The Mandrake tree (Mandragora officinarum) is renowned worldwide as “the most famous of all magical plants,” according to Wikipedia. Growing up in the late fifties, I remember a wealthy man in my neighborhood who was often referred to as named “Ìchábù-Ólíná.” I was always curious about the meaning of ‘Olina’. I tried breaking down the word into ‘ólí’ (tree) and ‘íná’ (sacred, supreme) in an attempt to decipher its significance, but it remained elusive. It […]
Igala Kingship and Principle of Primogeniture
According to Wikipedia, ‘primogeniture’ is defined as “the right, by law or custom, of the first-born child to inherit the parent’s entire or main estate.” In Igala culture, inheritance rights are limited to a father’s property or title, if he held a kingship or traditional chieftaincy title before his death. Throughout Igala kingship history, the principle of primogeniture has been breached on several occasions. At one time, a younger sibling unexpectedly ascended to the throne […]
Revitalizing Igala Language and Culture: A Call to Action
The Igala people take immense pride in safeguarding their timeless heritage. This heritage, like a binding force, unites them both within their homeland and across the globe. It is heartening to witness the unwavering resilience of their culture, guiding them from the depths of antiquity into the modern era. However, the Igala language and culture stand at a crossroads, with the alarming risk of fading into obscurity. Preserving a Unique Legacy The Igala […]
OUR HERITAGE IN PERIL
Preserving Our Rich Igala Heritage: A Call to Action Igala is the custodian of a remarkable and ancient heritage, and it is heartwarming to witness its endurance throughout the ages. From the dawn of antiquity, through the stone and iron ages, to our contemporary times, Igala heritage has persisted, staunchly resisting the forces seeking to undermine it. These pressures, while man-made, encompass declining literacy in our language, the disappearance of reading and writing materials, and […]
IGALA CROWNS NEW PRIEST-KING
For Prince Matthew Àlájì Ọ̀pàlúwa Ògwùchẹ́, Wednesday, November, 2021, a market day in the ancient town of Idah (Ídá), was an unforgettable milestone in his life, being the day he was installed the 27th Ata-Igala of the ruling Third Dynasty. A descendant of the Àámẹ-achọ Ruling House, Àlájì had, nine days earlier, commenced his pre-coronation rites at Ugwọlawo in Òfù LGA. On that day, he was conferred the preliminary Aidoko-anya title. In his signature post-installation […]