THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.
Recently I have heard a few of people who say some igbo speakers who also bear igbo native names are not igbos , some claim they came from either Benin or igala .Or some self acclaimed historians claim igbos are not of same ancestors.Some even went ahead to say igbo was imposed on them.There is a saying that a lie repeated too often will be assumed to be true.This article is to address some of the misconceptions and prove that igbos are one people, same ancestor wether your migration story is from Idu(Benin) or igala. .
1.Idah and igodomigodo/idu are part of the earliest sphere of igbo migration before 8th century AD. Migration is part of human evolution and humans are not static. Igbos have always moved from one location to the other in search of greener pastures and arable land for farming from prehistoric times and igbos are known for that even till today.
2.According to Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) ,the igbo area of southeastern Nigeria is one of the most populous region of sub-saharan Africa ,with a human density of 1,000 per square mile.In addition, in the book,cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,it stated that the population distribution of eastern Nigeria is a high density belt.So it's not surprising that igbos from prehistoric times had migrated to Idah and Delta-Benin environs due to high population density in search for arable virgin land for farming which was there major occupation .This movement is estimated to have occurred before 8th century AD, long before the advent of kingdoms in idah and Benin which subsequently led to the recoil of these igbos back to the eastern region.
3.Igbos have formed part of the nucleus of the multiethnic population at Idah before the settling of igalas and advent of igala kingdom. Its on record, as documented by G,T BASDEN(among the igbos of Nigeria) and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) that the awka blacksmithers travel beyond the borders of ibo country ,north into igala, ibaji, idoma,warri and beyond, casting bronze,brass iron bells,hoes,according to specifications.Most times awka blacksmithers spend months and years away from igboland plying there trade and the possibility of establishing igbo settlements at these distant places can not be ruled out.This trade is estimated to have begun before 8th century AD (igbo ukwu bronzes) but however it became apparent in the 14th century AD following excavations made at awka (D.D HARTLE, 1966 page 26),GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD page 522.
4.Awka Smith always worked alongside Nri priest(patron and founder of the Ozo title) and they made and fabricated the ozor staff(ofor) ,iron bells and other ritual staves for the Nri priest. It's on record that the Nri Influence extended beyond the igbo sphere into southern igala where igbos had earlier migrated and Idu/igodomigodo which later became Benin ,Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel).
5.Nri Influence (9AD) extended beyond the shores of igboland into south of igala and igodomigodo(igbanke igbos in present Edo state) all of which igbos had earlier migrated in prehistoric times,(according to a book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) .On the west of Niger River,Nri priests along side Awka blacksmithers Made Ofor wands(staffs) for igbos along that axis(from Anioma down to Benin(igbanke igbos).Ichi facial scarification were also Noted among igbos in Delta and eastern side.They maintained ties of loyalty with Nri priestly cult by cleansing grave social infractions and abominations and conferring of rights of leadership (interesting narratives of olaudah equano 1745AD and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) .So there was a prehistoric movement of igbos up north (idah) ,followed by migration and drift downward of igala from Wakuri in Taraba (Attah of igala HRH Dr Michael Idakwo-punch 2017) and migration of some igala into northern igboland to seek refuge due to raids in the extreme north of igala by sokoto jihadists in 1834 (igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).Igala later(late 1800) imperial Influence on northern igboland was kept in check by activities of the Aro.
In an interview granted to Obi agbogidi chukwunwike anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,he clearly stated that Nri priests performed rituals at the palace of Oba of Benin (genesis of migration of Ezechima to Benin from igboland) and this point was further supported by M.D W Jeffrey in his book Oreli mask Nigerian field, volume 10.He noted that Nri priests were performing certain ritual functions at the installation of a new oba of Benin.
6.As noted by Nancy Neaher,Nri Influence extended beyond northern igboland into idah where igbo settlements had earlier dispersed(ibaji,akpanya, olamaboro) from prehistoric times before the establishment of igala kingdom .Nri priests,along side Awka blacksmithers made iron bells, hoes,armlets,leg bands in igala and took over production (Boston 1964). R.N Henderson noted in the book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD ) that royal bells made by awka blacksmithers were included in the burial of igala kings.In exchange for the services rendered, the awka blacksmithers brought back dried fish,maize,yams,elephant hair necklaces and horses which they used for sacrifice Alusi (Nancy Neaher ). The true igala/Benin migrants Into igboland are few and mostly located at the igbo-igala ,Benin-igbanke igbos borderlands and those migrants met existing igbo settlements on ground.
7. Its important to note that the subsequent rise of igala kingdom in the north and Benin empire in south led to the decline of Nri Influence in the igbo country that span from the borders of Benin (igbanke igbos in present Edo state ) down south and akpotos(igala/idah) up north and ijaw being there closest neighbours in the Delta borders (G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria) page 28.
8.With the rise of Benin kingdom in the south and hostilities in the kingdom, many of these igbos that had migrated there prior to this time (Ezechima, Akalaka etc) began to return home.There deliberate migration towards the east, crossing the Niger river back to Onitsha shows they knew where they came from.As already noted in the book, cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,page 273,the density of population in eastern region was already high before 1600AD when Ezechima and family is said to have left Idu/igodomigodo. So migrating in reverse, against an already densely populated area must be a deliberate move heading home and its unlikely they arrived onitsha a virgin land.
