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ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF REBISI KINGDOM IN RIVERS STATE

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 African Journal of Social Policy and D e v e l o p m e n t , Volume 5, Number 3, 2017
ISSN: 2141-0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY OF REBISI KINGDOM IN RIVERS STATE

Amadi, Richard Nlemanya

Department of Mass communication, Rivers State University of Science and
Technology, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Email: rlchnleamadione@yahoo.com.

ABSTRACT
One major factor that befell many communities the-world-over is urbanization. The phenomenon
to a large context constitutes an omen in the postulates of the people's heritage in the attempt to
instigate development. Hence, the study was carried out to ascertain how urbanization of Port
Harcourt has affected the Rebisi Kingdom (Owners of Port Harcourt). Both qualitative and
qualitative research methods were adopted with the sample size of 297 purposefully selected.
Findings shows that following the heavy presence of multi-national organizations that attracted
visitors from the nooks and cranes of the world, Rebisi people have almost lost their tradition and
culture as the practice negates government perceived illegal actions. The study recommends
deforestation of rural areas for development to relieve Port Harcourt of congestion.
Key Word: Rebisi, tradition> ethnography, culture, kingdom, urbanization,
development.

INTRODUCTION
There seems to be a divide on the veracity of urbanization of rural communities in Nigeria. While
many thinks that urbanization exist merely as a freak cosmic accident that is geared towards
improving the standard of the people in certain geographical enclave; others believes that it is a
punishment manifested to envelop the people and deprive them from effectively practicing their
cultural.

This pessimistic thinking is probably anchored on the premise of the government institutions and
establishments scattered all the nooks and crannies of the city following the enforcement of the
1978 Land Use Decree which empowers the government of Nigeria to be in control of Lands in the
country and ensures that certain practices perceived to be inimical to development are stopped.

Urbanization has so many positive impacts in the hinterland such as greater income and job
opportunities, better access to education, health care and other services, but it tramples on the
people's peculiar way of living vis-^-vis cultural heritage, loss of agricultural land, land speculation,
ecological balance, livelihood, life style and pollution (Brockherhoff 2000).

Similarly, the practice of certain cultures that are deemed inimical to the people seems Idiotic and
may not be compatible with government enactments and public polices. This is sequel to the
establishment of the Nigerian police, Army, Navy and Airforce barracks that checkmates activities
of persons and institutions within their territories. For instance, It is the culture of some tribes to
burry human heads alongside the paramount rulers when they die, killing of twins etc. This
phenomenon cannot take place In the urban centers. The law enforcement agents will arrest,
prosecute and Invariably jail the culprits. The above, therefore, are regarded inimical to
development and in the circumstances makes its Impossible for the people to transmit some of
their cultural heritage from one generation to the other.

Background of the Study

Prior to the coming of the European exploits Into the coast of Nigeria Indeed Rebisi people in the
Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State are noted for their brilliance In the peculiar
way they do things In consonance with their tradition.

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 Ethnographic Study of Reblsl Kingdom in Rivers State

™ o n 3 d c t t o m s o f t h e R e b l s i kln
H f 9 d o m seems to have been jettisoned as a result of the
Inability to continually practice some of their culture as a result of urbanization of the Rivers State

' S l p r , ° C e s s l n w h i c h a n i n c r e a s i n 9 proportion of an entire population lives in the

cities and Its surburbs. "me inhabitants Introduces different cultures and traditions within the citv
and enculturate the indigence especially when the majority of the people are foreigners.

Therefore, this study seeks to ascertain how Rebisi people in Port Harcourt effectively and
efficiently practice their culture and tradition in view of the cosmopolitan nature of the State
Capital.

Objective of the Study

Culture Is the way of life of a particular society or group of people, including patterns of thoughts,
beliefs, behaviour, customs, traditions, rituals, dressing and language, as well as arts, music and
literature (Websters New World Encyclopedia 1992).
People in every culture are raised with a set of values, beliefs and values. Some are held deeply
and in many cases have never being questioned. Others may be negotiable or debatable and
efficiently carry out these practices without contravening the laws of the government.

Therefore, this work is set to probe among others, the culture of the Rebisi people in Port
Harcourt the Rivers State capital and ascertain if these traditions are still held sacred.

To find out the extent to which these traditions and customs are practiced.

