Jbenue:

Oh[b] Alechenu [/b] but its not his last name, Mark is,  do any of the two sound igbo

sounds like tiv /berom names(around that area)

interesting, so do u silly feel southern

bashr4:


lol thats my last name , i dey laugh in igbooooo

Oh reli u must be Idoma den
Aba yole!!!!!!

Jbenue:

Oh[b] Alechenu [/b] but its not his last name, Mark is,  do any of the two sound igbo

Idomas are Idomas. Some do carry Igbo names though and we share cultural ties/relations but Idomas are not Igbo,period. Btw, a non-Igbo/Idoma would think that Alechenu is an Igbo name.

alj_harem:

tell bashr to proved his first

link of what ? i provided the link for the enugu story of igala people and their Mr ogidi , i also told u to use faceboo profile search to confirm the names idibia, attah,ogidi and even alechenu

Chyz*:

Idomas are Idomas. Some do carry Igbo names though and we share cultural ties/relations but Idomas are not Igbo,period. Btw, a non-Igbo/Idoma would think that Alechenu is an Igbo name.

they do not carry igbo names but igbos carry there names

Jbenue:

Oh reli u must be Idoma den
Aba yole!!!!!!

you and who be idoma?? abeg no dey speak french to me , i a true descendant of eri  

Chyz*:

Idomas are Idomas. Some do carry Igbo names though and we share cultural ties/relations but Idomas are not Igbo,period. Btw, a non-Igbo/Idoma would think that Alechenu is an Igbo name.

nobody said they were igbo at all through out this thread , we are only trying to determin their relationship with the southern groups to see if we southerners wil expand our expansionism project to the middle belt.

infact the yorubas have already claimed the igalas imagine so we igbos need to move fast and at least claim the idoma people before the  south west strikes again

alj_harem:


they do not carry igbo names but igbos carry there names

i always feel like strangling you.

Jbenue:

Oh reli u must be Idoma den
Aba yole!!!!!!

mba abughim oye aba

bashr4:

you and who be idoma?? abeg no dey speak french to me , i a true descendant of eri  
nobody said they were igbo at all through out this thread , we are only trying to determin their relationship with the southern groups to see if we southerners wil expand our expansionism project to the middle belt.

infact the yorubas have already claimed the igalas imagine so we igbos need to move fast and at least claim the idoma people before the  south west strikes again

see what i mean the 3 headed monster. your leaders are tired of stealing from you so u wan come steal from us MIDDLE BELT WILL SURVIVE and one day we will take of dat belt off and bash una head with am

bashr4:

nobody said they were igbo at all through out this thread , we are only trying to determin their relationship with the southern groups to see if we southerners wil expand our expansionism project to the middle belt.

infact the yorubas have already claimed the igalas imagine so we igbos need to move fast and at least claim the idoma people before the  south west strikes again

Don't worry when the fulanis are almost done clearing out Benue like they have been doing recently, Idomas  go say they be 'Igboid'.

JBenue, [size=5pt]just kidding[/size]

bashr4:


i always feel like strangling you.

my brother why

Jbenue:


see what i mean the 3 headed monster. your leaders are tired of stealing from you so u wan come steal from us MIDDLE BELT WILL SURVIVE and one day we will take of dat belt off and bash una head with am

Hey, how thorough are you in knowledge of the ethnic composition of Benue?

Chyz*:

Don't worry when the fulanis are almost done clearing out Benue like they have been doing recently, Idomas  go say they be 'Igboid'.

JBenue, [size=5pt]just kidding[/size]

chyz u can read some more here http://igalaassociationusa.org/ViewContent.aspx?id=13

Jbenue:


see what i mean the 3 headed monster. your leaders are tired of stealing from you so u wan come steal from us MIDDLE BELT WILL SURVIVE and one day we will take of dat belt off and bash una head with am

[s]MIDDLE BELT WILL SURVIVE and one day we will take of dat belt off and bash una head with am [/s]

you mean northern almajiro region there no middle belt in nigerian political map

bashr4:

infact the yorubas have already claimed the igalas imagine so we igbos need to move fast and at least claim the idoma people before the  south west strikes again

I don't think we are claiming Igala. But there are (recent) historical connections. Even our languages (Yoruba and Igala) are grouped in the same family (Yoruboid).

