IGALA – The Most Ancient Civilization in Kogi State

A culture with civilization as ancient as Egypt and only second to Egypt in Africa

The Igala Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Idah, Anẹ-Ìgàlá, is a pre-colonial West African state in, Middle Belt, North Central Nigeria. The kingdom was founded by the Igala people, with the Attah as their King, Father, and Spiritual head, with its capital at Idah.

Although Igala people migrated to other parts of Igala land, it is believed that not all Igala people settled or pass through Idah (Igala kingdom). Igala influenced Yoruba people, Bini, and Jukun people (West Africa), and is likely made up of groups of descendants of these groups who settled and mixed with the native Igala populations.

Idah is the ancestral home of the Igala. It is the capital of the Igala kingdom, it is referred to, by many other ethnic groups, as the farthest place on the earth.

Historically, it was described as the center of civilization in Africa after Egypt. Archaeological findings put the history of Idah the capital of Igala country, between 500BC &200AD, about seven hundred years of NOK civilization which greatly influence the igbo-ukwu Culture in the south.

Sketch of Attah of Igala with whites during the colonial era

NOK civilization

Idah, in Igala Language, simply means'”, A place where everything Ends'”.The city even though not walled was protected all around. The Rivers around it both big and small do protect the ancient Town. It is either the waters are poisoned along with the Fish or streams to drown all non-Igala blood that dares cross it if they are coming to cause or harm the town or people no matter how small the stream seems to appear.

Inachalo river

Igala land has nine traditional ruling councils including the capital Idah. The nine councils each have a chief (Onuh) who is appointed by religious rite through a complex system of traditional rites and proceedings supervised by the head of the council, the Attah Igala in Idah.

The nine councils are referred to as Igala-Mela. The nine councils are Ibaji, Ankpa, Ajaka, Ugwolawo, Bassa, Anyigba, Dekina, Omalla, and Olamaboro.

Curated by: Media Department of the office of the Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism