Nigeria, ‘The Giant of Africa’, has over 300 ethnic groups, with the largest being the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. As if that isn’t enough, there are over 500 languages, including English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fula, and Nigerian Pidgin. I worked together with a guest writer, who would like to remain anonymous, in giving myself and you knowledge of their tribe.
I want to give them all of the credit for inspiring me to post this, but they insist that I am the one doing the cooking, now that I have been given the proper ingredients. Enjoy!
The Idoma Tribe of Benue state is located at the North central of Nigeria. They can also be found in Taraba, Cross Rivers, Enugu, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.
As a Son of the soil, I’m saddened to say that I can't even tell you the history of my own tribe. I could have researched more for this summary, but I chose not to. For now, I will tell you what I know from my family, especially my parents and grandma. Whom I know are proud that I am chosen as the one to speak for my people.
The Idoma tribe are among the minorities in the country. Yet, we are one of the most loving and hardworking people in the country. We are known for being exceptional warriors, hunters, and farmers within our landscape.
The traditional clothing we wear is called ‘Apa’ or ‘Edema’, depending on your location. The black color signifies “earth and burial shroud”, while the red color signifies “royalty”.
Out people are known for spreading all over the state even with their small population. In Benue state, three tribes are found which are, Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. Idoma people being among the people that dominated the state came from different Villages found within the state.
Language
Idoma language is one of the best languages if you understand it. It is the second official in Benue state. It's often said that the language is been originated from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. Although some Idoma people use different dialects (Agatu, Edumoga, Otukpo, Otukpa, Orokam, Akpa Agila, Utonkon, Igede, Etilo, Iyala) within the language, but we still consider ourselves as one people.
Tribal Masks & Figures:
The Influence of Music & Dance:
The musical sound and language has to be one of the things that make Idoma tribe unique. Idoma songs will always make you want to shake you body to the rhythm. A traditional dance, Ogirinya, requires moving the whole body to the beats of the drums being played.
The tribe can be easily identified when one hears the sounds of their music. The late Peter Otulu has to be one of the most famous local musician across the land, he's an icon to the people and his music is mostly about God, songs of the gospel are always relatable to the people. The legendary Innocent Idibia AKA 2baba, is one of the backbones of Afrobeat, is also the pride of the people.
Aje Alekwu Festival
The Idoma people revere their ancestors; their traditional philosophy and religion is rooted in ritualistic ancestral worship, which is informed by the union of spiritual, metaphysical and material forces governing the Idoma universe.1 Despite the majority the adoption of Christianity among the Idoma, it has not stopped them from keeping their cultural traditions alive.
Owo is the Almighty and the unseen God which in our contemporary time been referred to as Owoicho meaning Heavenly God and is looked upon as Owonofiye (almighty) and Owodudu (Omniscient).
Aje (Earth) provides the basis for understanding the mind and world view as regards
Alekwu simply means ancestral mask/masquerade and it’s an embodiment of the dead ancestor’s spirit.2
Not only is this a communal space for honoring the ancestors, it’s a time for enjoying good food and performing rituals to ensure the protection and prosperity within the communities.
There are an abundance of celebrations within the different states, but I will name only a couple. The New Yam Festival, known as Orureshi in Idoma, which marks the end of the rainy season in August. This festival symbolizes the end of the year harvest and the new work cycle. Agila Social & Economic Carnival, created by Prince Edwin Ochai in 2013, the significance of the carnival is to showcases the Idoma people's social, cultural, and economic heritage through art, craft, and social exhibitions.
Traditional Foods:
Food has to be another special traits of the people. Benue state been one of the top food producers of the country makes the people known for their farming, many crops like yams, cassava, maize and other crops are been grown in the state.
Abeg, Come Chop!
Pounded yam w/ Okoho soup from the plant Cissus Populnea which is prepared with Bush meat (such as grass-cutter, alligator and smoked meat) along with SO MUCH LOVE! It's eaten with so much attention, I promise you that.
Ochi’Idoma (King of the Idoma)
Those in the West may think of the idea of having a ‘King’ as a form of a monarchy or an tradition of the past, but all tribes in Africa still have a king. The ruler of our land is called Ochi’Idoma, which is the highest position in the land. This position isn’t always political, but spiritual, cultural, religious as well. The voice of the ruler is needed during cultural practices as well as handling issues within the communities.
The current ruler of the land is Elaigwu Odogbo John, who makes the 5th ruler of the Idoma people3. He resides in the Palace located in Otukpo state.
In conclusion, doing this write up has encouraged me to continue research on my own so that I can pass down the knowledge and traditions to my future children. I have not been to my home village for more years than I care to count. Now I know I must make a special trip to do so.
It would be awesome if those from other tribes could read and find similarities within their own culture. Our language could be considered one of the ‘lost languages’ of Africa if we do not study it and take it as seriously as we do when it comes to learning English.
Thank you for you for taking the time to read and I hope this was informative for you, whether you are from our motherland or outside countries.
https://www.idomaland.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/the_alekwu_festival.pdf
https://www.academia.edu/59117873/IDOMA_TRADITIONAL_DEITIES
https://tribuneonlineng.com/buhari-celebrates-odogbo-on-investiture-as-5th-ochidoma/
https://www.iambenue.com/benue-state/culture/benue-cultural-festivals/
🥀✨️OMG! SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank u for sharing 💜.
A beautifully written tribute to the Idoma people, showcasing their rich culture, traditions, and resilience. I did not know there were 300 ethnics groups in Nigeria. Thanks for sharing Lynelle