In 1900, the Igala Kingdom was balkanized into two. Namely The Southern and Northern sections. The Southern section comprised (Ofu, Idah, Ibaji and Igala Mela) and the Northern section comprised ( Ankpa, Dekina, Omala, Bassa and Olamaboro).
The Northern section of Igala Kingdom were made part of Bassa Province in Northern Nigeria. The Bassa Province was divided into the following administrative divisions:
1. Ankpa Division
2. Dekina Division
3. Boju Division
The colonial administration appointed some of the Hausa/Fulani’s that migrated during the Jihad as district head to rule in the above three divisions.
In 1916 Attah Oguche Akpa was worried about the balkanization of Igala Kingdom and his major concern was how to reunite the Igala Kingdom under the authority of Attah Igala.
The colonial administration appointed Mallam Ahmadu a Yoruba man as district head of Dekina. Mallam Ahmadu decided to make a trip to Idah, because of his leadership style, there were rumors that he wanted to overthrow the Attah Igala.
As soon as he crossed the Dekina boundary into the Idah boundary, Igala militia ambushed and killed him. The killing of Mallam Ahmadu and burning of his Palace in Dekina marked the beginning of the Igala rebellion and reunification of the Igala Kingdom.
It was very difficult for the colonial administration to stop the crisis in Igala land. In 1918, Governor of the Northern Nigeria province Sir Richard Palmer investigated the cause of the crisis and found out that the major cause is the balkanization of Igala Kingdom into the Northern and Southern sections.
The colonial administration recommended that the Igala Kingdom be reunited under the authority of the Attah Igala. Because this will help the indirect rule system function very well in Igala land. Attah Oguche Akpa authority was restored and he ruled under the modern conditions and guidance by the colonial divisional officers. Some of the Hausa/Fulani’s district heads were allowed to serve under Attah Oguche Akpa.
The colonial administration created provinces in the Northern Nigeria. Igala Province was part of Kabba Province and the Kabba province was part of the Northern Nigeria Province.
If you trying to protect yourself by refusing to accept the truth about something that’s happening in your life, means you leaving in denial. The relationship between the Hausa/Fulani’s and Igala’s, the dressing of Igala traditional rulers and Hausa started from the 18th century. This are well documented in Okwoli and other Igala history books
We must start researching and paying attention to relevant issues that affect our community and not the unnecessary fight on social media. Our people have suffered, they are suffering and they will continue to suffer if some of the issues confronting us are left unchecked.
The youths are the strength and indeed the hope of our community. The youths are in the best position in meeting the challenges and solving myriads of problem in Igala land.
All over the world, culture is evolving. Let’s channel our energy and collaborate with the king on the following:
1. Out of 365 days in a years, energy is supplied in Ankpa less than 60 days, and when supplied, the illumination is very low. How can the young king use his influence as Ejeh of Ankpa to connect our town with the National Grid from Ajaokuta to alleviate our electricity problem.
2. We are blessed with rivers and yet we cannot provide portable drinking water for the people of Ankpa. How can we use the influence of the Ejeh of Ankpa to include Ankpa in the Federal Government water project.
3. Ankpa Kingdom can host a great institution that will provide knowledge on renewable energy and technology education. How can we collaborate with the new Ejeh to get support of the Government or investors in Education to build quality institutions in our community.
4. Children in Ankpa are not getting the right education they deserve. How can we engage our king, critical stakeholders in unlocking every child in Ankpa talent through education.
5. Young people from our community that should be researching sectors or organization to build their career were convinced by some leaders to see thuggery and praise singing as career. How can we work with the new king to change the mindset our our army of youths that lack direction.
6. Security and safety of land is very important. We need to ensure the King collaborate with the Government to ensure our people can sleep with their eyes close.
7. Dangote and all the coal mining companies in Ankpa are making money from our land. How do we ensure we have a clear Community Social Responsibility and employ our people in their organization.
This is the conversation we should be having with my good brother and our great king, he added.
