Jaja-Ibeno War of 1881: The Ibeno Account and the Refugee Settlements

Abstract

This essay deliberates on the Ibeno account and refugee settlements of the
Jaja-Ibeno War of 1881 which was untouched by the previous researchers.
Its contributions include the causes and course of the war, the mercenaries
hired by King Jaja of Opobo, the casualties and entreaties such as the deaths
of the Ibeno monarch: King Uko Utong and his son Prince Nso, Jaja’s
rehabilitation of the Ibeno to prevent another war and the refugee camps.
The need to give this history a balanced view made the paper to analyze the
Ibeno relationship with Opobo and Jaja’s establishment of his kingdom in
Obolo (Andoni) country which led to his intrusion in the Kwa Ibo palm
produce trade.

Keywords: Conflict, European trade, Opobo, Ibeno, impact, Refugee
Settlements