Watch this Igala music video for example:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVmTaWi_O1M&feature=related

@bashr4
Go suck on a lemon

bashr4:

you and who be idoma?? abeg no dey speak french to me , i a true descendant of eri  
nobody said they were igbo at all through out this thread , we are only trying to determin their relationship with the southern groups to see if we southerners wil expand our expansionism project to the middle belt.

infact the yorubas have already claimed the igalas imagine so we igbos need to move fast and at least claim the idoma people before the  south west strikes again

another one again, well let me make up ur night

from an igala website




Igala is the language spoken by the people located within the triangle formed by the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State of Nigeria. 'The Igala people are found east of the confluence of these rivers. The land is bounded on the west by River Niger, on the east by Enugu State, the south by Anambra State, on the north Benue/Nassarawa States. It is 120 kilometers wide and 160 kilometers long. It is located approximately between latitudes 6°30' and 8° north and longitudes 6°30' and 7°40' East and covers an area of about 13,665 square kilometers. The population of the Igala people is estimated at two million in the late 1990s.
The people are evenly distributed all over the land but with ldah, Anyigba and Ankpa more densely populated. The Igala are also sparsely found in Edo, Delta, Anambra and Enugu States. But the huge bulk of the people are in Idah, Ankpa, Dekina, Oma1a, Olamaboro, Ofu, Iga1amela/Odolu, lbaji, Bassa (and even Lokoja and Ajaokuta) Local Government Areas of Kogi State. The boundary of the land was by far larger than it is in our time. The traditional limits of the 1and included: 'The greater part of ldomaland, Nsukka area, Kogi, Anambra area (North of Onitsba), The Atta of Igala formerly exercised suzerainty over them.  The Igala are unmistakably the major language group in Kogi State of Nigeria today. .
Igalaland could be said to be a sort of terminus.  It is located strategically at the natural cross-roads in Nigeria.  Owing to this reason, it has been influenced both positively and negatively by trends of events as it is pulled in different directions. By and large, it has enjoyed some degree of encounter with the Yoruba, Edo (Benin), Jukun, Idoma, Nupe, Igbo, Hausa, Igbirra, Bassa-kwomo and Bassa-nge. This experience naturally left certain imprints on the tradition or culture of the Igala people. To some extent, its central positioning may account for the land being considered a cultural melting pot. Yet, it might not be quite true to conclude that Igala is totally a conglomeration of other ethnic groups.  Igala existed as an entity on its own before the other cultures were assimilated into its mainstream

Vegetation, cultural endowment and communications:
           The Igalas have an unusually and richly endowed environment. They are within the "middle-belt" of Nigeria which has an advantage of the climate of the drier Savannah vegetation to the north and the wet forest regions to the south.
           The area lies within the warm humid climatic zone of Nigeria. There is a distinctive wet-dry season dichotomy. The wet season lasts from about April to the end of September or early October while the dry season lasts from about October to about the end of March or early April. Rainfall can be heavy and the effects of the harmattan can be severe, especially from about November.                
                       The area has an average rain fall of about 50” a year.  The lowland riverine areas are flooded seasonally, making it possible for the growing of paddy rice and controlled fish farming in ponds that are owned on individual or clan basis.  The lbaji area is the major place awashed by flood. This makes the area very fertile soil more than other place in the land: "The receding floods leave behind a large quantity of fish in ponds and lakes. This facts, plays an important role in the economic and social lives of the people,"
Simply put, the vegetation is mainly deciduous, with the major rivers (Benue and Niger), a few minor ones such as Okula, Ofu, Imabolo, Ubele, Adale, Ogbagana, and many streams in the land.  Hence, is Igalaland popularly known as a blessed fishing and arable region.

           The most common economic trees are palm trees (ekpe), locust beans (okpehie). mahogany (ago), iroko (uloko), whitewood (uwewe) and raffia palms (ugala). Common plantations are of okra (oro, -aikpele), cashew (agala), banana (ogede). Some of the economic trees mentioned here provide timber for the people and for sale. In the forest regions were also found certain wild animals, such lions (idu), hyenas (olinya), leopards (omolalna or eje), elephants (adagba), bush-pigs (ehi), chimpanzee (ukabu). etc.
This favorable vegetation makes farming and hunting highly profitable. Thus. 90% of the population. practice farming.  Both forest and savannah crops thrive on Igala soil very well. Thus, the main forest crops produced are: yams, cassava, maize, melon and groundnut.  And they produce such savannah cereals as guinea corn. beans. millet and benniseed.  However, due to the shifting cultivation being practiced, bush burning and felling of trees, a good proportion of the forest is being gradually destroyed and wild animals are fast becoming extinct.
           Igalaland is blessed with rich natural resources.  In the south are swamps where crude oil was prospected some years ago. It is generally believed that oil was discovered at Alade and Odolu. IS The Okabba (Adagio) coalmine is close to Ankpa in the north.  The country has benefitted from the coalmine since 1967.
There are many roads in the area. The main ones are Anyigba-ldah, Anyigba-Ankpa, Anyigba-Shintaku. Those of Anyigba-Ajaokuta, Ankpa-Otukpo, Otukpa, Ankpa-Ogobia. Idah· Nsukka and Ejule-Otukpa link the land with neighboring states. Good waterways are possible between Idah-Agenebode-Onitsha and the Shintaku-Lokoja axis of River Niger. These waterways have served as veritable means of transport in the recent past. It encouraged social and economic interactions.
Today, Igala land does not possess any airport. However, air travelers make use of Ajaokuta Steel Company's airstrip. The Itobe-Ajaokuta Bridge constructed about two decades ago on the River Niger has also turned out to be of tremendous benefit as it has enhanced intra and inter-state links and commercial transactions.

