The emergence of Ejeh in Ankpa and the entire Igala land as it is today was as a result of the long squabble and acrimony between the descendants of Prince Atiele who happen to be the first son of Attah Idoko and his younger brother, Attah Ayegba Oma- Idoko.
The name Ejeh literally means leopard which represents power in Igala land. Among the Igala people, leopard or tiger carries names such as Ikpali, Ejeh, Eko, Omataina, Agagu etc. The animal is known to be fearless, wild and courageous. This informed the choice of the title Ejeh.
On other account, the choice of the title Ejeh was informed by the fact that it was the name of the founding ancestor of the Igala ruling dynasty, HRM Abutu Ejeh. Whichever way one views it, what appeared important in the choice of the title was perhaps the need to drive in some measure of legitimacy or supremacy with that of Gaibaidu (Lion) his younger brother Attah Ayegba subsequently as a way to justify their link to HRM Abutu Ejeh, the founding ancestor of the entire Igala ruling dynasty.
According to both oral and written tradition, the entire present Ankpa local government down to some part of the present Olamaboro are descendants of Prince Atiele, the elder brother of Attah Ayeagba – both sons of HRM Attah Idoko the grand son of Abutu Ejeh.
It should be noted that both Olamaboro and Omala local government were formally under Ankpa local government making it one of the largest and influential local government in the entire then North central until 1991 when Omala and Olamaboro local government were created out of the old Ankpa local government.
Oral tradition as handed down from ages has it that Attah’s eldest sons were not allowed by tradition to live in the same palace with Attah for the fear that they could collaborate with king makers to either kill or dethrone Attah, hence Atiele was not living in the palace with his father, Attah Idoko.
During this period, Prince Atiyele as the eldest son was in charge of the whole affairs of Igala kingdom under the watch of his father. These and many of his (Atiele) exploits and gifted managerial talents fetched him enemies from members of the royal household, including his step mothers and step brothers.
On this fateful day, while he went for his usual hunting, his sick father (Ata Idoko) died. Note, in those days, a hunter could spend days and months hunting. During this period, it was said that Igala nation was at war with the Jukun over kingdom supremacy as it were then. Due to the war, it was said that the kingmakers were of the opinion that Attah should be replaced immediately with Ayegba (one of the available sons) before the news of his death spread to the enemy’s camp.
While other accounts has it that it was like a palace coup by the then kingmakers who were afraid of the growing and fierce influence of Atiele, who due to his wisdom and rich knowledge of the Igala institution, was almost like another Attah. Hence plotted and ensured he didn’t succeed in ascending the throne of his father. Before he arrived from the hunt, the whole process was rushed to ensure Ayegba is crowned Attah in the place of Atiele.
According to history, tradition demands that a message was supposed to be sent to invite the eldest son, Atiele back home and by implication made to succeed his father. But in Atiele’s own case, such was not adhered to because no invitation was sent to him. This provided an enabling environment to his younger brother, Ayegba to take or step in to their father’s position as the Attah. This action was viewed by Prince Atiele as a betrayal and sellout on the part of the king makers. Thus, it was asserted that this was not in conformity with the principles of succession was instrumental to the later bitterness, rancor and lack of respect for the stool and position of the Attah by the descendants of Atiele (Ankpa) until recently.
Prince Atiele who later protested from Idah to Ankpa area now Imane in Olamaboro but then under Ankpa local government in the early 15th century, established a new kingdom independent of Idah as it were then. Prince Atiele later died and was buried in same Imane in a royal burial ground along Imane- Agaliga road where successor Odaojiji are buried till date.
History has it that Atiele didn’t migrate to Imane (Ankpa) area alone, he came along with his eldest son, Idoko Ejeh, but later got married again in Ankpa to another wife called Anogba from Ojja people he met in the area who later gave birth to his second son, Oguchekwo. Onogba was a relative of the then local Chief called Agbaji. Oguchekwo got so strong eventually that Agbaji gave up his title and later Oguchekwo went to Idah and was beaded by Attah as the First Onu Ankpa then as an extension of the Odaojiji Kingdom as headed by his father Atiele, who was later succeeded by his eldest son, Idoko Ejeh.
