NEMBE AND OPORAMA RELATIONS IN THE COLONIAL ERA, 1900-1960

The study examined the Nembe and Oporoma relations in the colonial era. specifically, the study, explore the socio-economic history of Nembe people of Bayelsa state, to explore the socio-economic history of Oporoma people of Bayelsa state, and to ascertain the effect of socio-economic relations between Nembe and Oporoma in the Colonial Era. The Nembe and Oporoma relations since the colonial era to present day has enjoyed peace, cooperation and mutual understanding and the changing nature is as a result of external trade, colonialism and political relations and administrative units created by the colonial government. Both groups have benefited from each other through trade, marriages, education, religion, health care and politics. Nevertheless, both groups have also had moments of confrontations, conflicts and disputes over land and scarce resources. Our work is not on Nembe-Oporoma dispute but all the economic, social and political benefits enjoyed by both Ijaw ethnic groups in Bayelsa state. It is however expedient to categorically state that Oporoma did not majorly because of their historical settlements that was geographically far from the Nembe location which was more closer to the Colonial masters camps. In the Niger Delta, the various groups had economic, political and socio-cultural relations that have impacted positively and negatively on the region. Our work is not on Nembe-Oporoma dispute but all the economic, social and political benefits enjoyed by both Ijaw ethnic groups in Bayelsa state. It is however expedient to categorically state that Oporoma did not majorly because of their historical settlements that was geographically far from the Nembe location which was more closer to the Colonial masters camps.