To identify inherent factors which hitherto inhibit efficient and effective practice of the customs
and traditions of Rebisi in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Culture of Rebisi Kingdom

The Rebisi people in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State worship ancestors
(Ndichie) traditional gods (Ojukwu Diobu, Amadioha etc) and recently many have become
Christians and muslims and other related beliefs as a result of urbanization. The people worship
indoors (Ebiri Rukani), sacred groves, natural forms such as the Owhor trees (Datarium
microcarpum) hills etc in village shrines (Ruhu-Eli) aquatic spirit bodies (Owumini) Juju shrines
(Okaramini). Reptiles, animals and fouls surrounding theses shrines are neither slaughtered or
eaten by the people of Rebisi.

They are regarded as the gods of the people that protects them during farming, war time and
productivity. The snakes, fouls, goats are highly regarded and befitting burials usually made, when
mistakenly killed by indigenes or non-indigences.

The sacred places reserved for religious ceremonies and burials are located in sacred groves
(Huhu-Eli) or a "Bad bush" a s a cemetery for victims of an abominable death,, generally believed
to be a taboo to Eli t h e earth deity and at a waterfronts for aquatic spirit (Owumini).
[
Statement of Research Problem
Rebisi is an indigenous Ikwerre speaking community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of
Rivers State of Nigeria. Rebisi is made up of seven distrinct communities. They includes Oro-
Olozu, Oroworukwo, Oro-Abali, Orogbum, Oromaruzimgbu Oro-Ada and Orochiri respectively.
They are predominantly farmers, fishermen and craftmen and traders for their living.

Rebisi people are Christians and traditionalists- a situation where priority is accorded to family
deity (chi) and believes worshipping s o m e animals and snakes.

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 African Journal of Social Policy and D e v e l o p m e n t , V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 3, 2017
ISSN: 2141-0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

Since urbanization has enveloped Rebisi as a result of their geographical Location in Port Harcourt,
Rivers state capital this study therefore, seeks to probe if these cultures and traditions/religions
are still enforced or practiced and to ascertain what must have led to the perceived circumstances.

Significance of the Study

The relevancy of this study is to bring to bear the culture and traditions prevalent in Rebisi before
the advent of the European exploits in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
• Proper analysis of postulates that view culture as a way of instilling togetherness in a
community.
• To assess how urbanization has affected the cultural heritage of the Rebisi people, in Port
Harcourt.
• This study will add to the body of knowledge in the field of mass communication and
anthropology for the future researchers.

Brief History of Rebisi Kindom

The history of Rebisi kingdom in the Port-Harcourt Local Government of Rivers State is not far
from that of the Ikwerre nationality. Rebisi is an indigenous Ikwerre speaking tribe and owner of
Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State. Founded about 800 thousand years ago by
the last son of Apara, now in Obio/Akpor Local Government area of Rivers State when he escaped
death plot by his relatives as a result of alleged envy.

Rebisi had seven children namely Olozie, Worokwo, Abali Ogbum, Ezimgbu, Ada named after his
only daughter and Ochiri.

As a result of his brevity in conquering several wars, he expounded and allocated lands to all his
children to reflect Oro (house) as an adjective to qualify what is today known as Oro-Abali, Oro-
Ogbum, Oro-meruzimgbu, Oro-Ada, Oro-worukwo, Oro-Olozu and Oro-ochiri respectively. These
houses now communities (Oro) today were strategically located in Port Harcourt to wage war
against encroachment on Rebisi territory.

Rebisi is bounded by several other communities and tribes in Rivers State. For instance the
northern part has the Okirikans, the eastern part house the Kalabaris while the western and
southern parts of Rebisi houses the obio/Akpor clan, an Ikwerre speaking people.

Development first came into Rebisi In Port Harcourt about 18th centuries when the European
merchant discovered Port Harcourt, Rebisi Is blessed with numerous natural resources as the
present Rivers State Government House, Oil Companies, Institutions and Organization situates in
Rebisi. Rebisi people are predominantly farmers, fisherman and craftsman and women. Infact
their children are scattered all over the globe. The presence of multi national corporations/
organizations in the area today affect the identity of the people. Apart, the headquarters of the
Nigerian police, the Nigerian Navy even the Rivers State University are also situated in Rebisi, Port
Harcourt.

Leadership Pattern in Rebisi Kingdom

The Rebisi people in Port Harcourt practice democracy under the rule of a King (Eze) and
gerontocracy, (that is Nyenwe-Eli) under the usplces of various traditional institutions; age groups,
(Eberi), first married wives (Ogbotu) first born sons (Epara), firstborn daughters (Ada) and the
traditional priesthood (Nyegl-Owhor).