The Rulership
           The "Atta" is the traditional paramount king of the Igala kingdom. "Atta", as the name implies is the father or custodian of the entire Igala people's culture.  Tradition holds that "The Atta of Igala
(the king) was a priest-king.  He was incharge of the major Igala sacred objects, shrines and festivals.  His provincial chiefs (Am 'Onu) were also incharge of the various shrines, sacred objects and festivals in their own areas ·of authority.  The Atta and his chiefs (Am 'Onu) therefore, play very active roles in the traditional religion.
Idah, the cultural centre or headquarter of the Kingdom is where the Attah resides. From there he cares for the entire kingdom.  He also delegates certain powers to other chiefs, as it is also their responsibility in some cases to exercise power of adjudication in matters of dispute among their immediate subjects.  Attaship is hereditary and it is ascended to by those who belong to the royal lineage. It is by a rotating system of succession in which three other lineages hold the royal office in turn before the cycle is complete and a son succeeds his father.

The Social-Cultural Life
           Dialectical differences are noticeable, yet the people are not divided.  According to Okwoli, ''the Idah dialect, central dialect, the Dekina dialect 'With Bassa-Igbirra influence, the Ankpa dialect with Idoma influence and trans-Niger Anambra dialect (in Odolu and Ibaji) with Ibo influence".  With the coming of British colonial masters and missionaries, English Language has spread to every nook and cranny of the land, even if it were at some level pidgin English. The villages in the land are a conglomeration of houses whose first settlers founded as a result of good farmland, rich fishponds, favorable hunting expeditions.  In these villages, settlements are sometimes lineal.  But in most eases people live according to clans thereby giving way to the circular style. In certain cases, land disputes, incessant illness, death of children. war, epidemics, natural disasters, marriage, ostracization or barnishment could occasion relocation. The buildings were traditionally mud walls with thatched roofs (unyi~egbe) but owing to developments, such locally constructed houses have given way to solid cement walls, rectangular in shape with corrugated roofing sheets to match.
The major commercial nerve centers in Iga1aland are Anyigba, Idah, Ankpa, Ejule, Ajaka and Afo-gamgam.  Idah, Anyigba and Ankpa also form the nodal centers or focal points in the land. As It were, Idah remains till today the traditional seat of culture of the Igala people. Yet Anyigba is considered as a cultural meeting point. owing to the centrality of its location.  Anyigba has also remained the venue for the "Italo" 7 which was introduced by the colonial administrators in about A.D 1942.

