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}.
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| Drummers playing drums dressed in Idoma traditional fabric {APA}. |
Good job! Thanks for this historical information.
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ReplyDeleteHello, I am glad to have you here. Let's learn. Ensure to drop questions if any.
DeleteGood evening ma,just learn a new thing,where is idoma people recently?,chikezie progress jss3
ReplyDeleteGood evening ma,just learn a new thing thanks,progress jss3
ReplyDeletethanks ma I love this yours sincerely EKE
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