The Igala people usually paid royalties to the Jukun kingdom in form of palm oil, yearly, but when Attah Ayegba became the Attah of Igala things changed, he wanted independence. — He sent bowls filled with feces (shit, poopoo — yes that smelly thing) instead of oil to the Jukuns. That was the savage part and That was the beginning.

I did a lot to get this gist — traveled to my village by water, fought with a madman for the Princess’s attention, dragged with a goat for who owns the dead chicken in the shrine, danced with the masquerades and then, ate Oje-Akpa and Obo-Gogo.

I am Atabo-Idu (The Last Lion King) - and here is the real story of Princess Inikpi, the lady who sacrificed herself for the Igala people.

Before I talk too much, let me correct a widely misunderstood tale; The Igalas have had various Attahs and fought wars before Princess Inikpi was born, and her death wasn’t as a result of the Igala-Benin war, but Igala-Jukun war.

The Igala-Benin war which most people believed to have been the war resulting in Princess Inikpi’s death was long before her birth and death.

The Igala-Benin war (Aji Attah and Oba Esigie) was between 1515–1516 AD, and this war was to gain control over trade along the river Niger. The war was won by the Benins due to the help of Portuguese missionaries who brought in firearms. However, the Igala warriors took something from the Benins — The face-like bronze mask still worn by the Attah till today.

Now, to the Inikpi story — which was why you started reading my story;
“Inikpi oma’fedo baba” — That’s how we call her in Igala. It means “Inikpi, the father’s beloved”.

It happened around the 17th century.

Inikpi was the daughter of Attah Ayegba oma’doko. She was the most loved (as people got to say), nonetheless, the Attah had seven (7) children, of which he ended up sacrificing five (5) to save the Igala Kingdom and set us up for independence.

As for Inikpi, her fate began from the continued “disobedience” of her father to the expectations of the Jukun king, Aku Uka of Wukari.

Aku Uka of Wukari (The Jukun king) sent his army to the Igala kingdom. They brought a message of war and horrible terror that could lead to the extinction of the Igala kingdom and obviously the Attah’s kingship.

https://www.miztaatabo.com.ng/the-real-inikpi-story-the-fight-for-independence-and-the-savage-kingto continue the story and watch video…

Ok