9.Thesame recoil event Also happened with igbos already spread up north to idah.The igala kingdom and subsequent hostilities,many of these igbos returned back to Nsuka,Enugu Ezike northern igbo borders. please note.non of the said igbos that returned from Benin or idah spoke any other language on arrival to igboland except igbo.They all had igbo names and spoke igbo on arrival to igboland. No history book documented they spoke any other language other than igbo.This further proves that they had already migrated there in prehistoric times and only returned back home.As igbos have always been decentralized societies,with the priestly cult of Nri widely known and fulfilling the needs of igbos at that time all over igboland, the system of government is not military. it's not surprising if the history of early kings of agbor are from Benin. origin of kingship is not always origin of a people. The rise of igala or Benin kingdom may have Imposed some conventions among igbos within there sphere, but that doesn't take away the fact they have always been there and retained there igbo identity.
10.So contrary to what some believe that some igbos are not of same ancestor, igbos have always been one and ancestral in there land.wether your migration story says your ancestors migrated from around Benin or igala, igbos have always been igbos and those that migrated to distant places only returned back home because archaeological findings have shown igbos are aboriginal occupants of southern Nigeria with settlements dating since 3000BC.(Thurstan Shaw-Radiocabon dating in Nigeria, 1968.
By professor Ofoegbu R.N with contributions from Dr Benson and Dr Opone.C
Dated 28/7/2020. REFERENCES: 1.G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria ,first published 1921. 2.Cambridge history of Africa from 1600AD to 1790,first edited by Rìchard Gray,by J.D Fage. 3.GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) 4. HRH,Obi agbogidi chukwunwike Anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state, 5.Interesting narratives of the life of Olaudah Equano 1745AD. 6.Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel,Itinerant metalsmiths of southern Nigeria. 7.Oral tradition of UmuEri clan on the founding of igala by Eri. 8.(igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).
Well detailed, but some people that reason through their libido will still find it confusing. Nice bro, I have high regards for African historians not those hamitic nonentities. Ngwanụ ekwe erugo ngwe onye nwe ya ge eji bịa buru ya
frankdoz: [s]THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.
Recently I have heard a few of people who say some igbo speakers who also bear igbo native names are not igbos , some claim they came from either Benin or igala .Or some self acclaimed historians claim igbos are not of same ancestors.Some even went ahead to say igbo was imposed on them.There is a saying that a lie repeated too often will be assumed to be true.This article is to address some of the misconceptions and prove that igbos are one people, same ancestor wether your migration story is from Idu(Benin) or igala. .
1.Idah and igodomigodo/idu are part of the earliest sphere of igbo migration before 8th century AD. Migration is part of human evolution and humans are not static. Igbos have always moved from one location to the other in search of greener pastures and arable land for farming from prehistoric times and igbos are known for that even till today.
2.According to Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) ,the igbo area of southeastern Nigeria is one of the most populous region of sub-saharan Africa ,with a human density of 1,000 per square mile.In addition, in the book,cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,it stated that the population distribution of eastern Nigeria is a high density belt.So it's not surprising that igbos from prehistoric times had migrated to Idah and Delta-Benin environs due to high population density in search for arable virgin land for farming which was there major occupation .This movement is estimated to have occurred before 8th century AD, long before the advent of kingdoms in idah and Benin which subsequently led to the recoil of these igbos back to the eastern region.
3.Igbos have formed part of the nucleus of the multiethnic population at Idah before the settling of igalas and advent of igala kingdom. Its on record, as documented by G,T BASDEN(among the igbos of Nigeria) and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) that the awka blacksmithers travel beyond the borders of ibo country ,north into igala, ibaji, idoma,warri and beyond, casting bronze,brass iron bells,hoes,according to specifications.Most times awka blacksmithers spend months and years away from igboland plying there trade and the possibility of establishing igbo settlements at these distant places can not be ruled out.This trade is estimated to have begun before 8th century AD (igbo ukwu bronzes) but however it became apparent in the 14th century AD following excavations made at awka (D.D HARTLE, 1966 page 26),GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD page 522.
4.Awka Smith always worked alongside Nri priest(patron and founder of the Ozo title) and they made and fabricated the ozor staff(ofor) ,iron bells and other ritual staves for the Nri priest. It's on record that the Nri Influence extended beyond the igbo sphere into southern igala where igbos had earlier migrated and Idu/igodomigodo which later became Benin ,Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel).
5.Nri Influence (9AD) extended beyond the shores of igboland into south of igala and igodomigodo(igbanke igbos in present Edo state) all of which igbos had earlier migrated in prehistoric times,(according to a book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) .On the west of Niger River,Nri priests along side Awka blacksmithers Made Ofor wands(staffs) for igbos along that axis(from Anioma down to Benin(igbanke igbos).Ichi facial scarification were also Noted among igbos in Delta and eastern side.They maintained ties of loyalty with Nri priestly cult by cleansing grave social infractions and abominations and conferring of rights of leadership (interesting narratives of olaudah equano 1745AD and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) .So there was a prehistoric movement of igbos up north (idah) ,followed by migration and drift downward of igala from Wakuri in Taraba (Attah of igala HRH Dr Michael Idakwo-punch 2017) and migration of some igala into northern igboland to seek refuge due to raids in the extreme north of igala by sokoto jihadists in 1834 (igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).Igala later(late 1800) imperial Influence on northern igboland was kept in check by activities of the Aro.
In an interview granted to Obi agbogidi chukwunwike anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,he clearly stated that Nri priests performed rituals at the palace of Oba of Benin (genesis of migration of Ezechima to Benin from igboland) and this point was further supported by M.D W Jeffrey in his book Oreli mask Nigerian field, volume 10.He noted that Nri priests were performing certain ritual functions at the installation of a new oba of Benin.
