By Onono Onimisi.
Sometime on the 6th of January, 2023, I wrote a piece titled “Misconceptions About the Igala People of Kogi State” (still available on Google). That piece wasn’t just a casual opinion; it was a passionate call for reflection, unity, and fairness in a state that has too often been divided by politics and ethnicity. My intention was to correct the false narrative that paints the Igala people as “tribal bigots.”
My reason for writing that piece was simple: to ensure unity is restored by encouraging people to rise above political differences. We can’t build a peaceful Kogi if we let tribalism or party lines determine who we love or support. And if there’s anything that has consistently shown that the Igalas are not tribal bigots, it’s how they respond to injustice even when the victim is from outside their ethnic group.
A clear example is the massive love and support the people of Kogi East predominantly “Igala “ have shown to Distinguished Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. In a state often characterized by ethnic rivalry and political tension, the outpouring of support for her especially during her legal and political battles was heartwarming and powerful. It proved, once again, that the Igalas are not blinded by tribe or bitterness. They know how to stand with what is right, even if it comes from outside their comfort zone.
Another moment that stands out and must not be overlooked was when a young data boy (AbdulHameed Ododo) was reportedly arrested by the Accountant General of Kogi State. This wasn’t a politician, a senator, or a public figure. Just a young man exercising his voice online. But when injustice struck, the Igala people raised their voices. They clamored for his release, they spoke out, they stood by him not because he was Igala, but because he was a citizen deserving of justice. That moment said more about the Igala character than any headline could.
So let’s be clear: these are not the actions of a people driven by ethnic hatred. These are the actions of a people who value truth, who respect courage, and who stand with the oppressed regardless of name, place, or political leaning.
The Igalas have again shown that their sense of justice transcends tribal lines. They supported Sen. Natasha not because she was one of them but because she was rightfully elected, relentlessly attacked, and resilient in the face of political oppression. They demanded the release of a young activist not because of tribe, but because they recognize injustice for what it is.
This is the Kogi we must all work towards. A Kogi where justice is not tribal, where support is not selective, where we lift each other not based on where we’re from, but based on what we stand for.
Let it be known: the Igala people are not tribal bigots. They are not people who close their eyes to injustice. They are people who stand for truth, who celebrate competence, and who believe in fairness.
This moment must not end here. It must become a culture. It must become our new norms.
May we continue to speak with one voice when it matters.
May we continue to support truth, not tribe.
And may Kogi rise and unite, just, and free from the chains of political division.
– Onono Onimisi writes from prestigious Bayero University Kano and can be reached via onimisionono54@gmail.com
