IDOMA IN PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA.

 According to history, the origin of idoma can be traced to Apa which is in kwararafa kingdom. The idoma  people migrated alongside Ebira and Igala people to their present location. which is the lower western areas of Kogi state with some scattered around Taraba, Cross Rivers, and Nasarawa states.

 A source of history stated that the progenitor of Idoma  was Iduh alongside his off springs namely,Ejeh,Odeh, Ebeibi, Idum, and Agabi. 

Idoma people speaks one language which is Idoma with different dialects or variations which are,Iyala, Etilo, Orokam,Edumoga,otukpo,Utonko, and Igodo. Recently, Idoma has nine communities and is known to be the second largest ethnic group in Benue state after Tiv.

 

SOCIO POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF IDOMA 

The following played important roles to ensure the smooth administration in Idoma in the precolonial Nigeria:

1. Oche: He is the king and religious leader of Idoma tribe. He is appointed or selected by the ojila.

2.Ojila: Ojila is seen as the highest organ of government and have the final authority in Idoma. The ojila are seen as the kingmakers.

3. Ole: It is headed by the Adole. Ole is known as family. The adole settles disputes in the family.

4. Age grade: They perform specific roles in the idoma community.

5. Ai-uta: This was the police force and they were appointed by the ojila.

 

Economic Activities  of Idoma 

Idoma people lived in dispersed settlements and had a grassroot way of politics thus involving young and old to participate actively towards the development of the idoma tribe. 

Their main means of survival was through agriculture  and trapping of animals{ hunting}. They also had trade relations with TIV,Ogoja, and Igala.

They participate in festivals like Aje alekwu and New yam festivals and had traditonal foods like okoho, okpeto, ebancha, ukamu, dry okra soup, onah, and so on.Also, they have a traditonal red and black fabric known as APA OR EDEMA{ the black  represents earth and burial shroud. Red represents royalty or red feather}.

Drummers playing drums dressed in Idoma traditional fabric {APA}.

 

 

 

NON CENTRALIZED STATES IN THE PRE COLONIAL NIGERIA.

 Non centralized states are states that have no single central authority or are not ruled by a single entity or an individual. In this sense, powers are shared between a weak central government and other smaller units /autonomous communities within a political system. These states are also called DECENTRALIZED STATES. Examples of these states  in precolonial Nigeria are: Ebira, Tiv, Annang, Oron, Idoma, Egun and so on.

FEATURES OF NON CENTRALIZED STATES.

The following are features of non centralized states in precolonial Nigeria:

1.They made use of age grade system as well as council of elders so as to ensure smooth administration.

2. Existence of secret societies and cults.

3. It was made of smaller communities made up of families headed by the oldest or eldest.

4. They lived in scattered settlements.

5. Some states had uniformed language or dialect or signs used for communication or transmission of messages.

 ADVANTAGES OF CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA.

The following are merits or advantages of non centralized states:

1. It allowed for active participation in administration.

2. It allowed for grass root government.

3.It prevents the misuse of power and authority.

4. It helped in the reduction of crimes as offenders are punished accordingly using oracles , fetish or diabolic means or even other harsh punishments including sold as slaves.

DISADVANTAGES OF NON CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA.

The following are disadvantages or demerits of non centralized states in precolonial Nigeria:

1.Weak central administration

2. It requires lots of resources to run and maintain such administration.

3.The rate of inexperienced  and corrupt leaders were high and it brought about  embezzlement of funds, mismanagement of resources and less development in some areas.

4.They had weak army/military to protect them from external threats.

5. They had no  law courts and take laws into hands in some cases.

Historical Eras.

An era  is defined as a period of time which is known for a distinctive or remarkable characteristics. it is made up of years which series of  important events must have taken place or  developments have been achieved.Historical eras are time periods which contain significant features, human and materials which are detailed , acknowledged and known.

They can be referenced  for other notable purposes. Information from these eras can be studied so as to have broad knowledge about them especially with regards to the origin of different societies, paramount figures involved, the developments of these societies, mode of  expression or communication , and the survival of the inhabitants involved. Historical eras include the following:

1.Paleolithic Era

2.  Mesolithic Era

3. Neolithic Era

4.Medieval Era 

5. Renaissance Era 

6. Contemporary Era.