Anyama, Ogbia

Anyama Town, also known as Anyama-Ogbia or the Kingdom of Anyama-Ogbia, is a historic ijaw and a traditional subnational monarchy with origins dating back to the 17th century. Founded in 1655 by Adih, a successful fisherman and trader, the town became an important center for commerce, dealing in seafood, palm oil, and other goods. Located in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Anyama town is also the headquarters of the Anyama Clan.

Initially called Otu-Egbesu, meaning "home of Egbesu," the town’s name reflects its spiritual connection to the Egbesu deity, the Ijaw deity of war, protection, and justice.

Though the town has faced ongoing challenges such as coastal erosion, which threatens its land and infrastructure.

Anyama Town serves as the administrative hub of the Anyama Clan, one of the four clans that make up the Ogbia Kingdom, playing a central role in the region's governance and social organization. According to INEC's 2019 voting data, the population of Anyama-Ogbia is estimated to be approximately 4,970.

It is important to note that Bayelsa State is home to two distinct towns named Anyama, each located in different local government areas. Anyama-Ijaw is situated in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, while Anyama-Ogbia lies within the Ogbia Local Government Area. Both towns are part of the larger Ijaw ethnic group, but they differ significantly in language.

Anyama-Ijaw speaks Central Ijaw, one of the major dialects within the Ijaw language family, while Anyama-Ogbia inhabited by the Ogbia sub-group of the Ijaw, speak the Ogbia language. While both towns share common cultural ties as part of the broader Ijaw ethnic group, the Ogbia language spoken in Anyama-Ogbia distinguishes it from other Ijaw communities, including Anyama-Ijaw.