IGALA NOT A CONQUERED PEOPLE
— A Lamentation and Wake-Up Call to the Igala Nation
By JONATHAN JIBRIN.
Our story today painfully reminds one of the lamentation of David over Jonathan:
“The glory of Israel is slain upon thy high places; how are the mighty fallen!”
But must this truly become the story of the Igala nation?
The Igala people were never conquered people, and we must never behave like one. History bears witness to our resilience, courage, patriotism, and uncommon sacrifices for collective survival. From Princess Inikpi, who laid down her life to save her people, to Oma Odoko and Onoja Oboni, whose loyalty to the kingdom outweighed personal ambition, the Igala spirit was built on sacrifice, honour, and courage.
We remember with pride Ata Ame Oboni, who chose death over humiliation before the colonial forces. He understood that honour is eternal. We remember Dr. Steven Achema, who stood firmly for the dignity and interests of the Igala people. We remember Prince Abubakar Audu, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, and Capt. Idris Wada, who had a place in our trajectory.
How then did we descend to this shameful point where our values are traded cheaply and our collective destiny auctioned for crumbs?
What we are witnessing today in the era of political party nominations is nothing short of sacrilege. Men who should defend the interests of the people now sit comfortably while our rights are bartered away. We now watch the painful comedy of one individual arrogating to himself the power to distribute positions and determine the fate of millions, while supposed leaders look helpless, voiceless, and compromised.
Have we become so weakened that personal ambition now outweighs the future of our children? Have we reduced the sacrifices of our heroes to mere stories told during cultural festivals while we surrender our birthright in reality?
The labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.
The Igala “Ujache” spirit is not dead. It has only been suppressed by fear, selfishness, and political servitude. We must rise above emotional manipulation and social media noise. The struggle for the soul of Igala land can not be won through empty online arguments, while self-serving politicians continue to mortgage our future behind closed doors.
This is a wake-up call to every son and daughter of Igala land. We must become vigilant. We must resist those who shamelessly exploit our emotions for personal gain. We must identify the wolves in sheep clothing — those who pretend to speak for the people while secretly negotiating against the people.
Let those who truly understand the way forward arise with courage and sincerity. Let us stop glorifying betrayal and rewarding political slavery. Let us return to the values of sacrifice, unity, honour, and collective interest.
We are not conquered people.
We have never been conquered.
And by the grace of God, we shall never be conquered.
Let the Igala spirit (Ujache) rise again.
Jonathan Jibrin