KwerreS institutions evolve in a continuous state of flux, but reflect fixedly In

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 Ethnographic Study of Rebisi Kingdom In Rivers State

Reb settlement
'^' PaV Particular attention to the village and compound lavout
U nUC e a r f a m i l y (ezi n
mnd * k ? ' o r o ) i s 0 1 6 b a s l c universal form of the family unit It
Chi dren Wh Ch
procreation ^ ^ ' ' ' 'S t h e Crit,Cal m i n l m u m famll
V unit needed for

S c T o S ™ e t i n 9 ? a C ! S i n R e b i s i a r e c a l l e d 0 b i r i ' 0 b o k o r o a n d Ruhuesesi which belongs to

Is usua ? used fnr P f°h U ^- a ? ? H a W h ' C h b e l ° n g t 0 t h e e n t i r e V i l l a g e o r c o m m u n i t y . This Obiri
usually used for the discussion of important community matter and gossips.

Pix below showcases typical obiri and gossip centres in Rebisi.

Typology of traditional Institution In Rebisi

EZE-EPARA REBISI

Nye-je-olvhor Rebisi

Counciiof Chiefs

ROLE OF THE RUMU-REYA (UMUADA) IN REBISI

Rumu-R'eya (Umuada) in Rebisi are daughters of various communities that made up Rebisi which
includes the old or young, single married, separated or divorced, It is the inalienable right of the
daughter of Rebisi community, without exception.

The association of Rumu-R'eya are a powerful sociopolitical setup in Rebisi culture, a functional
forum for females. This supports the ascertain of the Africans Horton, Black Nationalism in Africa
in 1867 when he contended that women hold a very superior rank in the social (scale; they are
not regarded as an inferior creators and doomed to perpetual degradation but occupy their
"rightful status in society.

Therefore, Rumu-R'eya Rebisi are seriously respected especially in conflict resolution and
enforcement of certain order, rituals. Whenever one of them is maltrated in her matrimonial
home, they (Rumu-Reya) go to war literally.
The Rumu-R'eya Rebisi also permeates religious, social and economic life on a number of levels;
through controlling market and grift capital through levying, fines on individuals for immoral
behavour, through providing a principal means to conceptualize social identity and especially
through exercising ritual power over society.

Concept of Urbanization
There has been increasing urbanization with some urban centres growing into mega cities. This
phenomenon seems to have enveloped most indigenous communities and integrate them into
urban system thereby depriving them of upholding the tenets of cultural value and practices and
in economic, political and even communication.

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 African Journal of Social Policy and Development, V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 3, 2017
ISSN: 2141-0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

Urbanization, however is the physical growth of urban areas as a result of change in either
physical, economic, social or development gesture.

This occurs naturally from individual corporate or government efforts to reduce time and
expense in communicating and transportation while improving opportunities for jobs, education,
housing, transportation. Living in the urban centres permits individuals and families to take
advantage of the opportunities of proximity, diversity and market place competition.

For example Eric Hobsbawn's book, the Age of Revolution: 1969-1848 (published in 1962 and
2005) 11, maintained that "urban development was a gigantic process of class segregation, which
punished the new labouring poor into great morasses of misery outside t h e centres of government
and business and the newly specialized residential areas of the bourgeoisies.

The almost universal European division into a 'good' west end and a 'poor 7 east and a large cities
developed in this period".

Eric Hobsbawn's prophetic statement seems to be what manifested in Rebisi kingdom, in the Port
Harcourt Local Government area of Rivers State as the urbanization of Port Harcourt has put them
into abject economic, social poverty.

It becomes difficult identifying the indigence of Rebisikingdom as a result of lack of natural village
halls, deities, shrines and cultural settings to mention but a few.

Individual corporate bodies and indeed the government and its agencies have usurped lands
meant for the Rebisi people to carry out their agricultural projects in view of various legal
enactments.

Also the process of urbanization has affected certain rural features and traditional life styles of
Rebisi people, hence disappearing though not completely.

Effect of Urbanization
Urbanization offers real economic opportunities to people who would otherwise be destined to
subsistence living without hope for economic improvement. These are overall growth in
commercial opportunities with urbanization resulting to profits and job maximization.

As the economy grows, all of society benefits from internal improvement whether through the
wealthier tax base or from competition between private organizations. Similarly the level of social
and cultural integration in the urban centers Increases.

However, urbanization has many adverse effects in the structure of society as a gigantic
concentrations of people compete for limited resources. Rapid housing construction leads to
overcrowding and slums, which experience major problems such as poverty, poor sanitation,
unemployment and higher crime rates.

