Onono Onimisi
If Chinua Achebe had not written his last book before his demise “THERE WAS A COUNTRY “, another bibliophile wouldn’t have had canal knowledge of what happened six years after liberation or independence and the personal history of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB).
As a practicing writer that I am, I’ve read how the Late Chinua Achebe used his pen as an activist writer to render his voice on behalf of the Biafrans.
Chinua Traveled on behalf of the Biafran as Directed by General Ojokwu as of then to deliver a message to President Léopold Sèdar Senghor to create awareness of the real catastrophe building up in Biafra. During such an epoch, Chinua made his writing explicit even at the cost of risking his life and that of his wife, Christie.
“The remain of Chinua Achebe and Cyprian Ekwensi” As I fondly call myself, I shall apply the techniques of the oracle of letters as I set to throw glow on the “MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE IGALAS”.
WHO ARE THE IGALAS?
Anẹ Igáláà (Igala Land) also known as the Igala Kingdom. The Igala Kingdom is a pre-colonial West African state, located in the eastern region of the confluence of River Niger and River Benue in the Middle Belt or North-central of Nigeria.
The kingdom was founded by the Igala people, with the “Àtá” Serving as the Igala Emperor, national father, and spiritual head. The capital Of Igala land is Idah.
WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THEM?
The general misconception about the Igala is that they are classified as “wicked people” and the misconception has made the majority of Her children disguise or camouflage their identity when they travel out of their homes for fear of being categorized with the general delusion.
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This misconception, fallacy, illusion, or misapprehension has made the innocent ones have a share of what they are not victims of and It’s aggravating to see our generation evolving with such a mentality.
Children from different ethnic groups are been cautioned by their parents to stay away from the Igala and I asked, How did one person’s mistake become general accusations?
To peacefully Co-exist, We have a lot to render to society.
HAVE I HAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE IGALAS?
Well, The question could have been, “Have I lived with them”?
I would be seen as a desperate aspiring writer who doesn’t get her facts clear before massaging her Pen!
The answer to the question is in the affirmative.
I have lived with them, I have attended the same institutions and I have a niece who’s one of them.
Laugh out loud! Let me burst your bubble.
My mother has been purchasing palm oil as a wholesaler from Igala land for the past 30yrs till date and since then, I have never seen her complain about them.
Let me burst your bubbles again!
Mum’s Business yields two houses while the other one is under construction. The credit goes to her tenacity and the accommodative spirit of the Igala people.
In our house, Our Neighbor lived with us for 10 years before leaving for Égumé where they hail from and these people have never troubled us!
My Mates during my NCE from Ayingba had once sat down for me in continuous assessment when I had an emergency program to Anchor at confluence stadium Lokoja. One of my biggest programs then, At the inception of my Mc thingy. He risked his life but in the end, The test was postponed.
My Facebook page was given massive follow and Engagement by these people.
I don’t know how to hate people who have never offended me because of certain cock and bull-stories told by society story teller.
While hunting for a job at the interim in kano, I got my first teaching job through an Igala person and that’s why I try as much as possible to reciprocate the love they showered on me and knowing well, I have one of their blood from Abéjukóló.
MY GENERAL ADVICE?
In the Book “Things Fall Apart” Okonkwo was Banished from Umuofia Because the accidental killing of a clansman is a crime against the earth goddess, Okonkwo, and his family was exiled from Umuofia for seven years. The family moves to Okonkwo’s mother’s native village, Mbanta.
When He got there, His Uncle received him.
WHY DID I REFERENCE THE BOOK?
You see, We don’t know what the future holds nor do we know where the next generation and the present ones would find themselves.
If Okonkwo had backed off from his mother’s Village, Where would he have held to after his banishment?
Whoever you are, If you are reading this, Kindly change your view or diffuse such misconception from your mind because we are one.
While I understand perfectly that every ethnic group encompasses wicked ones in them, Trust me, The good ones, If related to, cordial relationships would yield positivity.
That Igala person who has never offended you that you are afraid of, Give them chance.
Even though in the end an Igala person offends me, It will not change my view of them as good people.
Instead of telling your children to hate particular ethnic groups, Caution them to be careful first in order not to come across the bad ones.
An lgala person will not trouble you if you don’t step on their nerves. That has been my observation so far.
May God bless the people of Kogi state.
God bless our land.
I’m just an ASPIRING ACTIVIST WRITER LIKE CHINUA ACHEBE OF BLESSED MEMORY!
© Onono Onimisi
2/1/2023
