19th century – 20th century
Benin River, Niger Delta
Nana was the governor of the river in the Itsekiri kingdom and defended local control over trade on the Benin River. British forces attacked his capital after he resisted their commercial demands. He repulsed an initial assault in April 1894, but a second expedition succeeded in September; Nana escaped to Lagos, surrendered, and was deported after trial.
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The Story
Nana held office as governor of the river in the Itsekiri kingdom. Like Jaja of Opobo, he insisted that local rulers retain control over trade. His authority was challenged by British efforts to impose a new commercial and political order in the Niger Delta.
Because Nana continued to control trade on the Benin River, the British raised an army to seize his capital. The first attempt, in April 1894, was repulsed, showing that British expansion was not uniformly immediate or uncontested. A second assault in September succeeded and forced Nana to abandon his base.
Nana escaped to Lagos and surrendered to the British governor. He was promptly tried and deported, first to Calabar and then to the Gold Coast. His defeat formed part of the wider British dismantling of autonomous commercial authority in the Niger Delta.
19th century – 20th century
Benin River, Niger Delta
Nana was the governor of the river in the Itsekiri kingdom and defended local control over trade on the Benin River. British forces attacked his capital after he resisted their commercial demands. He repulsed an initial assault in April 1894, but a second expedition succeeded in September; Nana escaped to Lagos, surrendered, and was deported after trial.
Continue exploring
The Story
Nana held office as governor of the river in the Itsekiri kingdom. Like Jaja of Opobo, he insisted that local rulers retain control over trade. His authority was challenged by British efforts to impose a new commercial and political order in the Niger Delta.
Because Nana continued to control trade on the Benin River, the British raised an army to seize his capital. The first attempt, in April 1894, was repulsed, showing that British expansion was not uniformly immediate or uncontested. A second assault in September succeeded and forced Nana to abandon his base.
Nana escaped to Lagos and surrendered to the British governor. He was promptly tried and deported, first to Calabar and then to the Gold Coast. His defeat formed part of the wider British dismantling of autonomous commercial authority in the Niger Delta.