Also, strains on important natural resources such as water supply leads to high prices and general
environmental sustainabllity problem.
According to the 2010 WIP: The Impact of Rapid urbanization on Health; Cesar Chelala, the world
will be thrown into serious catastrophe if various government, the world over, do not come up
with strategic plan to curb the trends.
It attributed over population, poor health, global unemployment rate, lack of Infrastructure and
environmental degradation among nation to effect of urbanization.

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 Ethnographic Study of Rebisi Kingdom in Rivers State

Culture Defined
Culture Is a term that has many different Inter-related meanings. The world culture Is most
commonly used In three basic way or senses; Excellence of fasts In fine arts and humanities, an
Integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, behaviour that depend upon the capacity for
symbolic thought and social learning and the sets of shared attitudes values, goals and practices
that characterizes an institution organization or group.

As described by Velkley (2002 pp 11-30).

The term "culture" which originally meant the culturation of the soul or mind,
acquires most of its later meaning of its later modem meanings in the writings
of the l(f .century German thinkers.... Two primary meaning emerge from
the period: culture as the fulk-spirit having a unique identity and culture as
cultivation of inwardness or freed individuality.

What amount to culture depends on individual perception. Culture could mean way of speaking
eating, dancing, farming, etc. therefore various communities do things commonly to achieve
certain goals.

How Urbanization Affects Culture

Many of the customs that make sense in a rural community and its environs no longer practiced in
the urban centres. As such makes it difficult for any culture to survive transplantation to the city
thereby causes adherents to have the writing reactions when new events come up.

The influx of people to the urban centres and importation of different cultures are major set back
to culture of certain communities such as the Rebisi people in view of certain phenomena.

One of those phenomena includes the system of worship in promoting certain ideals of social
justice.

Also, the fact that urbanization has proved difficulty, the serious agricultural practice in the city
following establishment of industries and institutions in all the nooks and crannies could seriously
head to poor economic proceeds.
[
According to Gogo and Patrick (2006)
This increasing urbanization process has accentuated systematic
disarticulation, socio-economic dislocation and disconnection of the
indigenous people from their traditional way of life".

The Rebisi people today from all indications find it difficult especially the youths in communicating
with their dialect as a result of mixed cultures. Understanding informal education which is the
bedrock every home is lacking.

Therefore, the government, corporate organization, the rural planners should ensure that the
culture of the people should be accorded priority in policy making venture.

Research Design
The peculiarities of this study have necessitated the survey method. Survey according to Wimmer
and Dominic (1987) help sharpen our inquiry. It is the most appropriate procedure capable of
eliciting responses required in finding solutions to a problem. The advantages are enormous. In
the words of Osuala (2001), "sample survey attempt to determine the incidence, distribution and
interrelations among sociological and psychological variables. Survey research focuses on people,
the vital part of people and their beliefs, opinion, attitudes, motivations and behaviours.

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 African Journal of Social P o l i c y and D e v e l o p m e n t , V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 3, 2017
ISSN: 2141-0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

Research Population
The population of this study ideally is the entire Rivers State Indigence. But with t h e insufficiency
of the needed resources, this study is limited to Rebisi in Port Harcourt Local Government Area.
"The choice of Rebisi is predicated on the fact that
• Rebisi clan is an indigenous community in Port Harcourt, t h e Rivers State Capital.
• Population of Rebisi is 1,148, 753 according to the 2010 G e o n a m e s Geographical data
Base.
• The presence of companies and parastatals, institutions as a result of industrialization and
cosmopolitan nature of Rebisi could influence the people from effective participation in
their culture as a result of the influx of people in their communities.

The seven indigenous settlement of the Rebisi people in Port Harcourt and their

S/NO COMMUMITY POPULATION

1 Oro-Olozu 164, 107 571

2 Oroworukwo 164, 107 572
3 Oro-Abali 164, 107 112
4 Orogbum 164, 107 570
5 Oromeruzimgbu 164, 107 010

6 Oro-Ada 164, 107 642

7 Oro-Ochiri 164, 107 500

Total 1148753

Sample and Sampling Procedure

This study employs the objective tools of cluster sampling. Cluster sampling is a technique that is
used when natural groups are evident. The advantages according to Kerry and Blend (1998 p.
316) is that it enhances originality, cheaper and is preferred over other methods. Apart, it
minimizes travel expenses and administrative cost.
The sample size will be arrived at using Taro Yamanis formula.
1
4 ,

N = N / 1 + N (e) 2

Where n = sample size

N = population of the study

e = df (0.05) (erro)

i = constant

7
 „ . H48733 ( Q 0025)
I 1 148753 '

