Once upon a time, the Igala people ruled Kogi politics with pride and power. Their voices mattered, their decisions shaped the state, and their leaders were respected. But today, what do we see? A land once ruled by kings has turned into a place where its own sons beg for favours. Igala leaders, instead of building a lasting legacy, spent years sleeping, merrying, and empowering thugs and mercenaries—young men who were useful during elections but abandoned afterward. Now, where are those thugs? Scattered, forgotten, some dead and others useless to even themselves.
The biggest tragedy is the lack of unity. One hundred Igala men want to be governor at the same time, fighting themselves like market women over fish. Meanwhile, other tribes are strategic—planning, supporting one person, and winning power. Today, Igala politicians are not just laughed at in government circles but even by prostitutes because they now want satisfaction on credit. Imagine leaders who once controlled state resources now buying shoes, food, trousers, and shirts on credit—waiting for month-end to pay. Visit any boutique in Idah, Anyigba and Lokoja, you will find their names on the credit list. A disgrace!
While Igala leaders were busy fighting and betraying one another, Okene was building roads, Lokoja was growing, and even smaller communities were attracting businesses. But in Igalaland? Poverty rules and ruin many lives, with the cashew season offering brief relief. Yet, many waste their earnings on marrying multiple uneducated wives, drinking, smoking and ancestral ceremonies like Ibegwu or Akwu.
Those who once controlled government contracts are now groundnut and fowl sellers in their own land—yet, there is no one to even patronize them. In Anyigba, Idah, Ankpa, and other towns, graduates roam the streets jobless, and young men who should be in offices now sit under trees, while some rides mini bus- Agolo, Keke, Okada, and others engage in internet scam for survival. The same leaders who made them thugs during elections now drive past them in tinted SUVs, pretending not to know them.
But nothing is more painful than seeing how many Igala sons were used and dumped. They stood by politicians, fought for them, and defended them, only to be forgotten when the battle was over. Even Edward Onoja, once powerful, now has a story to tell. As AY Comedian rightly said, What man does to man is terrible. Those in the diaspora who left home with dreams of returning to a developed land would shed tears seeing the present state of Igalaland. No industries, no opportunities, no future for the next generation.
Even the elders, with all due respect, have failed. Instead of guiding the younger generation, they now kneel in government houses, begging for crumbs. The same elders who once decided who ruled Kogi State have now become errand boys for those in power. They have no voice, no influence, no dignity. In Lokoja, young boys from other tribes sit in air-conditioned offices, sending Igala elders on errands like agbalumo traders. Who cursed the Igala people with disunity?
The saddest part? The uneducated Igala people from the villages are now bolder than the so-called educated ones. While those with degrees fold their arms and stay silent, the uneducated ones carries masquerades up and down. Instead of uniting and take over territories they refused. That is why many educated Igalas now trek, struggling under a system they failed to challenge. But for how long will the educated ones watch in silence while their land turns to dust?
It is time to wake up! Igala people must unite, rise, and reclaim their lost glory. No tribe will respect a people who cannot respect themselves. If this generation does not fix this mess, the future sons and daughters of Igalaland will inherit a kingdom of shame. The time for lamentation is over; now is the time for action! State creation is another good step.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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