omorogied:
Igbanke People Of Edo State In Search Of
Linguistic And Cultural Identity by OMOROGIE

This is my candid and unbiased idea on
how our proposed memoranda to the
CONFAB should look like. This, in no way,
is final copy of it. Please, lets have it
subjected to a comprehensive analysis with
the view to removing things considered
irrelevant and injecting those viewed most
appropriate. IGBANKE IN SEARCH OF
LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL IDENTITY
INTRODUCTION
Language and culture are two of the most
fundamental factors that unite and identify
a people . A people and their race go into
extinction once their language is dead.
Once a group of people who share similar
linguistic and cultural affinity are
dismembered or have other language and
culture super-imposed on them, the
resultant effect is gradual, systematic and
eventual disintegration of the people, their
language and culture.
A classical example of a people who have
suffered aforementioned linguistic and
cultural annihilation were the Sects. Sects,
the original owner of the present-day
England were, in the 4th century, attacked
by the three Germanic tribes- Jutes,
Saxons and Anglo-Saxons. The imposition
of the dialects of the three Germanic tribes
led to the total extinction of the Sectic
language.
Though, the descendants of the Sects are
still in England, but their linguistic and
cultural identity have gone into oblivion.
To this extent, the people of Igbanke in
Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo
state are face the Sects experience.
Igbanke is one of the few Ika-speaking
communities in Edo state. For this singular
reason, they are subjected to all forms of
discriminations and marginalization.
STATEMENT OF FACTS ON THE SUBJECT
MATTER
The language and culture of the good
people of Igbanke are losing their envious
identity and relevance in culture-linguistic
market-place in Edo state in particular and
Nigeria at large.
Several reasons are evidently present to
support the fears and anxiety of the people
of Igbanke that our identity as a people
would go into sudden extinction if urgent
measures are not quickly taken to address
our emasculation by Bini language
dominance. The following points support
the facts of the subject matter:
1) Igbanke is one of the few communities
in Edo state that speak Ika language
2) Igbanke is located in Orhionmwon Local
Government Area, Edo state.
3) Igbanke, by name is in Orhionmwon
LGA, but geographically, we do not share
common boundary with any community in
the council
4) From the eastern flank, Igbanke shares
common boundary with Mbiri, an Ika
speaking community in Delta stae, from
west, it’s bounded by Oghada, another Ika
speaking community in Uhunmwode LGA
in Edo state. In the northern sphere,
Igbanke has boundary with Ekpon, Ika
speaking community in Igueben LGA while
from the south, it has Agbor and Oza-
Nogogo, Ika communities in Delta state as
neighbours.
5) Igbanke is in Edo south senatorial
district
6) Igbanke people and community came
under the Bini empire during the latter’s
expantionist programme.
7) Most of other Ika speaking communities
that were conquered by Bini empire same
time with Igbanke have gotten their
independence in Delta state while Igbanke,
Oghada, Otobaye, Iru, Ekpon and Ogbeka
etc are selfishly scattered in three local
government areas with the attendant
linguistic discrimination and political
marginalization.
coolIgbanke are gradually losing their
linguistic and cultural identity as a result
of our involuntary affiliation to the Bini
language-speakers dominated Orhionmwon
LGA.
ISSUES FROM THE STATEMENT OF FACTS
Consequent upon the facts drawn from the
subject matter, some issues could be
deduced to support Igbanke search for
linguistic and cultural identity. These
issues would go a long way in justifying
our position.
1)Igbanke was deliberately, but selfishly
carved into Edo state during the 1991 state
creation irrespective of the linguistic
difference between the people of Igbanke
and the dominant Bini speaking population
of the state.
2) Over 96% of Ika speaking communities
in the defunct Bendel state were carved
into Delta state while Igbanke and a
handful other Ika speaking communities
were severed into Edo state where they are
presently subjected to acute linguistic and
sundry discriminations
3) Because of linguistic factor, the people
of Igbanke feel more at home with their
kiths and kins (Ika speaking people) in Edo
and Delta states.
4) Igbanke is made up of six (6)
autonomous clans: Ake/Obiogba, Idumu-
Odin, Igbontor, Oligie, Omolua and Ottah.
These clans were governed by traditional
rulers called ‘’Eze or Obi’’. These terms
were of Ika origin, but have been forcefully
changed to ‘’Enogie’’ a Bini term by the
conquering Binis.
5) Our ancestral heritage like language,
names and beliefs are being systematically