While Ochapa, the third son after Oguchekwo later founded Ojoku. Idoko Ejeh later got married in Imane and had the following children in order of seniority: Ohimu, Idede, Okolikotu, Aloga, Oyunka, All of the first three children: Idede, Okolikotu and Aloga, are of the same parent ( father and mother). While Ohiemu and Oyunka on the other hand have the same parents (mother and father). However, the five children of Idoko Ejeh are now spread as follows: Ohiemu; Imane-Agaliga; Idede: Imane- Ojuwo down to Ogenago, Okorikotu: the Okolikotu are the largest among the descendants of Atiele.
Under Okolikotu we have Adori: Imane Oforo, Idede: Imane Ofudu, Akor: Imane Oja Oda-ochai, Ojobi: Imane- Efekpe, Oda Itodo: from same Efekpe, Aloga: Imane- Ebuloko and lastly Onyuka: Imane Abo.
Oral tradition has it that Atiele is the progenitor of the present 5 ruling houses of the Oda Ojiji chiefdom as presently constituted. In summary, his projeny currently rules Imane, Ankpa, Igah in Okpo, part of Ade, part of Ette, Ojoku, Enjema, Ofugu etc.
The existence and operations of Ankpa as an autonomous territory with a sovereign power came to limelight during the reign of Adaji Itodo Akpa a descendant of Oguchekwo in 1916-1925. Adaji itodo was said to have wielded an enormous power that covered the present Ankpa, Olamoboro and some parts of the present Omala local government area. His reign was described as great and assumed a dimension similar to that of the Attah. He was said to have answered the royal greeting “Agabaidu” just like the Attah in place of “Doga” as it should be and equally enjoyed all the royal privileges as accorded the Attah such as blowing of the trumpet (Okakachi), flutes (Okpacina) and beating of the royal drums and praises.
The action of the Onuh Ankpa, Adaji Itodo Akpa generated a deep sense of disloyalty and disrespect for the throne of the Attah believed to be the father of all. In response to this show of insubordination, the Attah Atabor Ijomi questioned the justification for the action of the Onuh Ankpa.
According to him, there cannot be two fathers in the kingdom. This generated serious conflict between the two rulers and their followers to a point that the colonial authority became restless. In order to settle the two rival chiefs the colonial authority summoned a meeting of the two traditional rulers at Atanegoma (Ochaja) perceived to be a neutral ground and perhaps central to the whole of Igalaland. In the Atanegoma meeting the need for one single central authority as a for effective Native Administration system was discussed.
In pursuance of this, it was contemplated that the seat of the Attah and the headquarters of Igalaland be moved to the area Atanegoma Ochaja for its centrality and as a way of pacifying the aggrieved Ankpa people. But as earlier stated, the reaction and plea of the people made the colonial authority to rescind such decision. This action was not in the best interest of Ankpa delegates to the meeting and the Onuh Ankpa, Adaji Itodo Akpa described the action of the colonial authority as a betrayal and vowed to continue with the struggle.
Despite the agitations, Ankpa people were forced against their will to joined the Igala Native Authority and be loyal and submissive to the authority of the Attah of Igala. This action became necessary because having studied the traditions of the people, the British colonial authority came to terms with the fact that within the Ankpa area were other royal chiefs who were the direct descendants of either Ayegba or children of Ayegba. Such groups who were branded as Amomata (children of the royal house) takes their titles from Idah and remained unequivocally loyal to the Attah, as was the case of Emekutu, Enjema, Emanyi, Inyelle and Ade.
These junior branches of the royal clan wherever they are located in Igalaland not only regarded themselves as independent of the subsidiary provincial clans, but also compete with them politically; this was also obtainable in Ankpa. The lack of support from these very groups and the need to maintain peace and orderliness, coupled with the commitment for a successful Native Administration System led the British Colonial Authority to take the step and action they took by ensuring a single Central Native Administration for the people as a panacea.
The Proliferation of Ejeh Institution in Igala Land
With the death of the first Ejeh Alhaki Yakubu Adaji on the 29th of May, 1990 and the emergence of his son Colonel Hassan Yakubu (Rtd), same year after the traditional rotational principle of succession was agreed upon by the various districts that constituted the old Ankpa local government.
In discussing the proliferation of the title of Ejeh in Igalaland, it may be necessary to discuss the background crises that degenerated into the proliferation of the title in other local government areas of Igalaland.
The emergence of Hassan Yakubu, a retired Colonel with a military background, known for his fearlessness, doggedness and resilience with same agitation mind of his forefathers who felt the Igala people were not given the desired traditional political leadership by the then Attah of Igala portends danger and a challenge to the authority and personality of the Attah.
