Bille kingdom

The Bille Kingdom, located in Rivers State, Nigeria, is an Ijaw clan positioned west of Bonny Island and south of Port Harcourt. Located in Degema local government area of Rivers State, it comprises 30 settlements, including Bille Town, which serves as the kingdom's headquarters and is home to approximately 41,000 residents out of a total population of about 77,000.

The Bille people are a distinct ijaw group within the Eastern Niger Delta region and are one of the Eastern Ijaw clans, alongside Kalabari, Bonny, Andoni (Obolo), Opobo, Nembe, and Okrika.

The current traditional ruler of the Bille Kingdom is His Royal Majesty, Hon. King Igbikingeri Ngowari Cornelius Herbert (AgbaniyeJike XVIII), the Amayanabo of Bille. He was crowned on Saturday, April 4, 2021, following a 12-year interregnum after the passing of His Royal Majesty, King Justus H. Igolima-Dappa (AgbaniyeJike XVII).

Historical records indicate that the Bille people migrated from Akpata-Bille to their current location in the 9th century. Bille Town, the administrative center of the kingdom, is traditionally believed to have been founded by Queen Ikpakiaba during this period.

Bille is recognized for its rich cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ijaw people. The community emphasizes principles of democracy and equal rights, which contribute to its inclusive social structure.

Before the emergence of the oil industry, Bille’s economy was primarily based on fishing and trade. Community development was largely driven by self-help initiatives, with residents pooling resources to build infrastructure such as schools, a health center, and a town hall. Land reclamation projects were also undertaken through collective efforts. However, with the rise of the oil economy, these self-reliant practices declined as reliance on oil companies increased, shifting the economic focus away from traditional activities.