This is a study of the influence of Yók-Òbòlò on the Andoni of the eastern Niger delta. The origin of the deity is shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to be the Òbólò, the ancestor of the people, elevated on his death to the level of god. Around him there developed a series of socio-political structures. Because their region was a conflict zone, the Andoni developed the military arm of government more than any other, with the result that they were able to survive the pressures of a difficult environment. But their success also had some side effects on the social development of the area. One such effect was that their military achievements inspired fears among some of their neighbours, who described them to Europeans in the delta as ‘too dangerous’ for ‘strangers’ to visit. Despite this artificial description some Europeans visited the area. But overall the result was Andoni isolation from the outside world. Even upon independence in 1960, without a strong core of indigenous, educated personnel, Andoni remained ‘backward’, and Yók-Òbòlòism the main source of inspiration and direction in the people's private and public affairs.