The Origin and Development
The actual origin of the Igala people is not quite known. Different people present many versions of legends of immigration There are claims, for instance, that the Igala people came from the Jukun (Kwarara/a), some says Benin, others Yoruba. Yet, others feel they migrated from Mecca (Southern Yemen) or Mali.
In the past, the reigning Atta, His Royal Majesty. Agabaidu (Dr.) Aliyu O. Obaje, had. for instance, explained: "the !gala came from Southern Yemen, passed through Ethiopia (where there is an ethnic group called the Gala) and through the (medieval times} Empire of Mali, to Jukun land; then finally, to our present location."  In another instance, the Atta said that the Igala "came from the Arab country of Yemen and were in the present Nigeria at the same time as the founding fathers of the Yorubas, the Jukuns and the Beriberis or Kanuris Bornu.  He also maintains that the earlier migration into Igalaland was at "about the 12th century A.D, led by Amina, a Zaria princess and warrior. who fought her way to Idah , with Hausa and Nupe followers.
           Certain traditions even hold that the Igala are of Fulani origin, simply because of the similarities in their physical features.  It IS clear that Fulanis do not speak a Kwa language. And owing to the linguistic affinity, others affirm the Yoruba connections. For Byng Halt notes that, "It is not surprising that within a short period of arrival in Igala land, a Yoruba is well acquainted with the language.”  He attributes the ease in learning the language to the closeness of the two languages. Armstrong sticks to this same view when he said: "the most definite historical statement that can be made about Igala is that . they had a common origin with the Yoruba and that the separation took place long enough ago to allow for their fairly considerable linguistic differences. There is a whole corpus of oral traditions on the origin of the Igala people.
           While this study did not engage .in any detailed criticism of the diverse opinions on the Igala origins. it gave a thorough look: at certain .inescapable facts, These intricate issues were pin-pointed in order to allow us take a solid stand.
           The view that Princess Amina of Zaria led the very first migration into Igalaland in the 12th century does not hold water. This is because Queen Amina was a 14th C figure and history has it that the Igala people were already settled in this area and were relating socio-culturally with the Igbos right from the ,7th and  9th century A.D. Moreover, the obvious absence of a legend relating to this princess and warrior .in Igalaland is a clear indication that it might not be true afterall that she actually reached Igala land.  Stories on Igala Benin war and Igala-Jukun war, for instance. are very popular. The near dead silence on an Amina war leaves room for great doubts. Niven argues against the presupposition that she died at 'Atagara' (that is ldah) when he said: "she died at Atagara, probably a place iii the Gongola valley then under Kwararafa, not Idah. which is now known as Atagara.'
The linking of the Igala with Yemen In Arabia is another highly speculative opinion. This story was probably a device of the Muslims to Islamise Igala people. The people of Igala had long settled before the Galas entered Ethiopia. because tradition has it that it was only in the century A.D, that the Gala migration to Ethiopia took place. In addition, it is quite improbable that the Semite Galas would metamorphose into Negroes of the contemporary Igalaland overnight.  The similarity in name is thereby merely coincidental.
The Mali connection remains baseless too because the similarities between the words "Mela" (nine of them) of Igala-Mela (the nine Igala kingmakers) is in no way attributable to “9” as originating from Mali. To the Igala mind, "nine" simply symbolizes perfectness.
Likewise, the supposition that the Igalas came out of the Fulanis, carries no weight, since "no tradition in Igala supports it.  History attests to the fact that the Fulanis were still in the region of Senegal by the time the Igala were already having a "centralized state system , in the 12" century.
           That the Igala have a traditional link with the Benin kingdom is indubitable. There abound theories for instance, that support a Benin origin of Igala kingship.  However, there was already in existence indigenous Igala people with their kingship systems before the arrival of the Benin kings. But it must be understood that at some stage of Igala history, the Benin people wielded some power of influence over them. The difference in their system of government alone is enough reason to prove that it is never true to say the entire Igala originated from Benin.
           The tradition, which holds that the Igala has the same origin with the Yoruba seem to be a plausible one. This humble submission is based on the fact that the Igala language has a lot in common with the Yoruba. Okwoli supports this view when he said: "When people speak the same language. or related languages, there is every reason to believe that they have common origin or have met somewhere.
The Jukun link with the Igala is another very strong tradition that immediately calls for serious attention. Stories about the Jukun origin of Igala kingship, for instance, cannot be waved aside. That there were certain Jukun immigrants who came among the Igalas at some stage of the development of the Igala kingdom is quite evident It is even a common knowledge that the present ruling dynasty is Jukun.
Ultimately, therefore, there is no single account of the origin of the Iga1a people, which is unassailable However, one may agree with Boston that the different tradition "probably correspond to different phases of history in which the Yoruba link may be the most ancient, followed by the Benin connection, and most recently. some form of Jukun suzerainty'.  In order not to continue swimming in this shark-infested waters of legends and traditions, we concluded that the Igala kingdom originated from within their immediate vicinity, namely. West Africa. As a matter of fact, before the advent of the colonial masters, about seven very prominent black. kingdoms were noticeable in the forest belt, thus, Ashanti, Dahomey. ]fe,  Oyo, Bini, Igala and Jukun(Apa) kingdoms.

The Atta's scope of influence
With Atta Ayegba Om'Idoko, the kingdom was zoned in the 17th cetltury A.D. into smaller units in order to decentralize authority. Then in 1905 the British created the districts. These districts comprised Ankpa, Dekina, Egwume., Ejema, Imane. Iga, Ika, Ogwugwu, Ojokwu. Atabaka (Okpo), Biraidu (Abocho), Ife (Abejukolo). Odu, Iyale, Emekwutu, Okenyi, Ojokiti, As these districts were formed and "trustworthy relatives and followers" were sent to rule, these were given the 'traditional titles of "Onu" (the principal person or chief).
               Some Igala tradition holds that an Atta gave the Nupes a Kingdom, He bestowed the rule of Nupe country to Edegi (Tsoede), one of the sons he had from a Nupe mother. He gave riches of various types to him and gave him different insignia of kingship: a bronze Canoe, twelve Nupe slaves. the bronze Okakachi (Trumpet) which are still being used by Northern Nigerian ~.state drums hung with brass belts and heavy iron chains and fetters which were endowed with strong magic power …, Tsoede or Edegi then became the ruler of the Nupe people and took the title of Etsu (King) and the Nupe kingdom became an ally to Igala,.

(Curled from the book written by Rev. Fr. Fidelis Egbunu which discusses Christians taking chieftaincy titles in Igala land)

http://igalaassociationusa.org/ViewContent.aspx?id=13

Jbenue:

@bashr4
Go suck on a lemon

i prefer oranges

bashr4:

i prefer oranges

i perfer oranges as well

we kanuris have alot in common with the igbos

alj_harem:

i perfer oranges as well

we kanuris have alot in common with the igbos

alj_harem:

i perfer oranges as well

we kanuris have alot in common with the igbos

Lmao!

