Oshue Agbambu, the Forgotten Ibusa Symbol of Colonial Struggle

 Oshue Agbambu, the Forgotten Ibusa Symbol of Colonial Struggle

By Emeka Esogbue

Oshue Agbambu is a name deeply intertwined with the colonial history of Anioma, yet it is one that remains largely overlooked by many, particularly in his place of birth, Ibusa. Agbambu, a formidable leader of the Ibusa Ekumeku resistance, stands as one of the most widely reported figures in the history of Anioma’s resistance against British colonialism. 

The Agbambu family of Ogboli is arguably the most frequently mentioned in Anioma colonial history and more widely documented in Ekumeku accounts, given the pivotal role they played in the region’s early military conflicts.

Agbambu’s story is deeply embedded in the first major military clash between the Anioma people and the British forces. When the Royal Niger Company sought to extend its trade empire into Ibusa, the people resisted vehemently. This resistance began with the refusal of Ibusa's chiefs and elders to accept the introduction of Christianity, a stance that Agbambu stood at the forefront of, leading the charge against the colonial encroachment.

A significant account, documented in Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei's book, A Historical Account of Onicha-Olona Kingdom, sheds light on an aspect of Agbambu's resistance that echoes even in the language of modern-day Anioma. According to Nwabuokei, the term "Uka" (or "Uno Uka"), the Igbo word for church, emerged from Agbambu’s resistance to the Christian missionaries and their foreign practices. The author suggests that the term was coined as a mockery, a symbol of disdain for those who sought to undermine African traditional religion, and was later retained by Bible translators. This highlights not just Agbambu’s military prowess but his cultural defiance and leadership in protecting the identity of his people.

As a guerilla strategist, Agbambu used the dense terrain of Ibusa to his advantage, launching a series of well-coordinated ambushes and attacks that greatly frustrated the British forces, who were more accustomed to open-field battles. The name "Agbambu" became synonymous with fear and respect among the British, who knew little of him other than the havoc he wrought. 

Agbambu’s ability to remain elusive and strike swiftly made him a nightmare for the colonial forces, leaving a legacy of resistance that continues to resonate in the region.

While Agbambu’s name is widely recognized in Ekumeku history books and retained in the oral traditions of many Anioma communities, it is rarely discussed in Ibusa, the very place where he was born. Despite frequent references to his name in academic and historical works, including those by this author, Emeka Esogbue (Pen Master), there remains a noticeable silence within Ibusa regarding this legendary figure. The community, which has a history of neglecting its own heroes, must reflect on the importance of recognizing and celebrating their own legends, whether they are alive or deceased.

Nearby Asaba is adorned with countless statues of heroes and heroines who fought for their people’s freedom, but Ibusa remains conspicuously silent on the matter. This absence of recognition is deeply rooted in Ibusa's republican society, which has traditionally shied away from celebrating individual achievements. However, this tradition of neglect must end. The people of Ibusa must begin to honor the legacies of their heroes, starting with Oshue Agbambu, who, during the 1898 campaign, chose death and imprisonment rather than surrender the sovereignty of his people to the colonial forces.

There was also Chidi Nwaoji, another Ekumeku military leader from Ibusa who is often overlooked in historical accounts. Chidi became a formidable adversary to the British forces, fiercely resisting their dominance while protecting his community. His reputation for power was such that, according to local tradition, he could only be captured by casting a net over him—a method reportedly used before his imprisonment in Calabar.

It is high time Ibusa learned to celebrate its true heroes. If Agbambu is to be regarded as a hero in Anioma's oral tradition, it is only fitting that he be similarly honored in Ibusa. The community must shift away from its tendency to celebrate the wealthy and start recognizing those who fought and died for the freedom and dignity of their people, heroes who may not have accumulated material wealth but whose legacies have shaped the very identity of the Anioma region. It is time to unearth the life and times of this Ekumeku warrior and give him the recognition he deserves, not just as a symbol of resistance but as a beacon of pride for Ibusa and the entire Anioma community.