The emergence of Hassan Yakubu was greeted with serious ovations, especially from youths, and other disenchanted persons from Ankpa and Dekina local government areas. These groups of persons were indeed ready to give Hassan Yakubu the needed support and encouragement. This action was evident when the Igala people were denied any new local government when more states and local governments were created in 1991.
The then new Ejeh, Col. Hassan Yakubu was prepared to lead a protest and delegation to Abuja, even though other prominent Igala sons and daughters were not virtually seen to have supported the struggle. The Ejeh had the full support of youths and other elders who felt the Igala’s were cheated in the scheme of things.
This perhaps, became the first litmus test and an action that tended to project and popularize the person and personality of Hassan the Ejeh of Ankpa as a popular figure, who appeared to have won the heart of the majority of the people against the seat of Attah.
Above all, his elevation to a first class status meant a challenge to the authority of the Attah. And having in mind the various protests and agitations that culminated in the emergence of Ejeh, coupled with the call for a separate traditional council for Ankpa people, and the agitation for the relocation of the headquarters of Igalaland from Idah to Atanegoma (Ochaja) believed to be the centre of Igalaland in the early 1930s, the power that be at Idah was not prepared to experience that power struggle as did his predecessors.
Therefore, there was the need to curtail the rising power and ambition of the new Ejeh, if the traditional seat of power at Idah was to remain the same. On this premise, what appeared to be a land mine was set. It was just a matter of time for the new Ejeh who was viewed as power drunk and over ambitious to step his foot on the landmines. The landmine was stepped upon and consequently its explosion under the regime of late Alhaji Abubakar Audu of blessed memory, the then Governor of Kogi State between 1999 and 2003. Sources available state that “the offence of the traditional ruler, the Ejeh was that he was accused of indiscriminate use of siren without regards to due protocol of the State Government and apparent lack of respect for the institution of Attah, who, of course, was and still is the Chairman of Kogi State Council of Chiefs as well as the Chairman Igala Area Traditional Council.
On the whole, a closer examination of the various reasons adduced vis-a-vis the ancient opposition to the authority of the Attah by the forefathers of the Ejeh perhaps may account for why there was no generational shift in behaviour by the Ejeh in relation to the position of the Attah. The action of the Ejeh may be seen as that of somebody who probably was out to justify the claim that the descendants of Atiyele were not in any way subordinate to the descendants of Ayegba-Oma’ Idoko.
Following various allegations, the government dethroned Hassan Yakubu as the Ejeh of Ankpa in 1993. But what remains unclear and perhaps needs further research is what actually was the bone of contention between the Ejeh and the State government that warranted the removal of the Ejeh from the throne? Could it be the total disregard of the authority of the Attah or that of the State Government? In which ever ways, the pendulum tilted, the aftermath of the action and inaction of the parties.
The first Ejeh was the district head and Onu of Ankpa.
Yakubu Adaji was the first to emerge as the Ejeh of Ankpa, before it is now a popular chieftaincy title to all 1st class Chiefs in Igala land by the then led administration of late Prince Abubakar Audu of blessed memory to decentralized and reduce the strength of the original Ejeh of Ankpa who was rebelling the authority of Attah, the father and spiritual head of the Igala people.
To this end, the last Ejeh before the present Ejeh is Alhaji Ahmodu Yakubu Adaji.
Alhaji Ahmodu Yakubu Adaji was a direct descendant of Alhaji Yakubu Adaji the direct descendant of HRM Ogwuchekwo the second son of Atiele the founder of Ankpa.
Ahmodu Yakubu Adaji is one of the younger brothers to Colonel Hassan Yakubu Adaji (Ejeh ll). Oguchekwo, the son of Atiele, their grandfather gave birth to Aba who in turn gave birth to Anawo Modo, the father of Agenyi Ebaju, who too had a son called Itodo Akpa, the father of Adaji. Adaji had Alhaji Yakubu the first Ejeh of Ankpa and Ahmadu Yakubu Adaji was one among the twenty sons of Yakubu Adaji.
Late Ejeh Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu Adaji was born on the 15th February, 1943. His mother Metuwo Alekade, a tall, beautiful and dark young lady of Angwa-Ankpa, got married to (Ejeh) Yakubu Adaji as one of his many wives. His Highness Mother (Metuwo) gave birth to nine children including Ahmadu Yakubu Adaji.
May the souls of our ancestors rest in peace!
– Felix Solomon Omachokon writes from Lokoja.