alj_harem:

another one again, well let me make up your night

from an igala website




Igala is the language spoken by the people located within the triangle formed by the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State of Nigeria. 'The Igala people are found east of the confluence of these rivers. The land is bounded on the west by River Niger, on the east by Enugu State, the south by Anambra State, on the north Benue/Nassarawa States. It is 120 kilometers wide and 160 kilometers long. It is located approximately between latitudes 6°30' and 8° north and longitudes 6°30' and 7°40' East and covers an area of about 13,665 square kilometers. The population of the Igala people is estimated at two million in the late 1990s.
The people are evenly distributed all over the land but with ldah, Anyigba and Ankpa more densely populated. The Igala are also sparsely found in Edo, Delta, Anambra and Enugu States. But the huge bulk of the people are in Idah, Ankpa, Dekina, Oma1a, Olamaboro, Ofu, Iga1amela/Odolu, lbaji, Bassa (and even Lokoja and Ajaokuta) Local Government Areas of Kogi State. The boundary of the land was by far larger than it is in our time. The traditional limits of the 1and included: 'The greater part of ldomaland, Nsukka area, Kogi, Anambra area (North of Onitsba), The Atta of Igala formerly exercised suzerainty over them.  The Igala are unmistakably the major language group in Kogi State of Nigeria today. .
Igalaland could be said to be a sort of terminus.  It is located strategically at the natural cross-roads in Nigeria.  Owing to this reason, it has been influenced both positively and negatively by trends of events as it is pulled in different directions. By and large, it has enjoyed some degree of encounter with the Yoruba, Edo (Benin), Jukun, Idoma, Nupe, Igbo, Hausa, Igbirra, Bassa-kwomo and Bassa-nge. This experience naturally left certain imprints on the tradition or culture of the Igala people. To some extent, its central positioning may account for the land being considered a cultural melting pot. Yet, it might not be quite true to conclude that Igala is totally a conglomeration of other ethnic groups.  Igala existed as an entity on its own before the other cultures were assimilated into its mainstream

Vegetation, cultural endowment and communications:
           The Igalas have an unusually and richly endowed environment. They are within the "middle-belt" of Nigeria which has an advantage of the climate of the drier Savannah vegetation to the north and the wet forest regions to the south.
           The area lies within the warm humid climatic zone of Nigeria. There is a distinctive wet-dry season dichotomy. The wet season lasts from about April to the end of September or early October while the dry season lasts from about October to about the end of March or early April. Rainfall can be heavy and the effects of the harmattan can be severe, especially from about November.                
                       The area has an average rain fall of about 50” a year.  The lowland riverine areas are flooded seasonally, making it possible for the growing of paddy rice and controlled fish farming in ponds that are owned on individual or clan basis.  The lbaji area is the major place awashed by flood. This makes the area very fertile soil more than other place in the land: "The receding floods leave behind a large quantity of fish in ponds and lakes. This facts, plays an important role in the economic and social lives of the people,"
Simply put, the vegetation is mainly deciduous, with the major rivers (Benue and Niger), a few minor ones such as Okula, Ofu, Imabolo, Ubele, Adale, Ogbagana, and many streams in the land.  Hence, is Igalaland popularly known as a blessed fishing and arable region.

           The most common economic trees are palm trees (ekpe), locust beans (okpehie). mahogany (ago), iroko (uloko), whitewood (uwewe) and raffia palms (ugala). Common plantations are of okra (oro, -aikpele), cashew (agala), banana (ogede). Some of the economic trees mentioned here provide timber for the people and for sale. In the forest regions were also found certain wild animals, such lions (idu), hyenas (olinya), leopards (omolalna or eje), elephants (adagba), bush-pigs (ehi), chimpanzee (ukabu). etc.
This favorable vegetation makes farming and hunting highly profitable. Thus. 90% of the population. practice farming.  Both forest and savannah crops thrive on Igala soil very well. Thus, the main forest crops produced are: yams, cassava, maize, melon and groundnut.  And they produce such savannah cereals as guinea corn. beans. millet and benniseed.  However, due to the shifting cultivation being practiced, bush burning and felling of trees, a good proportion of the forest is being gradually destroyed and wild animals are fast becoming extinct.
           Igalaland is blessed with rich natural resources.  In the south are swamps where crude oil was prospected some years ago. It is generally believed that oil was discovered at Alade and Odolu. IS The Okabba (Adagio) coalmine is close to Ankpa in the north.  The country has benefitted from the coalmine since 1967.
There are many roads in the area. The main ones are Anyigba-ldah, Anyigba-Ankpa, Anyigba-Shintaku. Those of Anyigba-Ajaokuta, Ankpa-Otukpo, Otukpa, Ankpa-Ogobia. Idah· Nsukka and Ejule-Otukpa link the land with neighboring states. Good waterways are possible between Idah-Agenebode-Onitsha and the Shintaku-Lokoja axis of River Niger. These waterways have served as veritable means of transport in the recent past. It encouraged social and economic interactions.
Today, Igala land does not possess any airport. However, air travelers make use of Ajaokuta Steel Company's airstrip. The Itobe-Ajaokuta Bridge constructed about two decades ago on the River Niger has also turned out to be of tremendous benefit as it has enhanced intra and inter-state links and commercial transactions.

