Nembe people of Bayelsa are Igbos

Nembe people of Bayelsa are Igbos

The Nembe people are descended from mostly Arochukwu. This is not wishful thinking it is very likely the truth. Let us look at some facts hitherto unknown to people.

1) Virtually everything of great traditional importance done in Nembe is done only after inquisition from Arochukwu!

2) The Nembe revere the python! Traditionally the python is most revered of all the cultural symbols. And this was on instructions from Arochukwu after the other symbols of worship failed them. Remember that in one British voyagers account of Bonny he narrated how the Brass people celebrated the “long juju” of Arochukwu.

3) The Nembe people use a traditional 4 days of the week.

4) Just like the Kalabari many Brass/Nembe refuse to accept they are Ijaws, both young and old. This has brought consternation between them and the Ijaw(Izon) expansionist.

5) Due to their Igbo heritage (likely Arochukwu) the leopard hat (okpu agu) is a permanent feature in Nembe!

6) Egbesu worship which is the heart and core of Izon culture has been observed to be absent amongst the Nembe. The Nembe have distinct beliefs.

7) Many of them are fluent Igbo speakers.