King Jaja of Opobo (1821-1891), the wealthiest and most powerful monarch in the Niger Delta and sole founder of Opobo, was Igbo. Born in his native Umuduruoha, Amaigbo, present-day, Imo State, and named Mbanaso Okwaraozurumbaa at birth, he was captured by slave traders and sold into captivity in Bonny at the age of 12, where he earned his way out of slavery having also adopted the Ijaw-Ibani culture. Though he generated astounding wealth for Bonny, when that kingdom's throne became vacant, his quest to vie for it was politically checkmated by...