6.As noted by Nancy Neaher,Nri Influence extended beyond northern igboland into idah where igbo settlements had earlier dispersed(ibaji,akpanya, olamaboro) from prehistoric times before the establishment of igala kingdom .Nri priests,along side Awka blacksmithers made iron bells, hoes,armlets,leg bands in igala and took over production (Boston 1964). R.N Henderson noted in the book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD ) that royal bells made by awka blacksmithers were included in the burial of igala kings.In exchange for the services rendered, the awka blacksmithers brought back dried fish,maize,yams,elephant hair necklaces and horses which they used for sacrifice Alusi (Nancy Neaher ). The true igala/Benin migrants Into igboland are few and mostly located at the igbo-igala ,Benin-igbanke igbos borderlands and those migrants met existing igbo settlements on ground.
7. Its important to note that the subsequent rise of igala kingdom in the north and Benin empire in south led to the decline of Nri Influence in the igbo country that span from the borders of Benin (igbanke igbos in present Edo state ) down south and akpotos(igala/idah) up north and ijaw being there closest neighbours in the Delta borders (G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria) page 28.
8.With the rise of Benin kingdom in the south and hostilities in the kingdom, many of these igbos that had migrated there prior to this time (Ezechima, Akalaka etc) began to return home.There deliberate migration towards the east, crossing the Niger river back to Onitsha shows they knew where they came from.As already noted in the book, cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,page 273,the density of population in eastern region was already high before 1600AD when Ezechima and family is said to have left Idu/igodomigodo. So migrating in reverse, against an already densely populated area must be a deliberate move heading home and its unlikely they arrived onitsha a virgin land.
9.Thesame recoil event Also happened with igbos already spread up north to idah.The igala kingdom and subsequent hostilities,many of these igbos returned back to Nsuka,Enugu Ezike northern igbo borders. please note.non of the said igbos that returned from Benin or idah spoke any other language on arrival to igboland except igbo.They all had igbo names and spoke igbo on arrival to igboland. No history book documented they spoke any other language other than igbo.This further proves that they had already migrated there in prehistoric times and only returned back home.As igbos have always been decentralized societies,with the priestly cult of Nri widely known and fulfilling the needs of igbos at that time all over igboland, the system of government is not military. it's not surprising if the history of early kings of agbor are from Benin. origin of kingship is not always origin of a people. The rise of igala or Benin kingdom may have Imposed some conventions among igbos within there sphere, but that doesn't take away the fact they have always been there and retained there igbo identity.
10.So contrary to what some believe that some igbos are not of same ancestor, igbos have always been one and ancestral in there land.wether your migration story says your ancestors migrated from around Benin or igala, igbos have always been igbos and those that migrated to distant places only returned back home because archaeological findings have shown igbos are aboriginal occupants of southern Nigeria with settlements dating since 3000BC.(Thurstan Shaw-Radiocabon dating in Nigeria, 1968.
By professor Ofoegbu R.N with contributions from Dr Benson and Dr Opone.C
Dated 28/7/2020. REFERENCES: 1.G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria ,first published 1921. 2.Cambridge history of Africa from 1600AD to 1790,first edited by Rìchard Gray,by J.D Fage. 3.GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) 4. HRH,Obi agbogidi chukwunwike Anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state, 5.Interesting narratives of the life of Olaudah Equano 1745AD. 6.Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel,Itinerant metalsmiths of southern Nigeria. 7.Oral tradition of UmuEri clan on the founding of igala by Eri. 8.(igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).
mabea: Is there a plan to recolonise some parts of Nigeria because I don't understand the reason this endless debates.........
You all need to stop being so competitive over nothing. So a people trying to understand their roots and origins properly has become recolonization? Some of you need to stop this ignorance. Erudite scholars wrote their findings and someone compiled and summarized them for folks to understand their origin. How is that recolonization? If you feel the assertions are far-fetched why not do a rebuttal with references as was done by the op? Enough of this dick measuring.
frankdoz: THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.
Recently I have heard a few of people who say some igbo speakers who also bear igbo native names are not igbos , some claim they came from either Benin or igala .Or some self acclaimed historians claim igbos are not of same ancestors.Some even went ahead to say igbo was imposed on them.There is a saying that a lie repeated too often will be assumed to be true.This article is to address some of the misconceptions and prove that igbos are one people, same ancestor wether your migration story is from Idu(Benin) or igala. .
1.Idah and igodomigodo/idu are part of the earliest sphere of igbo migration before 8th century AD. Migration is part of human evolution and humans are not static. Igbos have always moved from one location to the other in search of greener pastures and arable land for farming from prehistoric times and igbos are known for that even till today.
2.According to Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) ,the igbo area of southeastern Nigeria is one of the most populous region of sub-saharan Africa ,with a human density of 1,000 per square mile.In addition, in the book,cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,it stated that the population distribution of eastern Nigeria is a high density belt.So it's not surprising that igbos from prehistoric times had migrated to Idah and Delta-Benin environs due to high population density in search for arable virgin land for farming which was there major occupation .This movement is estimated to have occurred before 8th century AD, long before the advent of kingdoms in idah and Benin which subsequently led to the recoil of these igbos back to the eastern region.
3.Igbos have formed part of the nucleus of the multiethnic population at Idah before the settling of igalas and advent of igala kingdom. Its on record, as documented by G,T BASDEN(among the igbos of Nigeria) and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) that the awka blacksmithers travel beyond the borders of ibo country ,north into igala, ibaji, idoma,warri and beyond, casting bronze,brass iron bells,hoes,according to specifications.Most times awka blacksmithers spend months and years away from igboland plying there trade and the possibility of establishing igbo settlements at these distant places can not be ruled out.This trade is estimated to have begun before 8th century AD (igbo ukwu bronzes) but however it became apparent in the 14th century AD following excavations made at awka (D.D HARTLE, 1966 page 26),GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD page 522.
