Power Shift, Igala, Okun and the Ebira

Power Shift, Igala, Okun and the Ebira

By Joshua Ocheja

The phrase Power shift might sound a bit unpleasant especially as it relates to the political atmosphere in Kogi state, but it is yet the indispensable drumbeat of change whose rhythm will open the dance floor to endless expression of intent for sound minds, regardless of tribe, religion or location. This dance floor will serve as the catalyst for the much awaited Kogi Renaissance.

This piece is a child of necessity that has been in the womb, incubating and gathering momentum, principally to highlight the need for why tribal differences should be ignored in totality as regards governance in Kogi state. But rather individuals, content of character, blueprint for development, sense of judgment, experience, exposure, track record and intellectual ability should be encouraged regardless of sentiments along the line of majority and minority tribes.

The state also referred to as the confluence state, is blessed with abundance of resources, and a host of others that beats our imagination on how we have failed to effectively utilize them. That we are where we are today is a product of deep rooted ethnicity, tribalism and selfish motives exhibited by a cabal that views the citizenry from a disdainful perspective.

It gets more depressing, when the list of prominent names is reeled out. These names have distinguished themselves in the scheme of affairs in the country. Names like Sunday Awoniyi, Francis Idachaba, Eyitayo Lambo, M.M Wokili, Isah Ocheja, Julius Sunday Oshanupin, Aliyu Atta, Olushola Akanmode, Bayo Ojo, Smart Adeyemi, Abdulahi Ibrahim (SAN) Ibrahim Ogohi, Kola Jamodu, David Jemibewon Jide Omokore, J.E Ataguba, Yakubu Mohammad, Salihu Atawodi, Eugenia Abu, Professor Oyibo and a host of others.

The dynamic nature of the state makes the strengths and weakness of the various zones very visible. The Igala’s are known to be the major ethnic tribe, parading an intimidating list of uniform men, business men and politicians.

The Ebira’s are placed second in the political hierarchy with successful business men and politicians, while the Okun’s parades intelligentsias and technocrats, a place generally regarded as the fountain of knowledge in Kogi state.

In life, knowledge is open to all that embraces it and leadership abilities are not determined by tribe or religion. I say this with all conviction that the state remains an illusion, considering the class and caliber of persons wearing the badge of Kogi state.

Igala is the language spoken by the people located within the triangle formed by the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State. 'The Igala people are found east of the confluence of these rivers. It is 120 kilometers wide and 160 kilometers long and covers an area of about 13,665 square kilometers. The Igala people are evenly distributed all over the land but with Anyigba, Ankpa and Idah more densely populated.

The Okun dialects which comprise Owé, Ìyàgbà, Ìjùmú, Bùnú and Ọ̀wọ́rọ̀ are spoken in the southern axis of Kogi State. The dialects are distinguishable as individual dialects but they are mutually intelligible to an extent. Owé, Ìyàgbà, Ìjùmú, Bùnú and Ọ̀wọ́rọ̀ people are referred to as the Okun people.

The Ebira’s occupies the western axis of Kogi state, with a population that is a little over a million. Predominantly farmers, and crafts men with lots of ingenuity in the area of skilled handcrafts. The word Ebira translates to manners or characters, which has defined their identity till date. They are said to be hostile and aggressive, which is more of perception rather than reality.

In that mood of reflection, I also tried to trace the origin of the politics of governance in Nigeria that has degenerated to a level that smacks a mockery of the type of democracy we are practicing.

Democracy is not a sharply defined form of government that would need to be implemented in just one and no other way. Both in theory and in practice there are as many systems of democracy than democratic countries. In a Democracy, people are supposed to be free to speak, to read and to choose what they want to buy, sell & own, without such freedom the word has no meaning.

Some of us still harbor illusions that Nigeria is a democracy just because we elect our government. However, for a democratic setup like ours, we do seem to have some pretty odd ways of demonstrating our commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom, justice & equality.

The political structure in Kogi state is the case study. The Igala’s have been at the helms of affairs while other zones in the state have been confined to play the second fiddle role in governance, which has not gone down considerably well.

The situation is not peculiar to Kogi state alone, as it is evident across the federation, which might force a discerning mind to interpret our kind of democracy as dictatorial in nature.

The rapid decline both in human capital and infrastructures is left to be imagined. The Igala’s though wielding supremacy on the lines of the dominant ethnic tribe constitutes the major architect of the shambles experienced in Kogi state and this I say without fear or favor and in fairness to good governance, which is ironically the bitter truth.

Yours sincerely, is Igala and one that is conversant with the intrigues playing out in the state. Where we are today, were brought about by a ruling class that refused to rise above ethnic sentiments, a ruling class that is highly dependent on the dictates of age long doctrines that has no relevance in the present dispensation, which has further set us backwards rather than propel us into greatness.

This situation has progressed into a state of delusion, propelled by the sheer polarization of the inalienable right of fair and equal representation. This mindset that is the norm has also proven an encumbrance that will further encourage decadence and disillusionment in the present and the future of Kogites.

The critics of a level playing ground for all, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations in Kogi state does display an idiosyncratic belief that is not in tandem with a generally accepted reality, a reality that emphasizes that all humans are equal and leadership is not the exclusive preserve of a certain tribe.

I stand to be corrected, a trip round the eastern axis of Kogi state, that houses the Igala’s, reveals tales of abject poverty, and this feat is equally replicated in other zones in the state. This smacks a mockery of who we are as a people and as a state.

As it stands today, a level playing ground for all regardless, has no twin name. It is a child of necessity that must be delivered, if we must unclench our fist from the claws of despondency, into claiming our rightful place in the country. The argument remains that the Igala’s have been at the helms of affairs since the creation of the state and there is little or nothing to show for it.

The list of intelligentsia and technocrats are intimidating, yet we wallow in the breeze of despair. We are celebrated outside, yet we are cursed inside, we are brilliant outside and yet we are fools inside. Who are we deceiving?

These and many more are the direct consequence of hinging the right of governance on a particular ethnic tribe, vaguely viewed as the dominant tribe. The present realities as evident in the Obama Presidency in the United States of America represents the new order that must be embraced in Kogi state and Nigeria in general.

The issue of majority and minority should be relegated to the background, but the issue that should be embraced is the collective development of the state.

At this point, though a full blooded Igala, but in fairness, devoid of ethnic sentiments and selfish reasons, I root for the Okun’s as producing the next governor of Kogi state, and I strongly encourage my fellow brothers to see light in my position.

This position of mine is not borne out of selfish reasons, but an interest that originated from deep thoughts about my dear state. We ought to move forward, we should give them a chance to prove that their knowledge base can be beneficial for the overall interest of Kogi state.

jocheja@aol.com