30 PHOTOS FROM 2012 WAR FESTIVAL (viewers satisfaction guaranteed)

With few days to the 2013 edition of the Agwa War Festival, it is important we give you an insight on what you are about to witness. We therefor present this Note and 30 Photos from the 2012 edition for your viewing pleasure.

WARNING: Viewers satisfaction guaranteed!

OGANYI AGWA is a war festival celebrated yearly by the Agwa people of Idah LGA to commemorate old wars. It is usually celebrated in the first quarter of every year and it is believed that its celebration ushers in a season of heavy rain fall.

The date before now was a thing of consultation with the ancestors but following the growth of Christianity in Igala land and the high sense of religious tolerance among the Igala people, traditional events are now often fused with Christianity and Islam hence this war festival is now celebrated on the Saturday prior Easter Sunday of every year.

FUNDAMENTALISTS NOT HAPPY WITH ATTA'S WIFE

Fundamentalists of the Ogwuchekwo Religion have condemned the gorgeous dressing of the wife of the Atta during his coronation rituals that held days back.

Speaking from Idah over the weekend, an Ogwuchekwo faithful who pleaded anonymity expressed dissatisfaction on what he called the politician’s wives syndrome.

He said he wouldn’t want a situation where people will infer disrespect for the office of Atta else, this matter is one that requires serious scolding and instant correction.

UKO’DE IS NOT JUST SPOON

Majority of Igalas of this generation think that Uko’de simply means spoon. This is a wrong understanding of the language. IGALA Place, in keeping in line with its mandate will attempt to throw more light.

For purpose of clarity, the word Uko’de is a combination of two words being "Uko" and "Ude".

UKO 

Uko ordinarily refers to anything used in scooping food. It could be a spoon or a scrape plate (Uko’je) however, since spoon is the most common form of Uko, it will not be wrong to take the word to mean spoon except other words are added to it to specify the type of Uko. This justifies the fact that people of Ankpa area refer to spoon as Uko.


UDE
Ude on the other part means metal. Any ornament made of metal is said to be made of Ude. That is why hand bangles made of metal are also called Ude owo.

Photos:IDAKWO NOW WEARS IKEBE (Igala Royal Crown)

Atta and his immediate family, right behind him is his first son, Ocholi Idakwo

Ere Ane

WHY ATTA IS A WOMAN

The Atta, though a biological man is seen and treated as a woman. In fact, he has a husband.

It has been the tradition of Igalas that the Atta pieces his ears and wears wool earrings. This is not the only feminine thing Atta does, he also has a husband! Yes, a husband! This might be strange but it is true. The person holding the title of Ach’adu is the spiritual husband of the Atta. 

It is important to give an insight on how and why an Atta is expected to exhibit characteristics of a woman.

It is not of doubt that Atta must be a biological man; however, in the spiritual realm, Atta remains a woman. The age account for this has been challenged by few persons of the Ach’adu family, probably because of the seeming stigma the account subjects them to.

How Atta became a woman

The first Leader of the Igala kingdom, Ebulejonu, a fierce woman, possibly conquered and established the dynasty hundreds of years ago. 

COLLECTION OF PHOTOS FROM THE 1st PHASE OF THE CORONATION OF IDAKWO

Idakwo, (would be Atta) and his spiritual husband Ach'adu Atta

Idakwo Oboni, the would be Atta

Achadu's Palace, Idah

INSTALLATION OF ATTA BEGINGS TODAY

There are reports that the installation of Idakwo Oboni as the next Atta of Igala will commence today being 5th March 2013.

Though the publicity of the event has not been encouraging, Igala Place gathered that the would be Atta is scheduled to leave Lokoja today for Ugwolawo where he is expected to spend two days. He is further expected to cohabit with the Achadu for three days at Idah before ascending the throne properly on Sunday being 10th March, 2013.

Idakwo Oboni

Though this information can not be traceable to the State Government or the Traditional Council, it appears to be what will happen exactly in few days.

It is of no doubt that no one can confidently say he knows all what tradition demands in installing a new Atta because the last time an installation was done in strict compliance with the Igala tradition was over 70 years back, this was shrouded in secrecy with scanty records.

On inquiry as to why the would be Atta is stopping over at Ugwolawo, we were told that a heir to the Atta throne should ordinarily be serving as Onu Ugwolawo to learn the act of leadership and it is in observance of this tradition that Idakwo is scheduled to spend two days in Ugwolawo.

Apart from Otulukpe Obaje, Idakwo Oboni is likely to be one of few, if not the only Attah that was never Onu Ugwolawo.

May the reign of Idakwo bring good fortune to Igala land. May we experience adequate rain fall, may the farmers smile, may we witness no war, may we not hear of any epidemic, may all our vanished festivals reappear, may our wives bear children, may our sons be strong and courageous.

Ache kil'omu ogwu.

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