The People of Tombia Kingdom

The Kalabaris are one of the largest tribes in the South-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria and among one of its communities is Tombia Kingdom. The people are found in Rivers state and some parts of Bayelsa state. Those in Rivers state are situated in Degema Local Government Area of the state. Tombia people are a force to reckon with among the Kalabari communities which also include Bukuma, Buguma, Bille, Abonemma, Harry’s Town, Degema, and so on.

All Kalabari communities are surrounded by water and Tombia Kingdom isn’t an exception. It has Iwofe, Ikpokiri, and Bukuma as its closest neighbors. The community can be accessed through its waterways by speedboats, canoes, and ships. There’s the presence of the Nigerian Army at the jetties of the communities which help in the protection of lives and properties of the people of the oil rich region.

Language

The people speak the Kalabari language as well as English language as a result of the concentration of the Whites (English, Dutch, and Portuguese) before Nigerian independence. ‘Mbate’ is a popular way of greeting here, and it means ‘good day’.  

Leadership

Tombia Kingdom among other Kalabari communities is led by a King who is assisted by chiefs. The Kingship title is called ‘Amayannabo’ by the Kalabaris. Tombia has a chief from each compound or polo (a name given by the Europeans who settled there several years ago). Although Tombia is a kingdom, it has not had a ruler for sometime now. Leadership is by the chiefs in the community with the Nigerian Army also taking part in ensuring peace in the land.

Naming

The people of Tombia like all Kalabari communities have western names added to their local names. Their inter-relations with their slave masters made this possible. Names such as Briggs, Harry, Lawson, Davies, and so on are very common. This is added to their indigenous names such as Fubara, Dagogo, Alalibo, Tonye, Pokima, and so on.

Major Occupation

The people are mostly fishermen due to its coastal areas. Men spread drag nets, fishing baskets, hook and lines and other methods to catch fish for consumption and commercial purposes. Women are mostly traders and they sell sea foods such as fishes, oysters, periwinkles, and so on.

Education

The people are highly educated and have the love for western education even though this has dropped in recent times due to the side effects of amnesty granted to some militants in the Niger-Delta region. They are known to have a high concentration of Professors, Lawyers and Doctors. Because of their civilized and generally peaceful behavior, they were called English men in the past. There are two secondary schools in the community; Government Technical College and Community Secondary School Tombia have helped to groom many great men form the community.

Religion

The people practice traditional religion as they worshipped their local goddess particularly ‘Owemenakaso’. The advent of Christianity brought by the missionaries have turned many to be Christians. In fact, it was said that Pentecostal churches (RCCG in particular) spread through the community through a Kalabari woman who housed a serving corps member that brought this form of Christianity. Today, there are many pastors in the Kalabari communities including Tombia.

Dressing

The people’s rich culture and tradition is showcased in their dressing. Men are adorned in Chieftaincy wear which are styled with fine golden chains that extends from the chest buttons to the pockets. Hats, walking sticks, and coral beads are also part of the men’s wear. Men also wear a Georgian wrapper or trouser below the chieftaincy wear. Women are beautiful in their colored blouses, coral beads (worn in the neck, wrists, and on the head) and Georgian wrapper tied to the waist. A beautiful Tombian bride dressed in this local attire is all you would cherish as a groom-to-be.

Marriage

This is another way the rich culture and tradition of the people which consists their dressing, food, and music is being showcased. Dowry is being paid by the groom just as in several other places, while the ‘iya’ which is one of the most expensive aspect of the marriage is also done.

Food

Seafood is an important part of the people’s cuisine. The Kalabari soup is a popular delicacy and is also known as local soup. Fishes, periwinkles, crayfishes are all important ingredients in this delicacy.

Do you know that?

The people believed the goddess ‘Owemenakaso’ opposed war and bloodshed. They also claimed she was the sister of the British goddess Brittana, who ruled the seas.

Thanks for taking time to read this piece.