The Rulership
           The "Atta" is the traditional paramount king of the Igala kingdom. "Atta", as the name implies is the father or custodian of the entire Igala people's culture.  Tradition holds that "The Atta of Igala
(the king) was a priest-king.  He was incharge of the major Igala sacred objects, shrines and festivals.  His provincial chiefs (Am 'Onu) were also incharge of the various shrines, sacred objects and festivals in their own areas ·of authority.  The Atta and his chiefs (Am 'Onu) therefore, play very active roles in the traditional religion.
Idah, the cultural centre or headquarter of the Kingdom is where the Attah resides. From there he cares for the entire kingdom.  He also delegates certain powers to other chiefs, as it is also their responsibility in some cases to exercise power of adjudication in matters of dispute among their immediate subjects.  Attaship is hereditary and it is ascended to by those who belong to the royal lineage. It is by a rotating system of succession in which three other lineages hold the royal office in turn before the cycle is complete and a son succeeds his father.

The Social-Cultural Life
           Dialectical differences are noticeable, yet the people are not divided.  According to Okwoli, ''the Idah dialect, central dialect, the Dekina dialect 'With Bassa-Igbirra influence, the Ankpa dialect with Idoma influence and trans-Niger Anambra dialect (in Odolu and Ibaji) with Ibo influence".  With the coming of British colonial masters and missionaries, English Language has spread to every nook and cranny of the land, even if it were at some level pidgin English. The villages in the land are a conglomeration of houses whose first settlers founded as a result of good farmland, rich fishponds, favorable hunting expeditions.  In these villages, settlements are sometimes lineal.  But in most eases people live according to clans thereby giving way to the circular style. In certain cases, land disputes, incessant illness, death of children. war, epidemics, natural disasters, marriage, ostracization or barnishment could occasion relocation. The buildings were traditionally mud walls with thatched roofs (unyi~egbe) but owing to developments, such locally constructed houses have given way to solid cement walls, rectangular in shape with corrugated roofing sheets to match.
The major commercial nerve centers in Iga1aland are Anyigba, Idah, Ankpa, Ejule, Ajaka and Afo-gamgam.  Idah, Anyigba and Ankpa also form the nodal centers or focal points in the land. As It were, Idah remains till today the traditional seat of culture of the Igala people. Yet Anyigba is considered as a cultural meeting point. owing to the centrality of its location.  Anyigba has also remained the venue for the "Italo" 7 which was introduced by the colonial administrators in about A.D 1942.

