Efik Political Organization in Nigeria

Historical Names for Efik Clans

• The Efik clans were historically known as the 'Seven Houses of Ibibio' before being referred to as the 'Seven clans of Efik'.
• Later, they were known as the 'Twelve clans of Efik'.

Iboku Clan in Efik Society

• The Iboku clan consisted of several towns, including Duke Town, Creek Town, and Old Town.

Factors Contributing to Efik Society's Evolution

• Interactions with European traders and missionaries contributed to the evolution of Efik society.
• The rise of Calabar as a commercial center also played a significant role.

Literacy and Enterprising Nature of the Efik People

• One of the main reasons for the Efik people's literacy and enterprising nature was their early exposure to European education and commerce.

Seaport for Interactions with European Traders

• Calabar was a major hub for interactions between the Efik people and European traders during the 15th to 19th centuries.

Main Economic Activity after the Decline of the Slave Trade

• After the decline of the slave trade, the main economic activity of the Efik people was palm oil production and trade.

European Traders' Arrival

• Portuguese traders arrived in the City-States via the Cross and Calabar Rivers in 1472.

Economic Activities with Hinterland Neighbors

• One of the economic activities the Efik engaged in with their hinterland neighbors was the exchange of goods, such as fish and salt, for agricultural produce.

Inward Migration to Calabar

• The community that experienced inward migration from Sierra Leoneans, Lebanese, Cameroonians, Jamaicans, and other communities due to the rise of Calabar as a commercial center since the 18th century was the Efik community.

Factors Influencing Efik Society's Evolution

• Factors that influenced the evolution of Efik society, including their literacy and enterprising nature, were their interactions with European traders and missionaries, as well as the rise of Calabar as a commercial center.