The Story of Nana Olomu
Nigeria, with its immense ethnic diversity and over a hundred tribes, was one of the most complex territories for colonial powers to dominate in the 20th century. From the varying tongues to deep-rooted traditions, controlling such a region was no simple task. Welcome to Historical Fact, where we bring you history fast and factual.
In this edition of the colonial struggle, we spotlight Nana Olomu, a significant figure from the Itsekiri (often spelled Ishekiri) ethnic group, and his role during Britain’s colonization attempts in the Niger Delta.
Background: The Colonial Setup
In 1851, the British consul for the Bights of Benin and Biafra established the post of Governor of the Benin River to solidify control over trade routes. The position was first given to an Itsekiri chief named Idiare, and it was intended to alternate between two prominent Itsekiri royal houses: the Majas and the Olugbeshins.
Fast forward to 1884, Nana Olomu rose to prominence and became Governor of the Benin River. That same year, he signed a treaty with the British, granting them expanded access to Itsekiri lands mainly motivated by Britain’s deep interest in palm oil, a major commodity from the Niger Delta.
Trouble After the Berlin Conference
Initially, relations between Nana Olomu and the British were cooperative. But things began to change following the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, which spurred European powers to intensify their scramble for Africa. The British, looking to maximize profits, began bypassing the Itsekiri middlemen and attempted to trade directly with the Urhobo people, another ethnic group in the Delta.
Naturally, this shift in trade dynamics didn’t sit well with Nana Olomu, whose influence and economic power were being undermined.
Resistance and Fallout
By 1892–1893, tensions peaked. Nana Olomu, angered by British encroachment and the betrayal of former trade allies, attacked several Urhobo villages that had begun dealing directly with the British. In response, the British retaliated with military force, targeting the Itsekiri stronghold.
In 1894, other Itsekiri chiefs, under pressure, signed a new treaty with the British essentially undercutting Nana Olomu. Defeated and isolated, he surrendered in Lagos and was exiled to the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana).
Legacy
Though Nana Olomu was ultimately subdued, his resistance remains a powerful symbol of indigenous opposition to colonial domination in Nigeria. His story reflects the broader complexities of British colonial expansion, where diplomacy, economics, and military might were interwoven with local politics and ethnic rivalries.
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