Nana Olomu

Nana Olomu emerged as the leading Itsekiri trader in the Niger Delta, controlling palm oil exports from the Benin River. He built a fleet of canoes and established a network of trading posts, becoming the wealthiest African in the region.

Nana resisted British attempts to impose direct control over the palm oil trade, refusing to pay new duties and challenging the authority of British consuls. He armed his followers and fortified his base at Ebrohimi.

British naval forces attacked Nana's fortified town of Ebrohimi, destroying his fleet and fortifications. Nana escaped but his power was broken, ending Itsekiri resistance to British control of the Niger Delta.

After his defeat, Nana surrendered to British authorities and was exiled to Accra in the Gold Coast (modern Ghana). His exile removed the last major Itsekiri obstacle to British colonial rule in the Niger Delta.