The Origin and Development
The actual origin of the Igala people is not quite known. Different people present many versions of legends of immigration There are claims, for instance, that the Igala people came from the Jukun (Kwarara/a), some says Benin, others Yoruba. Yet, others feel they migrated from Mecca (Southern Yemen) or Mali.
In the past, the reigning Atta, His Royal Majesty. Agabaidu (Dr.) Aliyu O. Obaje, had. for instance, explained: "the !gala came from Southern Yemen, passed through Ethiopia (where there is an ethnic group called the Gala) and through the (medieval times} Empire of Mali, to Jukun land; then finally, to our present location."  In another instance, the Atta said that the Igala "came from the Arab country of Yemen and were in the present Nigeria at the same time as the founding fathers of the Yorubas, the Jukuns and the Beriberis or Kanuris Bornu.  He also maintains that the earlier migration into Igalaland was at "about the 12th century A.D, led by Amina, a Zaria princess and warrior. who fought her way to Idah , with Hausa and Nupe followers.
           Certain traditions even hold that the Igala are of Fulani origin, simply because of the similarities in their physical features.  It IS clear that Fulanis do not speak a Kwa language. And owing to the linguistic affinity, others affirm the Yoruba connections. For Byng Halt notes that, "It is not surprising that within a short period of arrival in Igala land, a Yoruba is well acquainted with the language.”  He attributes the ease in learning the language to the closeness of the two languages. Armstrong sticks to this same view when he said: "the most definite historical statement that can be made about Igala is that . they had a common origin with the Yoruba and that the separation took place long enough ago to allow for their fairly considerable linguistic differences. There is a whole corpus of oral traditions on the origin of the Igala people.
           While this study did not engage .in any detailed criticism of the diverse opinions on the Igala origins. it gave a thorough look: at certain .inescapable facts, These intricate issues were pin-pointed in order to allow us take a solid stand.
           The view that Princess Amina of Zaria led the very first migration into Igalaland in the 12th century does not hold water. This is because Queen Amina was a 14th C figure and history has it that the Igala people were already settled in this area and were relating socio-culturally with the Igbos right from the ,7th and  9th century A.D. Moreover, the obvious absence of a legend relating to this princess and warrior .in Igalaland is a clear indication that it might not be true afterall that she actually reached Igala land.  Stories on Igala Benin war and Igala-Jukun war, for instance. are very popular. The near dead silence on an Amina war leaves room for great doubts. Niven argues against the presupposition that she died at 'Atagara' (that is ldah) when he said: "she died at Atagara, probably a place iii the Gongola valley then under Kwararafa, not Idah. which is now known as Atagara.'
The linking of the Igala with Yemen In Arabia is another highly speculative opinion. This story was probably a device of the Muslims to Islamise Igala people. The people of Igala had long settled before the Galas entered Ethiopia. because tradition has it that it was only in the century A.D, that the Gala migration to Ethiopia took place. In addition, it is quite improbable that the Semite Galas would metamorphose into Negroes of the contemporary Igalaland overnight.  The similarity in name is thereby merely coincidental.
The Mali connection remains baseless too because the similarities between the words "Mela" (nine of them) of Igala-Mela (the nine Igala kingmakers) is in no way attributable to “9” as originating from Mali. To the Igala mind, "nine" simply symbolizes perfectness.
Likewise, the supposition that the Igalas came out of the Fulanis, carries no weight, since "no tradition in Igala supports it.  History attests to the fact that the Fulanis were still in the region of Senegal by the time the Igala were already having a "centralized state system , in the 12" century.
           That the Igala have a traditional link with the Benin kingdom is indubitable. There abound theories for instance, that support a Benin origin of Igala kingship.  However, there was already in existence indigenous Igala people with their kingship systems before the arrival of the Benin kings. But it must be understood that at some stage of Igala history, the Benin people wielded some power of influence over them. The difference in their system of government alone is enough reason to prove that it is never true to say the entire Igala originated from Benin.
           The tradition, which holds that the Igala has the same origin with the Yoruba seem to be a plausible one. This humble submission is based on the fact that the Igala language has a lot in common with the Yoruba. Okwoli supports this view when he said: "When people speak the same language. or related languages, there is every reason to believe that they have common origin or have met somewhere.
The Jukun link with the Igala is another very strong tradition that immediately calls for serious attention. Stories about the Jukun origin of Igala kingship, for instance, cannot be waved aside. That there were certain Jukun immigrants who came among the Igalas at some stage of the development of the Igala kingdom is quite evident It is even a common knowledge that the present ruling dynasty is Jukun.
Ultimately, therefore, there is no single account of the origin of the Iga1a people, which is unassailable However, one may agree with Boston that the different tradition "probably correspond to different phases of history in which the Yoruba link may be the most ancient, followed by the Benin connection, and most recently. some form of Jukun suzerainty'.  In order not to continue swimming in this shark-infested waters of legends and traditions, we concluded that the Igala kingdom originated from within their immediate vicinity, namely. West Africa. As a matter of fact, before the advent of the colonial masters, about seven very prominent black. kingdoms were noticeable in the forest belt, thus, Ashanti, Dahomey. ]fe,  Oyo, Bini, Igala and Jukun(Apa) kingdoms.

The Atta's scope of influence
With Atta Ayegba Om'Idoko, the kingdom was zoned in the 17th cetltury A.D. into smaller units in order to decentralize authority. Then in 1905 the British created the districts. These districts comprised Ankpa, Dekina, Egwume., Ejema, Imane. Iga, Ika, Ogwugwu, Ojokwu. Atabaka (Okpo), Biraidu (Abocho), Ife (Abejukolo). Odu, Iyale, Emekwutu, Okenyi, Ojokiti, As these districts were formed and "trustworthy relatives and followers" were sent to rule, these were given the 'traditional titles of "Onu" (the principal person or chief).
               Some Igala tradition holds that an Atta gave the Nupes a Kingdom, He bestowed the rule of Nupe country to Edegi (Tsoede), one of the sons he had from a Nupe mother. He gave riches of various types to him and gave him different insignia of kingship: a bronze Canoe, twelve Nupe slaves. the bronze Okakachi (Trumpet) which are still being used by Northern Nigerian ~.state drums hung with brass belts and heavy iron chains and fetters which were endowed with strong magic power …, Tsoede or Edegi then became the ruler of the Nupe people and took the title of Etsu (King) and the Nupe kingdom became an ally to Igala,.

(Curled from the book written by Rev. Fr. Fidelis Egbunu which discusses Christians taking chieftaincy titles in Igala land)

http://igalaassociationusa.org/ViewContent.aspx?id=13

so what should we call them

alj_harem:

i perfer oranges as well

we kanuris have alot in common with the igbos

shut up we igbos dont chew grass

bash and alj majari i will get you a crate full of the finest idoma oranges and yams and you two can have a long chat about ur similarities just post me your adresss eh ma guy.

bashr4:

so what should we call them

we can call them igala(northerners)

bashr4:


shut up we igbos dont chew grass

but u feel comfortable to claim igala or idoma and still they dont want to be claimed

i as a kanuri man have been on this site since but u have not claim me as if u have not seen me all this days

why na

Jbenue:

bash and alj majari i will get you a crate full of the finest idoma oranges and yams and you two can have a long chat about your similarities just post me your adresss eh ma guy.

ask onlytruth, he knows best

alj_harem:

we can call them igala(northerners)

but u feel comfortable to claim igala or idoma and still they dont want to be claimed

i as a kanuri man have been on this site since but u have not claim me as if u have not seen me all this days

why na

me claim them?? for what? they can be whatever they want to be

This thread is complete rubbish.Nobody has ever said Benue is Hausa/Fulani.Some Yorubas are northerners while some Igbos are South-south.They owe their allegiance to their zone.Even a Yorubaman from Benin is not a Nigerian.