1i48753
1+ 28718825

11487S
n^ 8
1 287 1 8825

n =1148758
=
8718825

n -= 0 . 0 2 9 6 6 9 2 4
n «= 2 9 7

t h e r e f o r e t±ie s a m p l e s i z e i s 2 9 7

Description of Data Gathering Instrument

The data gathering instrument for this study includes t h e use of questionnaire, face-to-face
interviews, observation and documentary sources. The reason for t h e adoption of multiple
methods is that it helps to eliminate flaws inherent in t h e use of o n e method especially in
ethnographic studies. According to Patton (1990. 188) studies which adopt only one method "are
more vulnerable to errors linked to that particular method... than studies t h a t use multiple
methods in which different types of data provide cross - data validity.
On the whole, a total of 297 copies of t h e questionnaire were randomly administered, personal
interview was conduced to legitimized t h e result of the study.

Data Analysis and Discussion

Simple percentage and frequency distribution tables were used to present data, discussion of t h e
data followed sylmothenously.

Distribution of Questionnaire according to Communities in Rebisi

Community No of Question Distributed Percentage of Distribution.

Oro- Olozu 45 15:15

Oroworukwo 45 15:15

Oro Abali 40 13:46

Orogbom 40 13:46

Oromeruzimgbu 40 13:46

Oro-Ochiri 40 13:46

Oro- Ada 47 15:86

Total 297 100%

From t h e foregoing, t h e table above shows that questionnaire were evenly distributed to the
seven communities t h a t m a d e up Rebisi in t h e Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers
State. The table shows t h a t Oro-Oluzu and Oroworukwu got total of 45 questionnaire or

8
 Ethnographic Study of Rebisi Kingdom in Rivers State

Orogbuma and Oro-Ochiri got 40 or 13:46 percent each while Oro-Ada got total of 45
questionnaire or 15. 56 percent respectively.

Questionnaire Retrieval Rate

Community No of Question Percentage of
Distributed Distribution

Oro- Olozu 43 15:93

Oroworukwo 42 15:55
Oro Abali 36 13.34
Orogbom 35 12.96
Oromeruzimgbu 40 14.81

Oro-Ochiri 30 11.12
Oro- Ada 44 16.29
Total 270 100%

Table (4.L2; above shows t h a t Oro-Olozu got 43 or 15.93 of t h e total r e s p o n s e s , 42 or 15. 55

percent were retrieved from Oroworukwo Community. 36 or 13.34 w e r e retrieved from Oro-Abali
35 or 12, 96 percent retrieved from Orogbum, Oro-Meruzimgbu, 40, or 14.80 p e r c e n t , Oro-Ochiri
30 or 11.12% while Oro-Ada 44 or 16.29 percent. It is imperative to s t a t e t h a t of t h e 297 of t h e
questionnaire distributed, only 270 were retrieved therefore, generating a 1 0 0 % return rate.

Age Distribution of the Respondents

Age bracket Frequency Percentage
25~35yrs 42 15.55

36.45 58 21.48
46.55 80 29.63
5 yrs and above 90 33.34

270 100

It is evident from t h e above table that all the respondents are adults. This is b e c a u s e table 4.1.3
shows t h a t t h e respondents a r e between the ages of 25-35 are 42 or 1 5 . 5 5 % , 36-45yrs a r e 80 or
29.63 while those between t h e a g e s of 56 and above are 90 or 33.34 percent.

The majority of t h e r e s p o n d e n t s indicated that respondents between 56 y e a r s a n d above have

experience especially on m a t t e r s relating to Rebisi tradition and related issues.

Respondents Data on Gender

Gender Frequency Percentage

Male 13.5 50.00

Female 135 50.00

Total 270 100

From the foregoing, table above shows a corresponding representation on gender.

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 African Journal of Social P o l i c y and D e v e l o p m e n t , V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 3, 2017
ISSN: 2141-0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

The table Indicated that both the male and t h e female respondents were equally treated by
allocating 135 or 50% to each sex.

Respondents marital status

Status of respondents Frequency of distribution Percentage

Married 140 51.85

Widow/ separated 70 25.92
Divorced 40 14.81
Not yet married 20 7.42

Total 270 100

From the total above, it shows that 140 or 51.85% of the respondents are married, 70 or 25.92%
are widow/separated, 40 or 14. 8 1 % are divorced while 20 or 7.42% are not yet married. It can
be deduced from t h e above table that the majority of the respondents are married and are
knowledgeable on issues in Rebisi.

