Idoma people and Origin

The origin of Idoma can be traced to Apa capital of Kwararafa confederacy, the Idoma people, according to history migrated from Apa along with Igala, Ebira, and other people, this was necessary because of wars and insecurity in the kingdom, it eventually established itself in the present location at about 18^th century

according to history, Iduah was the father of the Idoma, the names of his children were AMANAWOOGENO, OLINAOGWU, IDUM, AGABI, EJE, EBEIBI, EDEH and ODE. All these children established different areas of Idomaland,

SOCIOPOLITICAL STRUCTURE OF IDOMA

1] FAMILY UNIT [OLE]: this was the smallest unit in Idoma political structure, the head of the family unit was called adole.His major duty was to settle disputes among the family members.

2] OJILA: This was the highest organ of government and final authority in Idoma political system,

It was the general body of all adult men in Idomaland, but most often the elders used to dominate discussions and decisions making,

3] OCHE [The king] Oche in Idomaland acted as both the king and religious leader of the community, he was usually chosen democratically through the central ojila, different lineages would present candidates and out of all these one person would eventually emerge as the king,

Oche was the highest officer in Idomaland, he was the chief priest and president of all cults in the land, he was regarded as mediator between the people and their ancestors, the position of Oche used to be rotated among specific number of lineages, this method prevented monopoly of power by a particular lineage.

Besides, Oche was the custodian of the law of the land, he ensured the laws were enforced and obeyed, he also acted as the chief judge of court officer of appeal, Oche also used to perform executive functions and was equally the chief external officer,

4]Age group: The Idomaland also had age-group and age ste as important parts of its political structure,

CLASSWORK:

1] Locate the Idoma on Nigeria map

2] Trace the origin of Idoma

3] Mention any two major officers in the political structure of Idoma in pre-colonial days

4]state any two function of the king in Idoma during pre-colonial days,

ASSIGNMENT:

Explain the history of EBIRA