destroyed by the domineering power of the
Binis.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF ISSUES
RAISED
1)Most Igbanke indigenes who have Ika
ancestral names like, “Emeka”, “Maduka”,
“Chukwuka’’, “Chinyere”, “Amaka and
“Ogorchukwu etc are often confronted with
all forms of harrowing experiences when
there are needs to visit our council
headquarters, Abudu to process one official
documents or the other. We are often
denied the issuance of documents like,
‘’Certificate of Local Government of
origin’’, Protest Letter’’, To Whom it May
Concern’’ etc on the guise that we are
Igbos not Binis.
2) Those who have the likes of the Ika
aforementioned names, but can speak Bini
language are rarely subjected to the above
embarrassments and discriminations. This
act goes a long way to vindicate our fear
that there is a subtle, but carefully planned
agenda to make us lose and abandon our
ancestral linguistic and cultural heritage.
3) In order to escape from these
unnecessary embarrassments, some have
no other option left than to change their
identity from Ika to Bini names.
4) Today, we, the good people of Igbanke
are gradually losing our once envied
linguistic and cultural identity.
5) Some of the eminent sons and
daughters of Igbanke, whom out of their
outstanding contributions to the
development of the community, were
recognized and given chieftaincy titles had
had such titles changed from their original
Ika origin to Bini equivalence. For example,
few years ago, one of our sons who
addressed himself as “Chief Orike-Eze” in
Oba of Benin palace was shamefully
harassed, insulted and forcefully forced,
right in the palace to change the title to its
Bini version. According to the palace, the
title, “Orike-Eze” had its origin from Ika
and Igbo nations.
5) Most times, when we have cause to
attend meetings with the Binis in our local
government area or senatorial district,
deliberations are often conducted in Bini in
language without considering the fact that
the people of Igbanke in such meeting
neither speak nor understand the language.
Often than not, when we attend such
meetings, we left the venue more confused
than we were before we went.
6) In Edo state, Igbanke is only tolerated,
not respected, seen, but not accepted.
Today, in Edo state, plans are underway by
the state Ministry of Education to introduce
the teaching of Bini language in Primary
and Secondary schools across Edo south
senatorial district including Igbanke.
Unfortunately, our indigenous language, Ika
is not in any way considered qualified and
appropriate to be taught in schools in
Igbanke. To us, its another deliberate
attempt to send our linguistic identity into
extinction.
7) Our people have also suffered several
inexplicable discriminations when it comes
to political appointments. During the 2013
Edo state local government elections, one
of our sons, Mr. Peter Ikem was refused to
contest the chairmanship position in
Orhionmwon local government area.
Reason? His surname, “Ikem” was an Igbo,
not Bini name.
PRAYERS/ RELIEFS SOUGHT
Sir, based on the foregoing, we therefore,
solemnly ask for the folling:
1) A local government be created that
would comprise all Ika speaking
communities scattered in Orhionmwon,
Uhunmwode and Igueben LGAs of Edo
state. Some of the Ika speaking
communities in Edo stateinclude:
Orhionmwon LGA ----Igbanke, Iru,
Ohezenaka, Otobaye, Ugbeka
Uhunmwode LGA ----- Oghada
Igueben LGA ------- Ekpon
2) Where, for any reason, creation of a
local government area that would consist
all Ika speaking communities is not in the
immediate possible or feasible, we
therefore ask that Igbanke be severed from
Edo state and merged with our kiths and
kins in Ika south local government area in
Delta state.
3) The people of Igbanke should be seen,
recognized and accepted as Ika people
residing in Edo.
4) That Igbanke people, based on our
forceful membership of Edo state, reserved
the natural and inalienable right to decide,
at any time, either to continue our
membership with the Binis in Edo state or
join our Ika kiths and kins in Delta state.
CONCLUSION
Igbanke is an Ika speaking community in
Orhionmwon local government, Edo state
We, the people Igbanke are gradually losing
our linguistic and cultural identity as a
result of our forceful membership with the
Binis through conquest.
If urgent measures are not taken, our
linguistic and cultural identity would
sooner than later go into sudden extinction.
In order to avoid the impending
extermination of our race, we therefore, ask
that a local government area be created
that would consist of Igbanke and other Ika
speaking communities in Edo state.
Alternatively, if local government creation
is not feasible or possible, Igbanke, should
therefore, be severed from Edo state and
merged with Ika south local government
area in Delta state.