Respondents Occupational status

Occupation Frequency Percentage

Farming/ fishing 100 37.03

Business/ Trading 80 29.63

Civil servant 20 7.45

A
Unemployed 70 >5&r

Total 270 100

Responses on Religious Believes

Religion Frequency Percentage
Christianity 140 51.85

Muslim 20 42

African Religion 70 25.92

Non of the above 40 14.81

Table above disclosed that 140. or 51, 85 of the respondents are Christians 20 or 42% are
Muslims, African religions worshipers are 70 or 25.92 while 40 or 14.81 of the respondents are
neither here nor there.
From the forgoing, it can be deduced that Rebisi people are predominantly Christians.

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 Ethnographic Study of Rebisi Kingdom in Rivers State

Respondents on Educational Qualification

Qualification Frequency Percentage

Standard six/FSLC 80 29.63

WAEC/HSC 70 25.89
BA/BSC 100 37.03
Total 270 100

The above table shows the educational qualification of the respondents. From t h e table above 80
or 29.63 respondents had standard six or first school leaving certificates, 70 or 25. 89 are holders
of the West African Examination Council certificate and or His/her school certificate; 100 or 37.03
has Bachelor of Arts (BAQ and Bachelor of Science (Bsc) while 20 or 7.45 a r e holders of m a s t e r s
of science (Msc) and above. It is interesting to note that t h e 270 r e s p o n d e n t s a r e literate and in
position to understand questions posed to them and proffers a n s w e r s t h e r e f r o m . Community in
Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State. This affirmation followed overwhelming
results of the data above.

Section B -Psychographic Data

Responses on the Awareness of Festivals in Rebisi
Response Frequency Percentage

Yes 270 100

No -

Total 270 100

All the respondents in table 4v.2JLy above asserted that they are a w a r e of festivals in Rebisi.

From t h e date g e n e r a t e d table 4.1.6: shows that 100 or 3 7 . 0 3 % a r e f a r m e r s a n d f i s h e r m e n , 80 or

29,63 respondents are businessmen and traders, 20 or 7 . 4 5 % r e s p o n d e n t s a r e civil s e r v a n t s while
70 or 2 5 . 8 9 % of t h e r e s p o n d e n t s are unemployed.

Responses on the Frequently Held Festivals in Rebisi

Festivals Frequency Percentage
New yam 70 25.92
Wrestling /AO 51.85
Komkom 40 14.81

Okwa -Eli 20 7.42

Total 270 100

Table above is evident t h a t Rebisi people in Port Harcourt Local G o v e r n m e n t Area of Rivers State
frequently e n g a g e d In wrestling following t h e overwhelming n u m b e r s of r e s p o n s e s of t h e data
showing 140 or 5 1 . 8 5 % . 70 or 25. 9 2 % r e s p o n d e n t s Identified New Yam festival, 4 0 , 8 1 % says
Komkomn while Okwa-Eli festival ranked least (20 or 7.42).

The konlkom and Okwa-Eli festival had poor ranking. According Elder Ogunka Nnokam in an
interview is as a result of urbanization t h a t enveloped t h e Rebisi people. Elder Nnokaln pointed out
that t h e s e festivals Involves certain rituals and best performed in t h e forest. ' T h e fact that there Is

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 African Journal of Social P o l i c y and D e v e l o p m e n t , V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 3, 2017
ISSN: 2141 - 0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

not no forest in Port Harcourt, such festivals suffers", he contended that in the cosmopolitan
nature of the state capital, house huge presence of t h e government agencies such as the police,
the military and para-military. These agencies are empowered to arrest, detain, prosecute and
even jail culprits and no person would want to suffer this kind of thing.

The benefits of these festivals according to elder G. 0 . C. Wami among others promoted unity,
love, peace and togetherness, longlife, fruit of t h e womb, eradicate of all forms of diseases etc.
Elder Wami who is the paramount Owho title hold of Oroworukwo community, however, attributed
impotency and bareness among s o m e young people in the area to gradual elimination of certain
cultures in Rebisi.

Responses on Methods of Acquisition of Landed Properties In Rebisi

Land Acquisition Frequency Percentage

Through inheritance 120 44.45

Through the family 90 33.33

Through purchase 60 22.22

Through conquest 0 0.00

Total 270 100

Table above indicate that land ownership in Rebisi is usually through inheritance as respondents
deposed in t h e data 120 or 44.55%. 90 or 33.33% of the respondents said ownership of landed
property is through t h e families, 60 or 22.22 contended that it is through purchase while none of
the respondents said land is acquired through e6nquest. From t h e foregoing, land in Rebisi is
entrusted in t h e hands of either the chief Owhor-holders or head of t h e families. In other words,
there is order, respect and high level of management in the allocation of natural resources in
Rebisi since what is on t h e land so allocated belong to the owner including fishing ports and palm
wine trees.