4.Awka Smith always worked alongside Nri priest(patron and founder of the Ozo title) and they made and fabricated the ozor staff(ofor) ,iron bells and other ritual staves for the Nri priest. It's on record that the Nri Influence extended beyond the igbo sphere into southern igala where igbos had earlier migrated and Idu/igodomigodo which later became Benin ,Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel).
5.Nri Influence (9AD) extended beyond the shores of igboland into south of igala and igodomigodo(igbanke igbos in present Edo state) all of which igbos had earlier migrated in prehistoric times,(according to a book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) .On the west of Niger River,Nri priests along side Awka blacksmithers Made Ofor wands(staffs) for igbos along that axis(from Anioma down to Benin(igbanke igbos).Ichi facial scarification were also Noted among igbos in Delta and eastern side.They maintained ties of loyalty with Nri priestly cult by cleansing grave social infractions and abominations and conferring of rights of leadership (interesting narratives of olaudah equano 1745AD and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) .So there was a prehistoric movement of igbos up north (idah) ,followed by migration and drift downward of igala from Wakuri in Taraba (Attah of igala HRH Dr Michael Idakwo-punch 2017) and migration of some igala into northern igboland to seek refuge due to raids in the extreme north of igala by sokoto jihadists in 1834 (igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).Igala later(late 1800) imperial Influence on northern igboland was kept in check by activities of the Aro.
In an interview granted to Obi agbogidi chukwunwike anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,he clearly stated that Nri priests performed rituals at the palace of Oba of Benin (genesis of migration of Ezechima to Benin from igboland) and this point was further supported by M.D W Jeffrey in his book Oreli mask Nigerian field, volume 10.He noted that Nri priests were performing certain ritual functions at the installation of a new oba of Benin.
6.As noted by Nancy Neaher,Nri Influence extended beyond northern igboland into idah where igbo settlements had earlier dispersed(ibaji,akpanya, olamaboro) from prehistoric times before the establishment of igala kingdom .Nri priests,along side Awka blacksmithers made iron bells, hoes,armlets,leg bands in igala and took over production (Boston 1964). R.N Henderson noted in the book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD ) that royal bells made by awka blacksmithers were included in the burial of igala kings.In exchange for the services rendered, the awka blacksmithers brought back dried fish,maize,yams,elephant hair necklaces and horses which they used for sacrifice Alusi (Nancy Neaher ). The true igala/Benin migrants Into igboland are few and mostly located at the igbo-igala ,Benin-igbanke igbos borderlands and those migrants met existing igbo settlements on ground.
7. Its important to note that the subsequent rise of igala kingdom in the north and Benin empire in south led to the decline of Nri Influence in the igbo country that span from the borders of Benin (igbanke igbos in present Edo state ) down south and akpotos(igala/idah) up north and ijaw being there closest neighbours in the Delta borders (G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria) page 28.
8.With the rise of Benin kingdom in the south and hostilities in the kingdom, many of these igbos that had migrated there prior to this time (Ezechima, Akalaka etc) began to return home.There deliberate migration towards the east, crossing the Niger river back to Onitsha shows they knew where they came from.As already noted in the book, cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,page 273,the density of population in eastern region was already high before 1600AD when Ezechima and family is said to have left Idu/igodomigodo. So migrating in reverse, against an already densely populated area must be a deliberate move heading home and its unlikely they arrived onitsha a virgin land.
9.Thesame recoil event Also happened with igbos already spread up north to idah.The igala kingdom and subsequent hostilities,many of these igbos returned back to Nsuka,Enugu Ezike northern igbo borders. please note.non of the said igbos that returned from Benin or idah spoke any other language on arrival to igboland except igbo.They all had igbo names and spoke igbo on arrival to igboland. No history book documented they spoke any other language other than igbo.This further proves that they had already migrated there in prehistoric times and only returned back home.As igbos have always been decentralized societies,with the priestly cult of Nri widely known and fulfilling the needs of igbos at that time all over igboland, the system of government is not military. it's not surprising if the history of early kings of agbor are from Benin. origin of kingship is not always origin of a people. The rise of igala or Benin kingdom may have Imposed some conventions among igbos within there sphere, but that doesn't take away the fact they have always been there and retained there igbo identity.
10.So contrary to what some believe that some igbos are not of same ancestor, igbos have always been one and ancestral in there land.wether your migration story says your ancestors migrated from around Benin or igala, igbos have always been igbos and those that migrated to distant places only returned back home because archaeological findings have shown igbos are aboriginal occupants of southern Nigeria with settlements dating since 3000BC.(Thurstan Shaw-Radiocabon dating in Nigeria, 1968.
By professor Ofoegbu R.N with contributions from Dr Benson and Dr Opone.C
Dated 28/7/2020. REFERENCES: 1.G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria ,first published 1921. 2.Cambridge history of Africa from 1600AD to 1790,first edited by Rìchard Gray,by J.D Fage. 3.GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) 4. HRH,Obi agbogidi chukwunwike Anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state, 5.Interesting narratives of the life of Olaudah Equano 1745AD. 6.Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel,Itinerant metalsmiths of southern Nigeria. 7.Oral tradition of UmuEri clan on the founding of igala by Eri. 8.(igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).
