An Ndoki (Ndọ̀ki) community on the banks of a river, possibly the Imo, circa 1908.
The Ndọ̀ki subgroup is at the South Easternmost part of Igbo land, straddling between Ukwa area of Abia State, Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State, and pockets of them in the Western limits of AkwaIbom State.
Some people in Ijoid groups like Okrika and Ibani are of Ndoki descent. The Igbo dialect spoken in Bonny and Opobo areas of Rivers State is that of the Ndọ̀ki.
The Imo river flows through Ndoki land on its way to Opobo.
Ohambele Ndoki was a notable slave depot in the past. Azumini was another market town, notable for oil palm trade at the dawn of legitimate trade.
The oil palm wealth of Ndọ̀ki, along with that of the Ngwá, Ibibio and Annang hinterlands ‘had contributed to the wealth of the Opobo citystate, who along with other riverine citystates were the middlemen in the trade between the Europeans and the people of the hinterlands.
More on Ndoki
Some scholars argue that Jaja’s resistance of the British was not out of the desire to stop imperialism but due to his desire to make more profit in the trade by controlling the oil palm markets in the hinterlands, as letting the British trade directly with the hinterland markets would bring decline to the citystate’s economy..
A legend is told about one “ODUM EGEGE” who had stood up against the domination and oppresion of Ndoki by the King and people of Opubo-ama, who lived miles, downstream the Imo river.
The King ordered Abiriba and Aro smiths to sculpt and mummify “Odum Egege” alive ! according to the legend…
Ndoki, an Igbo subgroup is bordered by the Ngwa and Asa Igbo subgroups to the North and West respectively, the Annang to the East, and the Ogoni to the South.
Together with the Asa, they are known as “Ụ̀kwà”
They have historic and trade ties with the Bonny (Ubani) and Opobo peoples. Okoloma is a clan name in both Ndoki and Bonny. The name “Ubani” is common among the Ndọ̀ki as well.
Akwete, an Ndoki clan is an Igbo heritage site for traditional cloth weaving. The prized fabric produced by the women of the clan also goes by the name of the clan “Akwete”, a source of ethnic pride to the Igbo.
However, the cloth weaving industry began declining gradually, with the introduction of foreign fabrics.
Nwọtam is an Igbo masquerade with its origin in Ndoki land.
Akwete, Azumini, Akirika-obu, Afam and Ohambele are notable Ndoki clans.
NDOKI MMA-MMA NU !
