PUBLICATION–022MM2023
Ogbuloko Ogoji Ukpata, the war lord was born around 1891 in Ihuega Idele clan of Igede District. His father Ukpata was a professional hunter and basket maker. At the age of thirty-five, Ogbuloko’s influence had spread in and around the entire clan.
He was married to Enyi Ode from Ihuega Idele, Eneyi Okwe from Ikachi, Ujor Okwonye from Iyokolo Idele and Igele Olem from Egbila Idele.
In 1926, the British foot soldiers mainly Hausa’s and some Idoma’s chained some women from Iyato Idele in the present Oju LGA and stripped them naked in the market square as punishment for their husband’s inability or resistance to pay taxes. What a horrible injustice and dehumanising show against humanity and the entire womanhood. The people resisted, because the hard earned tax was collected with nothing to show, but rather, a rule of force and oppression by the native authority.
Between 1927-1928, Ogbuloko Ukpata led Igede United Resistance to resist the British brutality, exploitation and oppression. He led the uprising not for selfish reasons or his hatred for the whites as some ignorantly establish. He fought to free Igede land from suppression–a freedom fighter par excellence.
Unfortunately, Igele Olem from Egbila Idele, the favourite wife of the late warlord was bribed with three shillings six pence to violate the warlord's fetish medicine and that led to his subsequent capture and murder.
Don’t we think we need a non-violent freedom fighter to liberate Igede nation from the modern hydra-headed subjugation and marginalisation?
Rest on, Okoji nyang á ká nọọlẹ ka.
[22.05.23 10:46]
Key Comments/reactions from the publication
I have taken time to explain rationales behind Ogbuloko's actions to many especially scholars who tries to attribute lack of development to his activities. Yes the whites came, exploit and still left some good legacies but I don't see what they did in other places they were allowed more than Igede,, He fought a good fight. I suggest Omi nyi Igede or an institution should organize an annual colloquium in his honor or Ogah Okwoche, Ogiri Ajene to avail us an opportunity to discuss the past, our present and draw a map for the future. It will help us. Meanwhile, may we marry wives that will not kill us or may our spirit kill the wife moment she birth the idea to kill us. Myekee media, bravo, your approach is educative above money making media we read in other handles. Felix UDA
Onda Uda Felix very sound recommendation, i think Myekee Media has a lot more on the table, I place one on his table which he promised to do. Ebi Ologbo
It's a nice piece,quite revealing and educating indeed. We need more of such documentaries from across the land of Igede, of people that were impactful across various spheres of life. It's commendable,more grease to your elbow. Moses Edugbeke
Ogbuloko was a just man. A respected freedom fighter. His objection to the colonial brutality distinguished the Igede people from their cowardly neighbours. Uptil now, the determination of Ogbuloko runs in Igede blood. We do not agree to intimidation and subjugation in the name of minority. We are a special people whose God respond to aggression with speed. Ogbuloko needs additional honours. Amity Ijuwo
The only Igede problem today is ANOTHER IGEDE MAN. Just the way Ugbuloko was betrayed by his own wife, so are many of us, no thanks to the POLITICAL ELITES who have bastardized our hitherto CUSTOMS & CULTURAL VALUES which were used for our UNIFICATION and SANCTITY.
Many of our elders have soiled their hands in IMMORALITY & ABOMINABLE ACT and are afraid of even walking across the OJIA. SO, DONT LOOK FOR ANY LIBERATOR, BE UR OWN LIBERATOR WITHIN AREA U CAN. TOP OF THE MORNING TO ALL. Obam okpe Matthew
A very powerful piece of history that we can all be proud to tell our children, and a very poignant question we all need to answer for our children to speak or write about. Joe-Great Otumala
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