In my study today, I flipped open an old book (obviously because I read it sometimes in the past): Emmy Idegu’s “The Legendary Inikpi”. Particularly I stumbled on a page where he (Idegu) out of his creative ingenuity relays what may not be out of place to be considered true.
Coinciding with my recent thoughts, sharing it here became imperative. In this piece, Inikpi is imagined to speak from the land of the ibegwu, regretting the selfless sacrifice she made in the era of her father’s (Idoko ) reign.
This assumption may have derived impetus from the inhumane treatment from one Oma Igala to another. A situation that raises questions on the peace her death was supposed to foster, not just as a result of victory against the warriors of Bini, but as will be expressed within people of the Igala identity.
In Idegu’s “ink-thinking”, Inikpi speaks: “My people, my people. I am Inikpi Oma Ufedo Baba calling. Listen to the voice of the one who died to give you life. I am not happy. My soul is troubled. Is this the same land I died to redeem? Are you the same people for whose sake I suffered to death? Over here where I talk from, we are grieved. Why is there division in the land I died to unite? Why do you kill one another when I died to give you life? Tell me, why these unnecessary envy, jealousy and hatred between my people… the tradition during which I gave my life for people was a positive one.
What do you have today oh yea leaders of the people’s tradition?
Uphold tradition that preaches love, unity and togetherness so that my soul shall have its deserved rest. You have been warned, those of you who desecrate the land… Re-adjust your selfish priorities at the expense of my people else it will remain thus; if I had known it will be like this, I would never have died… Put records straight. Then and only then shall I remain contented and wholly satisfied…” (The Legendary… 81).
Indeed the significant call lies in the few lines pointed out above.
Long live the Igala Kingdom!
– Salifu Peter Ogohi