Courtesy Chris Uniman
Can you point me in the direction where I can get these books in the references? I love reading diverse accounts of Igbo origin. I miss Catherine Acholonu. May her soul rest in peace.
frankdoz: THE RETURN OF SOME IGBOS THAT MIGRATED TO IDU/IGODOMIGODO AND IDAH BEFORE 800AD.
Recently I have heard a few of people who say some igbo speakers who also bear igbo native names are not igbos , some claim they came from either Benin or igala .Or some self acclaimed historians claim igbos are not of same ancestors.Some even went ahead to say igbo was imposed on them.There is a saying that a lie repeated too often will be assumed to be true.This article is to address some of the misconceptions and prove that igbos are one people, same ancestor wether your migration story is from Idu(Benin) or igala. .
1.Idah and igodomigodo/idu are part of the earliest sphere of igbo migration before 8th century AD. Migration is part of human evolution and humans are not static. Igbos have always moved from one location to the other in search of greener pastures and arable land for farming from prehistoric times and igbos are known for that even till today.
2.According to Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) ,the igbo area of southeastern Nigeria is one of the most populous region of sub-saharan Africa ,with a human density of 1,000 per square mile.In addition, in the book,cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,it stated that the population distribution of eastern Nigeria is a high density belt.So it's not surprising that igbos from prehistoric times had migrated to Idah and Delta-Benin environs due to high population density in search for arable virgin land for farming which was there major occupation .This movement is estimated to have occurred before 8th century AD, long before the advent of kingdoms in idah and Benin which subsequently led to the recoil of these igbos back to the eastern region.
3.Igbos have formed part of the nucleus of the multiethnic population at Idah before the settling of igalas and advent of igala kingdom. Its on record, as documented by G,T BASDEN(among the igbos of Nigeria) and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) that the awka blacksmithers travel beyond the borders of ibo country ,north into igala, ibaji, idoma,warri and beyond, casting bronze,brass iron bells,hoes,according to specifications.Most times awka blacksmithers spend months and years away from igboland plying there trade and the possibility of establishing igbo settlements at these distant places can not be ruled out.This trade is estimated to have begun before 8th century AD (igbo ukwu bronzes) but however it became apparent in the 14th century AD following excavations made at awka (D.D HARTLE, 1966 page 26),GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD page 522.
4.Awka Smith always worked alongside Nri priest(patron and founder of the Ozo title) and they made and fabricated the ozor staff(ofor) ,iron bells and other ritual staves for the Nri priest. It's on record that the Nri Influence extended beyond the igbo sphere into southern igala where igbos had earlier migrated and Idu/igodomigodo which later became Benin ,Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel).
5.Nri Influence (9AD) extended beyond the shores of igboland into south of igala and igodomigodo(igbanke igbos in present Edo state) all of which igbos had earlier migrated in prehistoric times,(according to a book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) .On the west of Niger River,Nri priests along side Awka blacksmithers Made Ofor wands(staffs) for igbos along that axis(from Anioma down to Benin(igbanke igbos).Ichi facial scarification were also Noted among igbos in Delta and eastern side.They maintained ties of loyalty with Nri priestly cult by cleansing grave social infractions and abominations and conferring of rights of leadership (interesting narratives of olaudah equano 1745AD and Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel) .So there was a prehistoric movement of igbos up north (idah) ,followed by migration and drift downward of igala from Wakuri in Taraba (Attah of igala HRH Dr Michael Idakwo-punch 2017) and migration of some igala into northern igboland to seek refuge due to raids in the extreme north of igala by sokoto jihadists in 1834 (igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).Igala later(late 1800) imperial Influence on northern igboland was kept in check by activities of the Aro.
In an interview granted to Obi agbogidi chukwunwike anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state,he clearly stated that Nri priests performed rituals at the palace of Oba of Benin (genesis of migration of Ezechima to Benin from igboland) and this point was further supported by M.D W Jeffrey in his book Oreli mask Nigerian field, volume 10.He noted that Nri priests were performing certain ritual functions at the installation of a new oba of Benin.
6.As noted by Nancy Neaher,Nri Influence extended beyond northern igboland into idah where igbo settlements had earlier dispersed(ibaji,akpanya, olamaboro) from prehistoric times before the establishment of igala kingdom .Nri priests,along side Awka blacksmithers made iron bells, hoes,armlets,leg bands in igala and took over production (Boston 1964). R.N Henderson noted in the book GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD ) that royal bells made by awka blacksmithers were included in the burial of igala kings.In exchange for the services rendered, the awka blacksmithers brought back dried fish,maize,yams,elephant hair necklaces and horses which they used for sacrifice Alusi (Nancy Neaher ). The true igala/Benin migrants Into igboland are few and mostly located at the igbo-igala ,Benin-igbanke igbos borderlands and those migrants met existing igbo settlements on ground.
7. Its important to note that the subsequent rise of igala kingdom in the north and Benin empire in south led to the decline of Nri Influence in the igbo country that span from the borders of Benin (igbanke igbos in present Edo state ) down south and akpotos(igala/idah) up north and ijaw being there closest neighbours in the Delta borders (G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria) page 28.
8.With the rise of Benin kingdom in the south and hostilities in the kingdom, many of these igbos that had migrated there prior to this time (Ezechima, Akalaka etc) began to return home.There deliberate migration towards the east, crossing the Niger river back to Onitsha shows they knew where they came from.As already noted in the book, cambridge history of Africa before 1600AD,page 273,the density of population in eastern region was already high before 1600AD when Ezechima and family is said to have left Idu/igodomigodo. So migrating in reverse, against an already densely populated area must be a deliberate move heading home and its unlikely they arrived onitsha a virgin land.
