The three main tribes: Igala, Ebira and Kabba, have a rich and interesting history in both the colonial and pre-colonial context.

Brought together by fate,  the vision of the founding fathers was to see the state grow in unity and prosper. But oftentime, the Igalas have been accused of power hijack and marginalisation.

This is not far from the truth as the governors, since the inception of democracy in 1999, have all come from the eastern part of the state until 2016, when the central gained the taste of power after the incumbent, Yahaya Bello, who is of Ebira origin became the governor by chance. However, the west’s taste of power was a quick one.

And this only got to happen when the then governor,  Ibrahim Idris, and his deputy were ousted from office by the Supreme Court. This paved the way for the speaker of the state assembly,  Olafemi Clarence, to step in as acting governor, a position he held from 6th February to 29th March, 2008.

This does not seem to go well with some people. Mostly between the Ebira and the Igala, it has been a tug of war. United in words but divided in action. In both home and abroad, we see ourselves as enemies.

The political setting of the state has been turned into an ethnic game. The last governorship election can testify to that.

According to Chairman Mao, “politics is war with bloodshed and war without bloodshed”. This seems to be playing out here. On several occasions, there have been both verbal and physical combat. The minorities further claim that the Igala see them as their political puppets; inferior and should not be given the opportunity to rule. On the other hand, the Igala do not reason it this way. Rather, they assert that being the majority, it is normal for them to be producing governors, citing Benue as an example.

The recent court judgement granting the Igala kingdom the ownership of Lokoja, Ajaokuta and Koton Karfe, has brought another bone of contention for the two brother tribes. This has generated tension among the ethnic groups; reactions upon reactions. On social media, it is a war of words. So many abuses and comments culpable of igniting violence.

These areas are the most attractive centres of the state, Ajaokuta in particular. This is due to the economic life and natural endowment. The Igala again are accused of forcefully trying to annex Ebira land.

In what has become a vendetta, the youths have been affected. In every society, the youths are viewed as the driving force and the future of tomorrow.

But considering the situation on ground now, does Kogi really have a future? In almost all the institutions, Kogi State students association does not function properly.

The hatred from home still followed us out. Our minds have been poisoned by the elders and the elite. We no longer believe in “unity in diversity.” The politicians have planted division in our minds for their selfish purposes.

What can possibly be the way forward?  Where can this war take us? There have been various agitations for separations. Will this be of any help? The confluence state is blessed with lots of human and material resources.

What is needed to complement this is peace. In his effort, the governor has put up so many policies to build bridges of peace and to unify all the ethnic groups in order to foster development.

Hence, the invention of EBIGO, meaning Ebira, Igala and Okun. The vibrant youths must not be seen as tools for break-up. Rather, we should join hands to consolidate the effort of the governor.

To sum up, Kogi is a heterogeneous state and therefore, it shouldn’t be a one-man land. The zoning process should be introduced in order to kill this issue of dominance and marginalisation.

If the needful is not done, the question everyone will be asking is what is the future of Kogi State?

Adama Umar Ayuba writes from Abuja   

Ebira land in Kogi state is currently agog with various cultural exhibitions and ancient masquerade outings as part of the third month and final burial rites of world’s oldest monarch, Chief Jeremiah Aka’ava JP, the Obobanyi of Ohionwa who transited in the late hours of April 26.

Arguably the world’s oldest monarch, Chief Aka’ava who was approaching his 116th birthday before his demise was born in 1903 and was the 12th occupant of the over 300 year old ancient stool and ruled for about 36 years.

The final rites which began on July 13 with a wave of cultural activities is expected to end this Saturday at a grand ceremony to be chaired by a retired President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Abuja, Justice Moses Bello with other dignitaries including the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and others as part of proceedings.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon Idris Ozi Shaib who thanked the people for turning out enmasse for the series of events lined up for the burial expressed optimism that a new culture of peace and orderliness was fast gaining grounds in the area. 
Residents and guests have enjoyed days of colourful parade of ancient masquerades who thronged Oboroke-Ihima to pay their last respects to the traditional ruler.

Historian, YJ Itopa in a written tribute said as a young boy, Aka’ava began his life farming for his parents and uncles as custom required before starting his personal farm work at Akunnu-Akoko in present day Ondo State where he also sold jute bags, Ebira handwoven clothes and associated wears.

A two term Councillor in the early 1960’s, Aka’ava was a member of the Olujumu of Ijumu’s cabinet as Ohinoyi Anebira in Ijumu local government of then Kwara state before he was invited home to wear the crown of his great ancestral fathers, Obobanyi of Ohionwa – so named after the first clan head who performed the feat of killing the very rare white Buffalo.

Ohionwa is one of the three aboriginal clans in Ihima whose traditional stools bear Obobanyi (great hunter), the others being Emani and Ohueta clans.