the ancestor of Ijo people. The Andoni no longer speak the original Ijo language. The foundation of Andoni is between 10th and 12th century AD.