9.Thesame recoil event Also happened with igbos already spread up north to idah.The igala kingdom and subsequent hostilities,many of these igbos returned back to Nsuka,Enugu Ezike northern igbo borders. please note.non of the said igbos that returned from Benin or idah spoke any other language on arrival to igboland except igbo.They all had igbo names and spoke igbo on arrival to igboland. No history book documented they spoke any other language other than igbo.This further proves that they had already migrated there in prehistoric times and only returned back home.As igbos have always been decentralized societies,with the priestly cult of Nri widely known and fulfilling the needs of igbos at that time all over igboland, the system of government is not military. it's not surprising if the history of early kings of agbor are from Benin. origin of kingship is not always origin of a people. The rise of igala or Benin kingdom may have Imposed some conventions among igbos within there sphere, but that doesn't take away the fact they have always been there and retained there igbo identity.
10.So contrary to what some believe that some igbos are not of same ancestor, igbos have always been one and ancestral in there land.wether your migration story says your ancestors migrated from around Benin or igala, igbos have always been igbos and those that migrated to distant places only returned back home because archaeological findings have shown igbos are aboriginal occupants of southern Nigeria with settlements dating since 3000BC.(Thurstan Shaw-Radiocabon dating in Nigeria, 1968.
By professor Ofoegbu R.N with contributions from Dr Benson and Dr Opone.C
Dated 28/7/2020. REFERENCES: 1.G.T BASDEN "among the ibos of Nigeria ,first published 1921. 2.Cambridge history of Africa from 1600AD to 1790,first edited by Rìchard Gray,by J.D Fage. 3.GENERAL HISTORY OF AFRICA (Africa from 7th -11th century AD by M.El Fasi) 4. HRH,Obi agbogidi chukwunwike Anyasi of odumuje-unor kingdom, delta state, 5.Interesting narratives of the life of Olaudah Equano 1745AD. 6.Nancy C.Neaher(awka who travel,Itinerant metalsmiths of southern Nigeria. 7.Oral tradition of UmuEri clan on the founding of igala by Eri. 8.(igbo-igala borderlands by Austin.J.Shelton page 18).
Courtesy Chris Uniman
Igbos are trying to turn history upside down, when they discovered that their people are actually immigrants from Igodomigodo.
The south east as we know it today is historically inhabited by Eri who they said is the progenitor of Igbo race. Eri is a descendant of Idu in Igodomigodo, he founded the oldest Igbo kingdom Nri kingdom in 9 century AD. You can easily recognize this because all the villages and towns Idu descendants reside are prefixed with Idu. Hence you have Idu Obu Gad in Aguleri.
All other inhabitants of Anambra, like the Nnewi, Onitcha Ado Na Idu etc are all migrants from Igodomigodo.
The Oru people in Imo State, Oguta and other inhabitants are all Imigrants from Igodomigodo.
Enugu Ezike in Enugu state are all imigrants from Igodomigodo, they however meant the Igalas there same with Onitcha Ado na Idu.
The most aggressive group that migrated from Igodomigodo were Ohofia, Alayi, Igbele, Nkalu Itu, Arochukwu, Ututu, Abam etc group. When they reached the southern part of Igboland, Abia State in around 16 century. They meant the Efik and Ibibio, as you can see ''Aba" is not an Igbo word.
Again, if you listen to Ohofia war dance it depicts migrants from Idu Igodomigodo land.
So where did you get your fake history from that people in the south east migrated to the south south historically. After your fake Jewish story origin no longer sell you result to this.
Igbos are trying to turn history upside down, when they discovered that their people are actually immigrants from Igodomigodo.
The south east as we know it today is historically inhabited by Eri who they said is the progenitor of Igbo race. Eri is a descendant of Idu in Igodomigodo, he founded the oldest Igbo kingdom Nri kingdom in 9 century AD. You can easily recognize this because all the villages and towns Idu descendants reside are prefixed with Idu. Hence you have Idu Obu Gad in Aguleri.
All other inhabitants of Anambra, like the Nnewi, Onitcha Ado Na Idu etc are all migrants from Igodomigodo.
The Oru people in Imo State, Oguta and other inhabitants are all Imigrants from Igodomigodo.
Enugu Ezike in Enugu state are all imigrants from Igodomigodo, they however meant the Igalas there same with Onitcha Ado na Idu.
The most aggressive group that migrated from Igodomigodo were Ohofia, Alayi, Igbele, Nkalu Itu, Arochukwu, Ututu, Abam etc group. When they reached the southern part of Igboland, Abia State in around 16 century. They meant the Efik and Ibibio, as you can see ''Aba" is not an Igbo word.
Again, if you listen to Ohofia war dance it depicts migrants from Idu Igodomigodo land.
So where did you get your fake history from that people in the south east migrated to the south south historically. After your fake Jewish story origin no longer sell you result to this.
Question..so what's the true origin of the Igbo people? are you saying they migrated southwards? me think Igbos migrated from central Africa, probably from Cameroun, Gabon or from the Congo.
I am igala by tribe but all you wrote about my tribe are all lies and mind you it was igala people that migrate to igbo land in place like nsuka, part of abakiliki part of Delta part of bayelsa part of Edo state part of anambra and even iyala people in Cross river state are igala. because we Bear igbo name especially in my local government (ibaji) who share boundaries with anambra, enugu, Delta and Edo does not mean that igbo were part of us. it is because we tolerate people and try create friendship in the past and that is why you see some igbo men and women bearing igala name like idoko and abara and even onu.
stonemasonn: Question..so what's the true origin of the Igbo people? are you saying they migrated southwards? me think Igbos migrated from central Africa, probably from Cameroun, Gabon or from the Congo.