legendsilver:
The merger is not working and it's time our people speak up. Don't join what you cannot win, find a way out

omorogied:
Igbanke People Of Edo State In Search Of
Linguistic And Cultural Identity by OMOROGIE

This is my candid and unbiased idea on
how our proposed memoranda to the
CONFAB should look like. This, in no way,
is final copy of it. Please, lets have it
subjected to a comprehensive analysis with
the view to removing things considered
irrelevant and injecting those viewed most
appropriate. IGBANKE IN SEARCH OF
LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL IDENTITY
INTRODUCTION
Language and culture are two of the most
fundamental factors that unite and identify
a people . A people and their race go into
extinction once their language is dead.
Once a group of people who share similar
linguistic and cultural affinity are
dismembered or have other language and
culture super-imposed on them, the
resultant effect is gradual, systematic and
eventual disintegration of the people, their
language and culture.
A classical example of a people who have
suffered aforementioned linguistic and
cultural annihilation were the Sects. Sects,
the original owner of the present-day
England were, in the 4th century, attacked
by the three Germanic tribes- Jutes,
Saxons and Anglo-Saxons. The imposition
of the dialects of the three Germanic tribes
led to the total extinction of the Sectic
language.
Though, the descendants of the Sects are
still in England, but their linguistic and
cultural identity have gone into oblivion.
To this extent, the people of Igbanke in
Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo
state are face the Sects experience.
Igbanke is one of the few Ika-speaking
communities in Edo state. For this singular
reason, they are subjected to all forms of
discriminations and marginalization.
STATEMENT OF FACTS ON THE SUBJECT
MATTER
The language and culture of the good
people of Igbanke are losing their envious
identity and relevance in culture-linguistic
market-place in Edo state in particular and
Nigeria at large.
Several reasons are evidently present to
support the fears and anxiety of the people
of Igbanke that our identity as a people
would go into sudden extinction if urgent
measures are not quickly taken to address
our emasculation by Bini language
dominance. The following points support
the facts of the subject matter:
1) Igbanke is one of the few communities
in Edo state that speak Ika language
2) Igbanke is located in Orhionmwon Local
Government Area, Edo state.
3) Igbanke, by name is in Orhionmwon
LGA, but geographically, we do not share
common boundary with any community in
the council
4) From the eastern flank, Igbanke shares
common boundary with Mbiri, an Ika
speaking community in Delta stae, from
west, it’s bounded by Oghada, another Ika
speaking community in Uhunmwode LGA
in Edo state. In the northern sphere,
Igbanke has boundary with Ekpon, Ika
speaking community in Igueben LGA while
from the south, it has Agbor and Oza-
Nogogo, Ika communities in Delta state as
neighbours.
5) Igbanke is in Edo south senatorial
district
6) Igbanke people and community came
under the Bini empire during the latter’s
expantionist programme.
7) Most of other Ika speaking communities
that were conquered by Bini empire same
time with Igbanke have gotten their
independence in Delta state while Igbanke,
Oghada, Otobaye, Iru, Ekpon and Ogbeka
etc are selfishly scattered in three local
government areas with the attendant
linguistic discrimination and political
marginalization.
coolIgbanke are gradually losing their
linguistic and cultural identity as a result
of our involuntary affiliation to the Bini
language-speakers dominated Orhionmwon
LGA.
ISSUES FROM THE STATEMENT OF FACTS
Consequent upon the facts drawn from the
subject matter, some issues could be
deduced to support Igbanke search for
linguistic and cultural identity. These
issues would go a long way in justifying
our position.
1)Igbanke was deliberately, but selfishly
carved into Edo state during the 1991 state
creation irrespective of the linguistic
difference between the people of Igbanke
and the dominant Bini speaking population
of the state.
2) Over 96% of Ika speaking communities
in the defunct Bendel state were carved
into Delta state while Igbanke and a
handful other Ika speaking communities
were severed into Edo state where they are
presently subjected to acute linguistic and
sundry discriminations
3) Because of linguistic factor, the people
of Igbanke feel more at home with their
kiths and kins (Ika speaking people) in Edo
and Delta states.
4) Igbanke is made up of six (6)
autonomous clans: Ake/Obiogba, Idumu-
Odin, Igbontor, Oligie, Omolua and Ottah.
These clans were governed by traditional
rulers called ‘’Eze or Obi’’. These terms
were of Ika origin, but have been forcefully
changed to ‘’Enogie’’ a Bini term by the
conquering Binis.