Jbenue is an illiterate for coming out here to deny the obvious just because of inherent tribalism.Babangida,Gowon,Abdulsalami have ruled Nigeria for 19 years and they are Northerners.Remember that Abacha is Kanuri and not Hausa.So when you add it up,the Northern minorities have held the office of Presidency for 25 years out of 50.

I personally would rather have alliance with Fulani man that is truthful than a chameleon from Benue.I also advice every Igbo man never to believe in this unholy brotherhood extension because they killed us mercilessly between 1966 and 1970.

The only true Southerners are SW,SS and SE.Kogi and Kwara Yorubas are not Southerners.

alj_harem:

we can call them igala(northerners)

but u feel comfortable to claim igala or idoma and still they dont want to be claimed

i as a kanuri man have been on this site since but u have not claim me as if u have not seen me all this days

why na

ROFLMAO!!

When wil u people wake up and stop all dis tribalistic,n religious sentiment,n channel ur energy n time towards issues dat can strengten our fragile unity. AM A NIGERIAN.

Jbenue, it's like this issue is affecting you both psychologically and mentally. Why are you ranting and using all sorts of uncivilized words na? Na who you dey fight? You are calling yorubas, hausas and ibos all sort of unprintable names. Na wah for you oooooooo. Wetin we do you na? This frustration is leading you to desperation and depression.

You from Benue and other like minds like Kwara, Niger, Kogi e.t.c are called North central, so why are you denying your origina na? Late Sunday Awoniyi from Kogi state was chairman of ACF, Bukola Saraki was chairman of northern governors' forum before becoming chairman of governors' forum. If  yoruba men like Sunday Awoniyi and Bukola Saraki say they are hausas, am i the one that will say that they are not? So, why are you denying your origin?

I beg go sit down joooo. Make i give you one gallon of burukutu (local alcoholic drink) and ten raps of igbo(marijuana) to cool your temper.

Greet boko haram for me for the last job well done - suicide bombing of police head quaters . Na you people still dey lead, you don pass south-south militant own. the first attempt was also by your brother Abdulmutalab.

simpleseyi:

Jbenue, it's like this issue is affecting you both psychologically and mentally. Why are you ranting and using all sorts of uncivilized words na? Na who you dey fight? You are calling yorubas, hausas and ibos all sort of unprintable names. Na wah for you oooooooo. Wetin we do you na? This frustration is leading you to desperation and depression.

You from Benue and other like minds like Kwara, Niger, Kogi e.t.c are called North central, so why are you denying your origina na? Late Sunday Awoniyi from Kogi state was chairman of ACF, Bukola Saraki was chairman of northern governors' forum before becoming chairman of governors' forum. If  yoruba men like Sunday Awoniyi and Bukola Saraki say they are hausas, am i the one that will say that they are not? So, why are you denying your origin?

I beg go sit down joooo. Make i give you one gallon of burukutu (local alcoholic drink) and ten raps of igbo(marijuana) to cool your temper.

Greet boko haram for me for the last job well done - suicide bombing of police head quaters . Na you people still dey lead, you don pass south-south militant own. the first attempt was also by your brother Abdulmutalab.

Well said, simpleseyi, Igbo's don't need Idoma or Igala or watever u lot call yourselves. U are all aboki as far as i am concerned. Congrats for alleviating your madness to suicidal level a first recorded suicider in Nigeria and Black Africa History.

U can never stop disgracing us. U people are [b]cruel [/b]and really shouldn't be in the same country with us. First u commit pogram on your Igbo Brothers and Sisters, then u are left alone, only for u to follow them to their encave to commit genocide.

your new level is now sucide bombing. To say SHAME ON U WILL BE A COMPLIMENT!  

Abagworo:

This thread is complete rubbish.Nobody has ever said Benue is Hausa/Fulani.Some Yorubas are northerners while some Igbos are South-south.They owe their allegiance to their zone.Even a Yorubaman from Benin is not a Nigerian.

Jbenue is an illiterate for coming out here to deny the obvious just because of inherent tribalism.Babangida,Gowon,Abdulsalami have ruled Nigeria for 19 years and they are Northerners.Remember that Abacha is Kanuri and not Hausa.So when you add it up,the Northern minorities have held the office of Presidency for 25 years out of 50.

I personally would rather have alliance with Fulani man that is truthful than a chameleon from Benue.I also advice every Igbo man never to believe in this unholy brotherhood extension because they killed us mercilessly between 1966 and 1970.

The only true Southerners are SW,SS and SE.Kogi and Kwara Yorubas are not Southerners.

Abagworo, are u north or south(IGBO)?