Majority of Igbos migrated from Igodomigodo southward. Eri, and all Idu descendants I mentioned before.
In our land Igodomigodo, we dont know them as Igbo. There were the Babessi people from Cameroon who migrated to the south east as well, these people have different character and aggressive compared to Eri, Idu children. Those from the south east will understand what am saying.
These Babessi people I strongly believed Nandi Kanu is from that group, they are the mostly lousy people in the south east. They have overshadowed the Eri, Idu children. The Eri, Idu children were addressing these people then as Igbon. In Igodomigodo we know and called them Igbon which mean servant/slaves.
Forgot those rubbish people are saying that Igbo mean ancient people. During the colonial period, the white pronounced that word Igbon to be Igbo which altermatically was used to descirbed all inhabitants from that region till date.
I challenge any Igbo here to answer this question
Why the Ogutas, Onitcha Ado na Idu people and other Idu descendants in the east tell their fellow so called Igbo '' Nwa Oye Igbo".
Can you point me in the direction where I can get these books in the references? I love reading diverse accounts of Igbo origin. I miss Catherine Acholonu. May her soul rest in peace.
No research book say such, I have already search the various articles, the writer is a fraud. Quoting an author without proper reference is plagiarism but writing fake story and assigning authors to it, I dont know the type offence to call that.
Abaramanasseho: I am igala by tribe but all you wrote about my tribe are all lies and mind you it was igala people that migrate to igbo land in place like nsuka, part of abakiliki part of Delta part of bayelsa part of Edo state part of anambra and even iyala people in Cross river state are igala. because we Bear igbo name especially in my local government (ibaji) who share boundaries with anambra, enugu, Delta and Edo does not mean that igbo were part of us. it is because we tolerate people and try create friendship in the past and that is why you see some igbo men and women bearing igala name like idoko and abara and even onu.
Igala is nothing but an amalgam of Igbo, Yoruba and Jukun rulers.
Your kingdom in the past was invaded by Fulani jihadists forcing you lots to migrate into Nsukka areas as fugitives and were fully assimilated by native Igbos in the region. Infact, places like Ibaji use to be totally inhabited by Igbos, but the great influx of Igala fugitives and invaders there changed the region demographics. The Igbo have always been a densely populated people and area. People only moved to Igboland out of desperation (wars) because we were always accommodating of fugitives.
stonemasonn: Question..so what's the true origin of the Igbo people? are you saying they migrated southwards? me think Igbos migrated from central Africa, probably from Cameroun, Gabon or from the Congo.
and cameroon, Gabon, and Congo migrated from where?
Majority of Igbos migrated from Igodomigodo southward. Eri, and all Idu descendants I mentioned before.
In our land Igodomigodo, we dont know them as Igbo. There were the Babessi people from Cameroon who migrated to the south east as well, these people have different character and aggressive compared to Eri, Idu children. Those from the south east will understand what am saying.
These Babessi people I strongly believed Nandi Kanu is from that group, they are the mostly lousy people in the south east. They have overshadowed the Eri, Idu children. The Eri, Idu children were addressing these people then as Igbon. In Igodomigodo we know and called them Igbon which mean servant/slaves.
Forgot those rubbish people are saying that Igbo mean ancient people. During the colonial period, the white pronounced that word Igbon to be Igbo which altermatically was used to descirbed all inhabitants from that region till date.
I challenge any Igbo here to answer this question
Why the Ogutas, Onitcha Ado na Idu people and other Idu descendants in the east tell their fellow so called Igbo '' Nwa Oye Igbo".
You own history is far from this world.
just stay in bini and mind your state.
Igbo and bini are two different words..
It is the storyteller who makes us what we are, who creates history. The storyteller creates the memory that the survivors must have - otherwise t[/i]heir surviving would have no meaning.
So if the lion doesn't tell her story, the history of the hunt will glorify the hunter. You binis should stop been a hunter on igbo history because it is DOA
No research book say such, I have already search the various articles, the writer is a fraud. Quoting an author without proper reference is plagiarism but writing fake story and assigning authors to it, I dont know the type offence to call that.
There is nothing fake about the above write up.
The Benin history has been deliberately and fraudulently muddled up with Bini (Igbodomigodo) history by Benins for pride and land grabbing agenda.
We in Igbo land know for certain that there was an ancient Bini which we call Idu in Igboland. We also have ancient tales of the war between the Idu and the Oba, it's called agha "Idu n'oba " in Igbo folklore. Idu was the land where many Igbos migrated to and lived in the past. It so happened that Idu got invaded by the current Oba dynasty from Ile ife, who fought ferociously with Idu people causing the Igbo indigenous people there to migrate back to Igboland. The Oba dynasty would finally establish a parallel throne in Iduland and formed the current Beinin kingdom, whose contact with the Portuguese enabled it to gain weapons with which it went about terrorizing neighboring Idu( Edo tribes), Western Igbo and Eastern Yoruba tribes, to form the Benin empire.
Recently, there have been a recent attempt by Idu people led by the Ogiemien to resuscitate their dying kingdom from the Yoruba Oba invaders in Benin .
Igbos are trying to turn history upside down, when they discovered that their people are actually immigrants from Igodomigodo.
The south east as we know it today is historically inhabited by Eri who they said is the progenitor of Igbo race. Eri is a descendant of Idu in Igodomigodo, he founded the oldest Igbo kingdom Nri kingdom in 9 century AD. You can easily recognize this because all the villages and towns Idu descendants reside are prefixed with Idu. Hence you have Idu Obu Gad in Aguleri.