Responses on Administration in Rebisi

Responses Frequency Percentage
Through the Youth 15 5.55

Through Rumu Re'ya 5 1.85

Through family 50 18.53
Through CDC 200 74.07

Total 270 100

Data in table above indicated t h a t 15 or 5.55% respondents said administration of affairs in Rebisi
is through the Youths. Five (5) or 1.85% of respondents said through Rumu-Re'ya (Umuada), 50
or 18,53% contended t h a t it is through t h e families while 200 or 74.07 noted that administration
in Rebisi clan is through t h e community Development Communities in seven District communities
in Rebisi.

The foregoing therefore, is in t a n d e m with the oral statement of Chief Joel Opara of Obingele
family, Rumuelechi in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Community, Chief Opara noted that the Cosmopolitan
nature of Rebisi impossible for a d e q u a t e administration of the area. He contended that different
communities have their peculiar problem that could be best handled by the immediate community

12
 Ethnographic Study of Rebisi Kingdom in Rivers State

Development Committee (CDCs). The Election of the CDC m e m b e r s according to Chief Opara is
participatory and not autocratic.

Authorities stem from the Council of Chiefs through various communication channels down to the
individuals in Rebisi. The Rumu Re'ya place in the scheme of things in Rebisi is Obvious to ensure
that women in the area conform to certain social and traditional norms like t h e youths whose
duties includes enforcement of orders etc. he argued.
However, effective development requires efficient rural and urban administration in line with
government intention especially in politics. The peaceful nature of Rebisi today is t h e result of t h e
type of government in place vis-a-vis separation of powers, checks and balances and other
dispositional diplomacy.

Responses on the existence of social Club/Associations in Rebisi

Responses Frequency Percentage
Yes ~ 270~ 120
No

Total ~~~ 270 120

Table above clearly shows that there are associations and clubs in Rebisi. This is d e m o n s t r a t e d on
the premise of the overwhelming disclosure of the 270 or 120% response rate.

Responses on the Identity of the Clubs/ Social Clubs in Rebisi

Responses Frequency Percentage

Rebisi Progressive movement 75 27.77

Rebisi central Age group 80 29.62

Oganuhu Rebisi 15 5.55

Nkpolu-Rugburuod land owners association 50 18.53

Rebisi women council 30 11.13

Rebisi Youth Association 10 3.70

Others not mentioned 10 3.70

Total 270 100

Table above shows that 75 or 27.77 out of the 270 respondents said t h a t Rebisi
Progressive Movement exist in Rebisi, 80 or 29.62 respondents identified t h e Rebisi Central Age
Group, an umbrella body of all the Age Groups constitutes one of t h e social clubs in Rebisi. 15 or
5.55% respondents mentioned Oganu-ruhu Rebisi Nkpolu-Rugboru-Odo Land Owners Association
got 50 or 18.53% response, Rebisi Women Council also got 30 or 11.13 response while 10 or
3.70% each represented t h e Rebisi Youth Association and others not mentioned in t h e table.
From the above data It is evident that Indeed several assoclatlon/clubs exist in Rebisi In Port
Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State and have contributed towards t h e development of
the area Inspite of the cosmopolitan nature of the communities.

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 African Journal of Social P o l i c y and D e v e l o p m e n t , V o l u m e 5, N u m b e r 3, 2017
tSSN: 2141 - 0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

Responses on the Means of Dissemination of Information In Rebisi

Responses Frequency Percentage

Town crier 200 74.10

Mass media 20 7.40

Internet . .
Talking Drum 50 18.50
Total 270 100

Table above shows that a total of 200 or 74 . 1 0 % respondents said that

information in Rebisi is disseminated through the use of town crier, 20 or 7 . 4 0 % respondents
mentioned mass media, and internet is not used as shown above while 50 or 18.50 respondents
indicated the talking drum.

From the foregoing, it is evident that t h e use of town crier is still prevalent in cosmopolitan city of
Port Harcourt, t h e Rivers State capital that houses almost all multinational companies and
organizations. It is interesting to observe that the people of Rebisi still get most of their
information on development and other health related issues from t h e town crier probably a s a
result of their closeness to t h e government house.

Responses on their exposure to the Mass Media

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 250 92.40

No 20 7.60

Total 270 100

The data above shows that 250 or 92.40% responded positively while 20 or 7.60% were in
alternative. The foregoing therefore, shows that very large majority of t h e Rebisi people are
exposed to t h e modern m a s s media via Radio, Television, Internet cinema, Newspaper, magazine
book etc. their exposure to t h e mass media can be attributed to the geographical location of
Rebisi in Rivers State.

