The Igala Settlers in Edo State, culture, occupation. – Esan-radio/Tv

Anẹ Igáláà (Igala Land) also known as the Igala Kingdom.

Igala Kingdom is a pre-colonial West African state, located at the eastern region of the confluence of River Niger and River Benue in the Middle Belt or North-central of Nigeria.

The kingdom was founded by the Igala people, with the “Àtá” Serving as the Igala Emperor, national father and spiritual head, and the capital Of Igala land is at Idah local government area of Kogi State.

The Igala Kingdom influenced and has been influenced by the Yoruba, Idoma, Igbo and Jukun, and is likely made up of descendants of these groups who settled and mixed with the native Igala populations.

Igala settlers are found in Illushi, Ifeku, Iyenlen, Ekperi, Ubiaja, Igboha, Anegbete and Agenebode. It might interest you to know that Agenebode and Anegbete are just by the river side opposite Idah, the ancestral homes of all Igalas.

So, Igala fishermen and fishwives (women buying/selling fish) had been camping across the river Niger in these areas temporarily until some made there a permanent home.

According to history, Igala settlers in Illushi crossed river Niger directly from Idah and settled in IlIushi/Iloshi.
Igala settlers in Ifeku migrated from Iyaño, Ibaji LGA of Kogi state.

They were sent to fetch some ropes for building the house of the king but did not go back home (Ifiku or Ifikwu means to fetch ropes. Ikwu or iku is rope).

Ekpeli/Ekperi Igalas migrated from Ifeku Igalas.

Ikpoha Igalas migrated from Ifeku Igalas.

Iyenle, Anegbete and Agenebode Igalas were said to have migrated from Idah to these areas, some in groups while joined later by some persons for their fishing and farming occupation

Ubiaja Igalas were from Ukwaja in Idah LGA of Kogi state, as confirmed by them during their recent visit to Attah Igala in his palace.

In almost all these places, Igala language is still used for communication among the Igala settlers. Igala tribal names are used by some too.

Similarly, other tribes are also in these areas with the Igala settlers. Up till today, Iyano people still hold “family” meetings with people of Ifeku, Ekpeli and Ikpoha, they all share the same culture, greetings, festivals, etc.

Edited by Naijareporters.com