Mbakara

Encyclopedia : M : MB : MBA : Mbakara

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The word "Mbakara" has been interpreted by various writers as a shortened form of the phrase Mbaka nkara in Annang meaning divide and rule. The word was given this new meaning during the struggle for independence. Europeans who had carved out the African continent were acused of political domination by the educated elite in Africa. Among the Annangs as elsewhere, these Europeans came to be seen as usurpers and the word play on the name began.

Mbakara was the highest grade of Abon as was introduced by Asibong Ekondo in about the fifteenth century. Individuals who initiated in the cult could not take the title until they were deemed fully qualified and few could attained the position. When the Europeans arrived in Calabar, they claimed superiority and argued that they fully deserve the designation Mbakara. Membership was not an issue since by law no European could be accosted by the Abon or Ekpe. Usage of the title soon pass into the popular discourse and carried the connotation of power, influence and authority. Slaves taken from the area took the name with them and addressed the white Europeans as Mbakara. In the Caribbean and part of the deep south of the United States where the slaves were sold, the name was anglicized and it became Bacra, Buckra and Buckaroo and referred to a white master, slave hunter or some one with authority.Ezekiel Ette, Ph.D.

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