The Afe Annang was formed at the end of the
civil war
A civil war or intrastate war is a war between organized groups within the same state (or country).
The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies ...
in
Nigeria
Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
with the goal of fighting the marginalization of the
Annang
The Anaang (also spelled Annang) are a sub-ethnic group of the larger Ibibio people, whose land is primarily within 8 of the present 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State: Abak, Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Oruk ...
by the
Nigerian government. This single
umbrella organization
An umbrella organization is an association of (often related, industry-specific) institutions who work together formally to coordinate activities and/or pool resources. In business, political, and other environments, it provides resources and ofte ...
was to be the single voice of the Annang since most of the Annang leaders were killed during the war. The lack of a representative at the Nigerian policy table made the organization necessary. The need to make the organization authentic and to have it in line with traditional systems resulted in the creation of the office of a supreme head known as Itai Annang, literally translated, it is the head pillar of Annang. The office, however is not a traditional one and did not exist until the formation of the organization. It represents a political attempt at cohesiveness among the various Annang groups and allows the office holder to serve as a symbol of unity.
The traditional Obong Council of the Annang people is called Afe Annang and the council or legislature, or assembly is called Afe. Selection of an Obong is typically based upon a consensus of the village or clan through this complex social system.
The leader of the traditional governing council of Annang people is called "
Itai
Itai (''ee-tai'') is a Hebrew biblical name, and also a Shona name. The name can also be written: Itai, Itahy, Ittai, Ittay, Etay, Eitay, Itay, Ytai, Etai, Itaj, Ithai, or Eatai.
Hebrew name
Itai ( he, איתי) is a Biblical name that appears i ...
Afe Annang". The Itai Afe Annang is regarded as the traditional leader and has no authority as the monarch of the
Annang
The Anaang (also spelled Annang) are a sub-ethnic group of the larger Ibibio people, whose land is primarily within 8 of the present 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State: Abak, Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Oruk ...
people.
The first Itai Afe Annang was Late Obong, Sir, Dr Ephraim U. Essien I.
See also
*
Annang
The Anaang (also spelled Annang) are a sub-ethnic group of the larger Ibibio people, whose land is primarily within 8 of the present 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State: Abak, Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Oruk ...
*
Ikot Ekpene
Ikot Ekpene, also known as The Raffia City, is a historic town in south-southern state of Akwa Ibom. It is the political and cultural capital of the Annang ethnic group in Nigeria (Nair, 1972). The town is located on the A342 highway that par ...
External links
Annang Heritage Preservation Inc.
History of Nigeria
Efik
{{Nigeria-hist-stub