The Igala Tribe: Kogi State’s Cultural Heritage

Good day, our esteemed readers. This piece focuses on the Igala tribe, one of the ethnic groups in Kogi State. We will explore their traditional life, culture, and other related aspects. This is the first article in a series about this work. We hope you spare some time to read through.

Introduction

Kogi State was created on 21st August 1991 by the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. It lies south of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and shares boundaries with Nassarawa, Kwara, Ondo, Ekiti, Benue, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Niger, and Anambra states. This unique positioning makes Kogi the only state in Nigeria with so many neighboring states.

Kogi, also known as the Confluence State, was once part of the Kabba Province. Lokoja, the state capital, served as Nigeria’s former administrative headquarters after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates under British colonial rule (1901–1902). The city is located at the confluence of Nigeria’s two largest rivers: Niger and Benue. It is about a two-hour drive from Abuja.

The state has a population of over four million people. Its fertile land supports agriculture, the backbone of the economy. Crops like yam, cassava, rice, maize, guinea corn, cocoa, coffee, cashew, oil palm, melon, and sugar cane are cultivated commercially.

Kogi is a miniature Nigeria with several ethnic groups. The most prevalent are the Igalas, Ebiras, and Okuns. The state has 21 local government areas, including Adavi, Ankpa, Ajaokuta, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Kogi, Lokoja, Mopamuro, Ofu, Yagba West, and Yagba East.

The Importance of Cultural Preservation

Many Nigerian communities have lost much of their cultural heritage. This loss has affected societal development. In contrast, countries like China, India, and Egypt have preserved their culture with pride. They maintain traditional arts, literature, music, religion, and industrial skills, which continue to shape modern society.

The Igala people, though a minority, have maintained strong cultural norms. Their language, traditions, and customs remain central to their identity. Studying the Igala offers valuable lessons on cultural consciousness and preservation.

In this article, we will explore some of their ancient practices, the significance of these traditions, and their effects on society. We hope this work will encourage cultural preservation elsewhere.

— Dekina, 28th May 2017

Igala Traditional Governance

Before British colonial rule, the Igala kingdom was governed by the Atta and his council of chiefs. This system dates back centuries. When the British arrived, they introduced a new governance system. The Igala Native Authority was created, headed by the Atta. He acted as an intermediary between the British and the Igala people.

In 1968, the Native Authority was split into three local government councils: Idah, Ankpa, and Dekina. Later, Bassa was carved from Dekina in 1977, Olamaboro from Ankpa in 1989, and Ofu from Idah. These six councils formed the first administrative structure in the Igala kingdom under colonial rule.

Resistance Against Colonial Rule

Amana-bogili led the first recorded revolt against British colonial authorities. A staunch traditionalist, he opposed the colonial system and sought to protect Igala culture. Although his rebellion was largely unsuccessful, he became legendary for his alleged supernatural powers.

It was said he could summon storms, extinguish fires, heal the sick with words, and punish wrongdoers. Some claimed he could transform into a wolf to carry out his deeds. Amana-bogili represented the last of a powerful line of traditional Igala leaders.

“It is utter nonsense to believe in the idea that the white man had superior powers over the Blackman. Even during the slave trade, Europe lagged behind African civilization in many ways. With special psychic powers, the Blackman could move objects, summon rain, or disappear at will.”

We will stop here for now. Stay tuned for the next part of this series, which will explore the Igala’s traditional practices and the roles they play in their communities.

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