All other inhabitants of Anambra, like the Nnewi, Onitcha Ado Na Idu etc are all migrants from Igodomigodo.
The Oru people in Imo State, Oguta and other inhabitants are all Imigrants from Igodomigodo.
Enugu Ezike in Enugu state are all imigrants from Igodomigodo, they however meant the Igalas there same with Onitcha Ado na Idu.
The most aggressive group that migrated from Igodomigodo were Ohofia, Alayi, Igbele, Nkalu Itu, Arochukwu, Ututu, Abam etc group. When they reached the southern part of Igboland, Abia State in around 16 century. They meant the Efik and Ibibio, as you can see ''Aba" is not an Igbo word.
Again, if you listen to Ohofia war dance it depicts migrants from Idu Igodomigodo land.
So where did you get your fake history from that people in the south east migrated to the south south historically. After your fake Jewish story origin no longer sell you result to this.
God of mercy, did you just mention arochukwu, abam and ohafia in this your edo and idu joke. It's like you don't know why ohafia, abam and arochukwu forces came to the northern sphere of Igbo land. No need to educate you, just know that had it been that Edo was closer to southern Igbo land, the head of Oba of Benin will be among the three heads on the tray used in ohafia war dance. Ask your ancestors the reason why non Igbos don't cross the Niger river. Or better, ask ibibio and ijaws who arochukwu, ohafia and abam are
Majority of Igbos migrated from Igodomigodo southward. Eri, and all Idu descendants I mentioned before.
In our land Igodomigodo, we dont know them as Igbo. There were the Babessi people from Cameroon who migrated to the south east as well, these people have different character and aggressive compared to Eri, Idu children. Those from the south east will understand what am saying.
These Babessi people I strongly believed Nandi Kanu is from that group, they are the mostly lousy people in the south east. They have overshadowed the Eri, Idu children. The Eri, Idu children were addressing these people then as Igbon. In Igodomigodo we know and called them Igbon which mean servant/slaves.
Forgot those rubbish people are saying that Igbo mean ancient people. During the colonial period, the white pronounced that word Igbon to be Igbo which altermatically was used to descirbed all inhabitants from that region till date.
I challenge any Igbo here to answer this question
Why the Ogutas, Onitcha Ado na Idu people and other Idu descendants in the east tell their fellow so called Igbo '' Nwa Oye Igbo".
I have said it time without number any Igbo speaking people that claim Benin origin should kindly leave igboland and go back to Benin thank God you know you are a migrant.
I have said it time without number any Igbo speaking people that claim Benin origin should kindly leave igboland and go back to Benin thank God you know you are a migrant.
bini must go...
What nonsense are you typing, this a history argument not Savage fight. Besides the guy is a bini man from edo
Majority of Igbos migrated from Igodomigodo southward. Eri, and all Idu descendants I mentioned before.
In our land Igodomigodo, we dont know them as Igbo. There were the Babessi people from Cameroon who migrated to the south east as well, these people have different character and aggressive compared to Eri, Idu children. Those from the south east will understand what am saying.
These Babessi people I strongly believed Nandi Kanu is from that group, they are the mostly lousy people in the south east. They have overshadowed the Eri, Idu children. The Eri, Idu children were addressing these people then as Igbon. In Igodomigodo we know and called them Igbon which mean servant/slaves.
Forgot those rubbish people are saying that Igbo mean ancient people. During the colonial period, the white pronounced that word Igbon to be Igbo which altermatically was used to descirbed all inhabitants from that region till date.
I challenge any Igbo here to answer this question
Why the Ogutas, Onitcha Ado na Idu people and other Idu descendants in the east tell their fellow so called Igbo '' Nwa Oye Igbo".
Nwa onye Igbo means the child of an Igbo. It's the same as Igbo call themselves nwa afọ Igbo which also means true son of Igbo. Igbo all call one another nwa Igbo which means Igbo son, nwa Igbo is the short form of nwa onye Igbo. So you see Mr Bini man that learnt that igodo means key from my post that it's an Igbo thing. Now I have a question for you, what does nwa, onye and Igbo mean in bini?
Majority of Igbos migrated from Igodomigodo southward. Eri, and all Idu descendants I mentioned before.
In our land Igodomigodo, we dont know them as Igbo. There were the Babessi people from Cameroon who migrated to the south east as well, these people have different character and aggressive compared to Eri, Idu children. Those from the south east will understand what am saying.
These Babessi people I strongly believed Nandi Kanu is from that group, they are the mostly lousy people in the south east. They have overshadowed the Eri, Idu children. The Eri, Idu children were addressing these people then as Igbon. In Igodomigodo we know and called them Igbon which mean servant/slaves.
Forgot those rubbish people are saying that Igbo mean ancient people. During the colonial period, the white pronounced that word Igbon to be Igbo which altermatically was used to descirbed all inhabitants from that region till date.
I challenge any Igbo here to answer this question
Why the Ogutas, Onitcha Ado na Idu people and other Idu descendants in the east tell their fellow so called Igbo '' Nwa Oye Igbo".
You are really funny, you claim to be related to Ohafia and Arochukwu yet you despise Isiama afara that Nnamdi Kanu comes from. This proves the saying that "a stranger knows no boundary, history and the way of life of the people". Well you are in indeed a stranger and knows nothing about Igbos. A stranger from Benin that is claiming to be related to Arochukwu and Ohafia and telling them that their brother Isiama Afara that they know for centuries and has been with them, fought wars with them is from Cameroon (which is a recent white creation) whereas they are just hearing your claim of relationship for the first time in 2020. I respect your ignorance and stupidity , it is world class
