SOME NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF IGEDE AND THEIR YEARS.

By obega Stephen

Did You Know That:

In 1600 to 1715, Agba 14 children led by Ada the eldest which make up the 14 clans in Igede today migrated from OYEHWU(River Bank), Ora in Benin kingdom to their present place of abode(Benue/cross rivers states ).

*In 1908-1909 the British Colonials first came to Igede but were resisted with physical attack and the use of diabolical powers such as bees, heavy manipulated rainfalls and storms by the Igedes and were forced to leave.

*In 1919-1922 they came the second time and subdued the Igede people with the use of their superior firearms and imposed their colonial rules, ridiculous taxes and hard labour on our fathers with their main office in Oturkpo, the present Otukpo town for collections.

In 1926, the British footsoldiers mainly Hausa's and some Idomas chained some women from Iyato Idele in the present Oju LG and stripped(naked) them in the market square as punishment for their husband’s inability or resistance to pay taxes.

In 1926/1927 was the period of Ogbuloko Ukpata led Igede united resistance to the British brutality, exploitation and oppression (the biggest of its kind in Benue and Cross Rivers state.)

*In 1947 Idoma Division, made up of 22 DISTRICTS was formulated/amalgamated, comprising Igede, Agatu, Akpa, Ochekwu & Utonkon as well as others by the Colonial "Masters" for mutuality and smooth running purposes, with the creation of Och'Idoma kingdom as their central office.

*In 1960, HRH. Dr Abraham Ajene Okpabi became the Och'Idoma of Idoma land.

*In 1995 the Royal father, Dr Abraham Ajene Okpabi died having reigned for 35 uninterrupted years that sterned the peaceful coexistence btw the Igede people and their closet brothers-Idoma till date.

*In 1976, Oju Division (nya al'Igide) was created, comprised the then three (3) Districts-IGEDE CENTRAL, ITO & UWOKWU Districts respectively.

*In 1995, Obi LG was created from Oju LG bringing it to two Local Govts in Igede land.

*On 14th May, 2018 HRH Oga Ero CP (Rtd) became the First Class and the (Paramount Ruler) of Igede land and he was handed the staff of rulership by His Excellency, Gov. Samuel Ortom same day.