5) Our ancestral heritage like language,
names and beliefs are being systematically
destroyed by the domineering power of the
Binis.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF ISSUES
RAISED
1)Most Igbanke indigenes who have Ika
ancestral names like, “Emeka”, “Maduka”,
“Chukwuka’’, “Chinyere”, “Amaka and
“Ogorchukwu etc are often confronted with
all forms of harrowing experiences when
there are needs to visit our council
headquarters, Abudu to process one official
documents or the other. We are often
denied the issuance of documents like,
‘’Certificate of Local Government of
origin’’, Protest Letter’’, To Whom it May
Concern’’ etc on the guise that we are
Igbos not Binis.
2) Those who have the likes of the Ika
aforementioned names, but can speak Bini
language are rarely subjected to the above
embarrassments and discriminations. This
act goes a long way to vindicate our fear
that there is a subtle, but carefully planned
agenda to make us lose and abandon our
ancestral linguistic and cultural heritage.
3) In order to escape from these
unnecessary embarrassments, some have
no other option left than to change their
identity from Ika to Bini names.
4) Today, we, the good people of Igbanke
are gradually losing our once envied
linguistic and cultural identity.
5) Some of the eminent sons and
daughters of Igbanke, whom out of their
outstanding contributions to the
development of the community, were
recognized and given chieftaincy titles had
had such titles changed from their original
Ika origin to Bini equivalence. For example,
few years ago, one of our sons who
addressed himself as “Chief Orike-Eze” in
Oba of Benin palace was shamefully
harassed, insulted and forcefully forced,
right in the palace to change the title to its
Bini version. According to the palace, the
title, “Orike-Eze” had its origin from Ika
and Igbo nations.
5) Most times, when we have cause to
attend meetings with the Binis in our local
government area or senatorial district,
deliberations are often conducted in Bini in
language without considering the fact that
the people of Igbanke in such meeting
neither speak nor understand the language.
Often than not, when we attend such
meetings, we left the venue more confused
than we were before we went.
6) In Edo state, Igbanke is only tolerated,
not respected, seen, but not accepted.
Today, in Edo state, plans are underway by
the state Ministry of Education to introduce
the teaching of Bini language in Primary
and Secondary schools across Edo south
senatorial district including Igbanke.
Unfortunately, our indigenous language, Ika
is not in any way considered qualified and
appropriate to be taught in schools in
Igbanke. To us, its another deliberate
attempt to send our linguistic identity into
extinction.
7) Our people have also suffered several
inexplicable discriminations when it comes
to political appointments. During the 2013
Edo state local government elections, one
of our sons, Mr. Peter Ikem was refused to
contest the chairmanship position in
Orhionmwon local government area.
Reason? His surname, “Ikem” was an Igbo,
not Bini name.
PRAYERS/ RELIEFS SOUGHT
Sir, based on the foregoing, we therefore,
solemnly ask for the folling:
1) A local government be created that
would comprise all Ika speaking
communities scattered in Orhionmwon,
Uhunmwode and Igueben LGAs of Edo
state. Some of the Ika speaking
communities in Edo stateinclude:
Orhionmwon LGA ----Igbanke, Iru,
Ohezenaka, Otobaye, Ugbeka
Uhunmwode LGA ----- Oghada
Igueben LGA ------- Ekpon
2) Where, for any reason, creation of a
local government area that would consist
all Ika speaking communities is not in the
immediate possible or feasible, we
therefore ask that Igbanke be severed from
Edo state and merged with our kiths and
kins in Ika south local government area in
Delta state.
3) The people of Igbanke should be seen,
recognized and accepted as Ika people
residing in Edo.
4) That Igbanke people, based on our
forceful membership of Edo state, reserved
the natural and inalienable right to decide,
at any time, either to continue our
membership with the Binis in Edo state or
join our Ika kiths and kins in Delta state.
CONCLUSION
Igbanke is an Ika speaking community in
Orhionmwon local government, Edo state
We, the people Igbanke are gradually losing
our linguistic and cultural identity as a
result of our forceful membership with the
Binis through conquest.
If urgent measures are not taken, our
linguistic and cultural identity would
sooner than later go into sudden extinction.
In order to avoid the impending
extermination of our race, we therefore, ask
that a local government area be created
that would consist of Igbanke and other Ika
speaking communities in Edo state.
Alternatively, if local government creation
is not feasible or possible, Igbanke, should
therefore, be severed from Edo state and
merged with Ika south local government
area in Delta state.

