A few days ago, social media was set bustling when several names of Igede sons that worked and prioritised the peace and unity of Igede land during their lifetime were listed and how they are greatly missed with the recent crisis. Most feel the crisis between Ibilla and Oju would not take this worst turn if they were alive. Other sections think that the handling and the proactiveness will be different.
I carefully studied the long list that chronicled many heroes of love and peaceful coexistence from different clans of Igede. They were an embodiment of love, truth, and integrity. They were highly revered, and their voices were deeply respected throughout Igede land. They were beacons of our culture and values, and their Igede-ness was top-notch. Congratulations to them in their various graves–for making the list in the hall of fame.
The only female that made the list is LATE OLUHI MAMA JANET ONUWA. She stood in her era as the symbol of a fearless and virtuous Igede mother. Her oratory and demeanour represent the womanhood saturated with peace–the UPWU UTU original. Her UPWU UTU is different from the ones we give now to the politicians seeking elective posts. No wonder she made the list among the many men from all the clans of Igede. Onyigbang nya Iyeche–rest well. When the list will be revised in the coming years, I suggest Mrs Onyike Grace, popularly known as ‘NUT Chair’, should be enlisted for her mobilisation and role on 14th June 2023. Keep it up, Madam Grace.
Two names on that list caught my attention and threw me into deep reflection– CHIEF IKANDE IDIKWU from Ibilla clan and CHIEF OGA OJIYA from Oju clan. According to Igede Tradition, these people only translated to another world called EJEEGWU and can see whatever we are doing–I know pastors will contest that with the Holy Scriptures. Just imagine, Adutu and Oga decided to visit themselves to review what happened between Ibilla and Oju– it will be one of the worst meetings on the other side—same blood or what OLIGEDE will call EGBENE CHEKU HYI EKU. I refuse to imagine that Mama Janet will stumble at them discussing what happened.
To me, is better they are no more to witness the digital version of the crisis between the two clans. The one in 1991 was analogue. These elders who have passed on cannot comprehend the dawn of hatred among their people. Their kin engaging themselves in an avoidable war. The astronomic dimension of damage to lives and properties may be beyond the strength of their loving heart to carry–I am sure they will run high blood pressure.
They lived gracefully and taught us to love and embrace each other. They lived and valued brotherhood and dialogue. They live a lifestyle, an Igede people will call ALEE M LE NYA ODE BALA OGA. But somewhere along the way, their teachings were jettisoned, and the bonds they worked so hard to build were torn apart and left unfulfilled as we fought amongst ourselves. Our cruel hearts ring like hollow bells, and our readiness to fight and destroy one another will even amaze the Angel God sent to Egypt on the Passover night.
But the benefit of their legacy is a lasting light for us to see. A path towards peace and unity that we alone can choose to seize. The elders may not be here to see the hatred among their families, but their wisdom remains with us to heal the wounds and restore trust. Let us honour their memory by setting aside our enmity and keep their legacy alive by loving each other and letting go of strife.
ADUTU CHIEF IKANDE IDIKWU AND CHIEF OGA OJIYA deserve our respect, and the best way to do that is to allow the value they lived for to flourish. Let’s live in peace and unity and allow them to rest in peace.
ELA OCHICHE KA–with the curfew, all the Igede people will understand that peace is priceless and crisis is costly. E no concern me na scam- e concern all of us.
I still stand with IGEDE WOMEN and their UPWU UTU march of June 14, 2023.
Dated June 18, 2023
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