The booK, Readings on lgala People, Land and Language, is a comprehensive history of the lgala kingdom and its people, Oral traditions, cultural practices, articles, published and unpublished works. It is a compendium of the history of the lgala people from the Pre-16th century to the present day, using the lgala cultural and rituals practices as evidence of historical events.
It is a scholarly work on the chronology of the events that led to the establishment of the present dynastic monarchy in lgala land and the creation of the lgala kingdom, the greatest pre-colonial kingdom in the River Niger-Benue confluence Area, with it’s influence on the cultural, political and commercial developments on the northern lgbo country, along the River Niger down to the Niger-Delta area, discussed under three main eras, the Pre Dynastic Monarchy Era, the Proto-Dynastic Monarchy Era and The Dynastic Monarchy Era, with events in each of these eras, extensively reported. 
It illustrates the cultural leadership development of the autochthonous lgala clans, the Benin vassal Aji-Ata dynasty, the Achadu clan and the Empire buildinge scapades of Ayegba Óma ldoko starting from his progenitor; Abutu-Ejeh’s breakaway from the ancient Jukun led Kwararafa Kingdom. Other areas include; the sacrifice of Princess Inikpi and Oma-Odoko, the funeral rites and coronation rituals of the Ata-lgala and the origin of the name “lgala.
It Made up of Fifteen Chapters, the book is a result of over 20 years of historical research and enthusiasm of the author. A cursory overview reveals that; Chapter 1 introduces “and defines the term gala as a reference to the ethnic group and the language of the people and the land in which the people live “Anee lgala”, the dynamics of the size; pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial (British) rule in Nigeria.
Chapter 2 discusses the challenges of most writers of the lgala history and their different postulations on the origin of the lgala people based on information collected fromoral traditions.
Chapter3,4,5 and 6 covers the “Cultural developments and administrative structures of the lgala Chiefdom within ldah and its environs in the years before 16th Century.
Chapter 7 and 8 discusses “the proto-dynastic monarchy era (c. early 16th to late 17th century). The events in this era were illustrated in the Certified True Copy of “The Chronicle Sketched Map of the Ata’te of lgala” collected from the National Archive.The rest Chapters 9,10,11,12,13 and 14 captures the modern era in the lgala Kingdom starting with the rise of Ata Ayegba Óma ldoko, his great administrative skills and the establishment of the lgala Kingdom and dynastie monarchy that has remained in place for half a century and beyond, the debate surrounding the sacrinceo Princess Inikpi and Óma Odoko distinctively in the lgala wars of Liberation and their years of the sacrifice”, the “traditional rites of passage, beginning with the funeral rites and rituals of the Ata-lgala and the coronation of a new Ata-lgala”, “the meaning and etymology of the word lgala” which has remained elusive to historians and researchers.
Chapter 15 examines the “‘established mode of transfer of power between the lgalamela clans Chiefs and the Ata-lgala royal clan led by Ayegba Óma Idoko’s dynasty, the bond that had sustained the unity between the Kingmakers clans, the Achadu oko Ata-Igala, Ata Ayegba Óma ldoko dynasty and other Igala Kingdom and the instruments of ensuring compliance and dedications of the Chiefs to the service of the Kingdom and loyalty to the Ata-lgala
The book is recommended to students of history and those who want to enrich their knowledge on lgala, people, land, language and otherrelated cultural matters.
Excerpt from the remarks by the Author of the book ‘READINGS ON IGALA PEOPLE, LAND AND LANGUAGE’ ;
It is a result of over 20 years of historical research borne out of my enthusiasm and deep love for the Igala land and people, but for many years, the book was not making appreciable progress until the 12th of September, 2019 when I had a ghastly motor accident. The ill-fated event kept me indoors within which period was able to compile this book. In other words, what ought to be a setback in my life journey eventually became the window and impetus for the emergence of this book. To God alone be all the glory.
I also want to appreciate everyone that has found it worthwhile to grace this occasion. I believe you are here not because of my invitation (for who am I ?) but because of your deep love and passion for Igala land and Nigerian cultural development.
As a people, Nigeria has a very rich history replete with interesting facts harnessed for several purposes, Chief among which are:
(1) To update the Current generation of their Origin culture , Language and development : A People without a history is a People without Origin
(2) To bring to the fore, certain facts of our history, culture , Language and development which have not been captured by earlier writers of Igala history, and are periled on the brink of extinction.
(3) To reawaken in us and the future generation our history, cultural and Language values that will engender patriotism and ultimately, development.
The Niger-Benue Confluence. The expendition visited Idah and met with the Igala King-Afa Ekele Aga in 1832.
The meeting formed the outlines of a treaty although unsigned but a memorandum of understanding for the protection of European travelers and their commercial enterprise in the formation of Nigeria.
Further to that, is British expendition of 1841 led by Captain H.D Trotter and accompanied by Samuel AjayiCrowther to Negotiate anti-slavery treaties, report on natural and human resources, acquire land for settlement, agriculture, trade and missionary endeavor; came to Idah and met with Ata Ameh Ocheje. A treaty was signed between the British Government and Ata Ameh Ocheje on the 6th of September 1841 for the abolition of slave trade in Nigeria.
Therefore, as lgala People, we must begin to understand, appreciate and appropriate, the cardinal role of the Igala Kingdom in modern day Nigeria and harness this vantage position to work for the unity and progress of Nigeria.These series of events around the River Niger (River-Anaja) led to the establishment of the Colonial office in Lokoja and as capital of British Northern(Anaja-area) Nigeria protectorate in 1900.
This speech will not be complete without me appreciating the entire Onu-biogbo clan of Opu-ata Idah for their support and encouragement and specifically my beloved Biological father Dr. Salihu Alhassan Aruwa PhD who is here present for his fatherly role,Teacher, trainer, Editor, Oral guide etc.
For all my mentors, motivators and Supporters in various ways , time and space may not permit me to mention here, may God in his infinite mercy and abundance reward you immensely.
And for everyone that is here present today, the Royal Fathers, special dignitaries and guests, thank you for gracing this epochal event, you have made my day!
Chief Barrister Ogwu James Onoja SAN who is the Chief Launcher of the historical book spoke excessively on Peace , unity and progress in Igala Kingdom .
He also Eulogized the Author of the book, Mr. Idris Ejima Aruwa for taking his times , energy and resources on this most read historical Igala book of all time ( READINGS ON IGALA PEOPLE, LAND AND LANGUAGE ).
According to Chief Ogwu James Onoja SAN ” Peaceful co-existence among Igalas is a key to ensure sustainable unity, progress and development of our Kingdom.
“We must endeavor to explore all the ingredients that build, sustain and consolidate peaceful co-existence and these must go beyond ordinary verbal expressions.
“Without peace, there will be no progress and when there is lack of progress, development is retarded and the human society is subjected to untold suffering and hardship” .
Below are some of the beautiful pictures from the event :
Mc Highnesscfr ✍️