davidnazee:


Well it seems Igbanke only have 2 choices: Merge with Great Edo or be lost in Biafra.. no other option for them..

RedboneSmith:


No. There's a third option. Merge with their Anioma kith and kin in Delta State and be neither Edo nor Biafra.

RedboneSmith:


No. There's a third option. Merge with their Anioma kith and kin in Delta State and be neither Edo nor Biafra.

Edeyoung:


We are all southern nigeria that's what matter unity is strength

legendsilver:

I'm from Oligie, my people are not getting good governance because they believe we are minorities in Edo state. If we can't get igbanke to become a LGA, then let's join our clans in Delta State.
Enough is Enough

legendsilver:

I'm from Oligie, my people are not getting good governance because they believe we are minorities in Edo state. If we can't get igbanke to become a LGA, then let's join our clans in Delta State.
Enough is Enough

davidnazee:


Whether you are in Edo or delta is not the issue.. in a couple hundred years from now, your language and culture will become lost/merged in a bigger and dominant tribe.. is it Edo or Biafra? That’s your choice..

sagitariusbaby:
My Pastor is from Oza Nagogo and he said he is a Bini man not Ika, his people are also heavily marginalised in Delta state until recently when Okowa gave them a little respite. Meanwhile no one is stopping you from joining your kits and kins in delta state just leave Edo land behind as you do so.

sagitariusbaby:
My Pastor is from Oza Nagogo and he said he is a Bini man not Ika, his people are also heavily marginalised in Delta state until recently when Okowa gave them a little respite. Meanwhile no one is stopping you from joining your kits and kins in delta state just leave Edo land behind as you do so.

RedboneSmith:


What does "Edo land" mean? The Igbanke have been where they currently are long before anyone dreamt that there will be an Edo State. The land does not belong to Edo State that was only created yesterday; it belongs to Igbanke people.

And where Igbanke people go (Edo State, Delta State, Anioma State or wherever), the land will go with them.

ETooLong:
The plans of the igbo man will surely fail. He will always and always fail. He is trying to sweet-talk Ika away from Benin so that they can subjugate them. This is the same plan Nnamdi Azikiwe did , when he was sweet-talking Bendel to come and join the Eastern Region.

Look at what they did to Ikwerre people in Eastern region. They stole all their lands , changed their indigenous community names to Igbo names. It was all conquest for the Igbo man.

Look at Anambra today , look at Enugu state , how many times have the Igala speaking people there come out as Governors post in the military era or civilian ? None! Those Igalas in Igboland have been GREATLY marginalized.

But these idiots will NEVER look towards that direction. They love to cause problems where they are never invited. Coming to Edo to tell Igbanke how they should live their life ? An igbanke man has been governor of that region once. That is to tell you that Benin Kingdom has NEVER been a tribal kingdoms. That’s why Benin has a large base of different tribes living in peace , without been discriminated. But these idiots IPOB monkeys , always cook up stories to paint Benin evil. Whereas , in their states , they marginalize other tribes.

Let’s not even talk about the Osu caste system . Who’s going to save those people ? Let’s not even talk about Ohu. Let’s not even talk about how they maltreat the Ebonyians , as if they’re not Igbo speaking people. This is the reason NOBODY want to have ANYTHING to do with the Igbo. Power in the hands of the igbo is a risky thing.

Remember the Igbo coup , this is the genesis of the problems with have today in Nigeria. But these miscreants will NEVER face their regions and develop it. Instead , they strive in propaganda. Very soon, nobody will even take them serious because we have come to understand them.

All these stories , trying to link Igbanke with Anioma , it’s not a problem for the Benins at all. We also have communities in Ika there. We can as well exchange them. Nothing will be lost for any region. But my anger is these IPOB bastards, hiding under Igbanke , trying to cause tribal unrest in South-South. They need to be stopped.

I love how the Ikwerre handles them. Because if you let the Igbo man too comfortable , he will try to fight you in your land. He lacks respect because their culture is all about monetary dominance. There’s no humanity. How can reasonable people strive in such an environment? Little wonder all these killings and IPOB terrorist reign supreme over there.

I love how Wike handled them when he was Governor. They tried to change a name of a community , calling it “Obigbo” , NOT the “Oyingbo” , the locals call it. Is this another new form of colonialism ? If you say they speak Igbo and what they have there is a dialect, why don’t you use your brain to think that this could also be a dialectical name ? But no!!! These monkeys want to change it to EVERYTHING Igbo.

Just look at the write up on this page , writing Igbo names , enforcing it as Ika names. Honestly , these people are a threat. They are the NEO Igbo-Fulani land grabbers of South-South. No wonder the governor of Lagos had to use thugs to flog them koboko in the last general election. Always causing trouble for the other innocent igbos.

No matter how you do the write up , EDO IS ONE ☝️, SOUTH SOUTH IS ONE ☝️. No one will be a partaker of your Biafra or any Igbo nation. We don’t have igbos in South South. Go and make peace with the Igala people in your regions , stop the maltreatment of the Ebonyi people. Ntezi has already lost its language. Yet the idiots are here talking about people whom have been here since Iduu Igodomigodo, where your ancestors even left. Our language got corrupted by the language of the slaves during the slave era doesn’t make it a dialect of the slaves. Anioma is Anioma. Anioma is one ☝️. Igbos , develop your states and stop these abnormal idiosyncrasies. Shalom