Igala traditional spirituality is a complex system that encompasses various beliefs and practices. At its core is the belief in a Supreme Being, who is revered and honored through various rituals and ceremonies. The Igala people also believe in the existence of minor gods, deities, and spirits that play important roles in their lives.
Key Aspects of Igala Traditional Spirituality:
- Ancestor Worship: The Igala people believe that ancestors continue to play an active role in the lives of their descendants, serving as guardians and protectors. Ancestors are revered through libations and offerings, and are believed to possess supernatural powers that can influence the living.
- Divination: Divination is an essential aspect of Igala traditional worship, where diviners communicate with the spiritual realm to determine the will of the gods and ancestors. This helps individuals and communities make informed decisions and navigate life’s challenges.
- Spirit World: The Igala people believe in a spirit world that is inhabited by various spirits, including ancestral spirits, gods, and goddesses. These spirits are believed to have different roles and responsibilities, and are often associated with natural phenomena or human experiences.
- Ikpakachi: Ikpakachi is a spirit that serves as a guardian and protector of individuals, particularly children. It is believed to be linked to the community’s stream or river, and parents perform rituals to ensure their child’s connection to this spirit.
- Oath Taking: The Igala people have a tradition of oath taking, where individuals swear their innocence or truthfulness in the presence of ancestral spirits. This practice is believed to have consequences if the individual is guilty, serving as a deterrent against wrongdoing ¹ ².
Practices and Rituals:
- Sacrifices and Offerings: The Igala people offer sacrifices and offerings to their gods, ancestors, and spirits, which can include food, drink, and other items. These offerings are believed to nourish the spirits and maintain balance in the universe.
- Festivals and Celebrations: The Igala people celebrate various festivals and ceremonies to honor their gods, ancestors, and spirits. These events often feature music, dance, and feasting, and serve as opportunities for communal bonding and spiritual renewal.
- Shrines and Sacred Spaces: The Igala people have shrines and sacred spaces dedicated to their gods, ancestors, and spirits. These spaces are believed to be inhabited by the spiritual entities, and are treated with reverence and respect ² ³.
Animism and Totemism:
- Animism: Animism is the belief that natural objects, such as trees, rocks, and animals, possess spiritual essence or consciousness. While the Igala people do believe in spirits associated with natural phenomena, it’s unclear how deeply animism is ingrained in their traditional spirituality.
- Totemism: Totemism is the practice of associating specific animals or objects with particular clans or families. There is limited information on the prevalence of totemism in Igala traditional spirituality ⁴.
Overall, Igala traditional spirituality is a rich and complex system that reflects the community’s deep connection with nature, their ancestors, and the spiritual realm. While the influence of external factors has likely shaped the practice over time, the core principles and values remain an essential part of Igala identity and culture.
– Benjamin Ibrahim, a retired Permanent Secretary, writes from Lokoja.