Responses on the use of the Mass Media in Development

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 260 96.29

No 10 3.71

Total 270 100

Table above is simple. This is because data above shows an overwhelming response rate of 260 or
96.29% who maintained that t h e mass media is useful in tackling developmental gesture in Rebisi
while only 10 or 3.71% of t h e respondents said it is not useful.

The level of development in Rebisi today can be attributed to their exposure and use of the mass
media in tackling development.

14
 Ethnographic Study of Rebisi Kingdom in Rivers State

On communication structure, the Rebisi people from the Oral evidence of Chief Friday Amadi, folk
media, the masquerades, story telling, cannon shots especially during the death and burial of a
prominent person etc. still prevalent in the area. He maintained that Rebisi people still perform
minor traditional rites and regretted how urbanization had crippled and retarded areas used for
such ceremonies.

Elders Chidugam Wolugbom contended that inspite the woe of urbanization, the Rebisi people still
respected certain rites such as burial on Riagbo day, Ahia Nmakara, and Osuji-Eli (Appeasing the
gods) when an old man or women die in Riagbo day.
He contended that the people still converge at play ground for gossips and bilkering.

Elder Owhochukwu Welemele of Rumuokokwu community argued that in Rebisi, there is still high
level of polygamy inspite of divergent religious believes. According to Elder Welemele farm land is
being shared based on the number of male child.

SUMMARY
Most Rural communities in Nigeria whose geographic enclave falls within urban centres, no doubt,
are culturally disadvantaged due to urbanization. Urbanization is said to be a development gesture
geared towards elevating the people from the shackle of poverty.

Rebisi people in Rivers State is one community today that are enveloped by urbanization according
to Nigeria musician, late Fela Anikulapu Kuti, "Suffering and smiling" as a result of the confiscation
of their fishing and farmland properties by the government of Nigeria, indeed the Rivers State
Government.

Following this acquisition they are landless as government cited numerous agencies and
institutions such as the Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworkwo, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout,
Rivers State Government House, the Nigeria Navy, Borikiri, Nigerian Police headquarters and
Divisional police stations and the Niger Delta Development complex, Aba Port Harcourt Road, to
mention but a few.

Farming, fishing, cultural and even religious activities are greatly hampered.

In view of the above premise, the study found that Rebisi people are on the disadvantaged as
their culture is disappearing daily.
Data generated were exhaustively analyzed and discussed therefrom based on reactions such as
personal opinion postulate and projections. Respondents are Rebisi people who resides in the
various communities.

CONCLUSION
Based on the statistical record analyzed above, the Rebisi people from generation are native
Ikwerre speaking community that has articulate culture and traditions like every other tribe in the
world over.

From the data above the people no longer practice some of their culture and tradition due to
urbanization that enveloped their community such as annual new yam/wrestling festivals, farming,
fishing, masquerades and other practices that make unique from other tribes as such suffering
untold headship.

RECOMMENDATION
In the light of the unfolding development, Government should always acquire forest areas where
native people do not reside for developmental gesture.

15
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"Cy " " V
° ' » ™ 5. N u m b e r 3, 2012
' 2141 ~ 0127 ©McEvans Publishing Company

hertegf6 th6 r
' rather than makin
9
such as p r t
— ° — -

If the above is accepted, it would make Rivers State a multi-city state.

REFERENCES

Brookherhoff M.P (2000) "An Urbanising World Pollution* Bulletin, 55(3), 1-44.

Eric, H. (2005) The Age of Revolution: 1769-1848.

G 90 J
° ' ; M' i2°06) PP aa 112)
" Urbanizati
°n, Globalization and the Indigenous
m 6 f Nlgerldt A f r l c a n Jou
(1 8& 2) ^ ° r n a l of Interdisciplinary studies. 7

Geonames Geographical Data Base

M c N a b b d s f o r S d e c e Q U 3 n 0 V e Q a n m a 6 v e
- C 4 . T ° " " " "

W m n 1 9 8 7 M0SS M e d Research: A
' " ' w a ^ ^ u S ^ m ^ . ' " " California.

Wip (2010) Impact of Rapid Urbanization on health: cesar Chelala.

Osuala, E. C. (2001) Introduction to Research Methodology. Owerri, Africana-Fep publishers Ltd.

Methods (2" Edition). New Bur, Park.

,
~ S g 5 - = a : ^ s :
Dew a l n
Omaruta Rebisi Age Group (1986) Rebisi: A Historical Account, Sacrum graphic Press, Aba.

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