The Eket, who refer to themselves as the Ekid, are an indigenous ethnic group primarily located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. They are a significant sub-group of the larger Ibibio people.

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Location and Demographics

The Eket people are concentrated in the Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, particularly in the Eket Local Government Area and surrounding regions like Esit Eket. Their settlements are located on the Atlantic coast, with the Qua Iboe River being a major landmark.

• Population: The Eket population is approximately 1 million people.
• Language: They speak the Ekid language (also called Eket), a member of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family, which is closely related to the other languages in the Ibibio-Efik cluster.

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History and Economy

History

The Eket’s history is closely tied to that of the Ibibio people, who have inhabited the Cross River area for hundreds of years. Oral traditions suggest a much longer presence in the region than documented colonial records, which begin in the late 1800s. The Eket, along with the Oron, are believed to have migrated to their current location via a seaward route from the Cameroons. A notable historical event was the signing of a Treaty of friendship and protection with the British in 1884 at Eket Beach.

Economy

The traditional Eket economy centered on agriculture and fishing.

• Oil Palm: The main economic staple is the oil palm, with its oil and kernels sold to external markets.
• Oil Industry: The central city of Eket is significant to Nigeria’s oil industry, hosting a refinery, the Mobil’s Qua Iboe Terminal, and an airstrip, making it a major economic hub in the state.
• Contemporary Livelihoods: Today, many Eket live in village communities, engaged in farming or trade, while a large number live in urban areas working as traders, artisans, and civil servants.

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Culture and Traditional Governance

Political Structure

Before colonial rule, the Eket had a hierarchical social structure. The political system relied on a traditional method of consensus building.

• Ekpo Society: Governance was controlled by a powerful group of elders known as Ekpo Ndem Isong or the Ekpo society. This secret society functioned as the ruling class, controlling political, socioeconomic power, and wealth distribution.
• Law Enforcement: The decisions of the elders were traditionally enforced by masked members of the Ekpo society, who acted as “messengers of the ancestors” (ikan).

Religion and Festivals

Traditional Eket religion is based on paying tribute to village ancestors.

• Deity: Ala is the earth deity, whose favor is sought through the Ogbom ceremony for plentiful children and a good harvest.
• Ekpo Masquerades: The Ekpo masquerade is a key part of Eket culture, representing ancestral spirits and acting as intermediaries between the living and the afterlife. These elaborate wooden masks and raffia costumes are important works of art and are featured in various cultural festivals and displays, including those in Eket and Esit Eket.