NANA OF ITSEKIRI AND THE BRITISH COLONIALIST.

The olu of Warri Akengbuwa 1 passed away in 1848, and his two sons shortly followed in death. Following the deaths of Olu and his sons, Warri experienced a prolonged interregnum, as no Olu was chosen until 1936.
During the 88 years when Warri lacked Olu, the “Governor of the River” was the only Itsekiri figurehead among the traders on the Benin River. A person like that was even respected by the Europeans for their authority. Governor Olomu held the position from 1870 until his passing in 1883. His son Nana succeeded him.

Nana’s influence were derived from his role as a liaison between European traders and palm oil producers in Urhobo’s hinterlands. Similar to Jaja, Nana was opposed to Europeans trading directly with his hinterland markets instead of going around him.In 1893, the Consul-General halted its 200 pounds annual stipend due to allegations that Nana was hindering European access to the hinterland and inciting the Urhobo against the British.

In June 1894, Acting Consul-General Ralph Moore invited Nana to the consulate offices due to complaints from European businesses that Nana was obstructing trade. He was aware of Jaja’s fate, and so he turned down the invitation. Nana reinforced his own capital, expecting a British onslaught (Ebrohimi). He constructed a sturdy wall across the brook that led to the capital.

Soon after, the British dispatched HMS Alecto, a gunboat, to destroy the barrier; however, Nana troops were firing at it during this time. HMS Alecto needed to be rescued by another gunboat. Subsequently, Moor orchestrated a massive assault against Ebrohimi. Three warships were arranged for the September 1895 raid. After the capture of his city, Nana fled to Lagos, where he was tried for waging war against the British. When found guilty, he was banished to Accra for a period of twelve years, and then to Calabar. After being freed in 1906, he went back to his hometown on July 3, 1916.

The last barrier to the British empire’s growth not only in the Niger Delta but also in the hinterland beyond it was eliminated with the banishment of Jaja and, subsequently, Nana. Stated differently, the removal of Jaja and Nana created space for British actions.