Ethnos

Ibibio

The Ibibio people are a tribe in the south-south-east of Nigeria. They are closely related to the Annang and the Efik people. The Annang people speak Ibibio, and the Efik people's language is derived from the Ibibio tongue.

The Ibibio people were traditionally in the same state as the Efik and Annang - Cross River State, named after the Cross River. Recently though, the state was partitioned into two, Akwa-Ibom state and Cross River. Akwa-Ibom state is made up of the related Annang tribe and the Ibibio tribe. There are two other tribes that live in the coastal areas with a language that cannot be understood by the Annang or Ibibio.

Because of the larger population of the Ibibio people, they hold political control over Akwa-Ibom State, but government is shared with the Annangs. The political system follows the traditional method of consensus. Even though elections are held, practically, the political leaders are pre-discussed in a manner that is benefiting to all. The Ibibio/Annang people are known to be peaceful and good craftsmen, and their women are said to not only be the best looking of Nigeria, but also to cook the best food in Nigeria. ***