ARE THE IGBO AND IGALA PEOPLE RELATED?

ARE THE IGBO AND IGALA PEOPLE RELATED?

The traditions of the Umueri clan, which includes the ancient state of Nri, suggest a deep connection between the Igbo and Igala people. According to these traditions, both groups descended from an ancient community that once thrived in the Anambra Valley. This is supported by Elisabeth Isichei in her book A History of the Igbo People, where she states, “The traditions of the Umueri clan – which includes the ancient state of Nri – state that both they and Igala are descended from a still more ancient community in the Anambra valley.” (p. 4)

Furthermore, a historical account from Leo Frobenius in his 1913 work, The Voice of Africa, adds another layer to this connection. In the book, it is recorded that, “We are all descended from Eri, but Igala went one way, Aguku another, Amanuke another, Nteje another, and Igbariam another. This separating of the Igala from us happened so long that now we do not hear Igala, nor can they hear our language.”

M.D.W. Jeffreys also references this tradition in his PhD research, The Divine Umunri Kings of Igboland, written in London in 1934. His work, like the others, points to a time when there was no debate over shared ancestry. It was a period when these researchers were simply interested in uncovering the origins of the Igbo people, without the modern complexities of identity politics.

It is important to remember that these historical accounts were compiled when no one was saying, “I am not Igbo.” These scholars were focused on tracing the lineage and culture of the Igbo people, including the possible connections with the Igala.

You are free to argue otherwise, but make sure to present your own facts and sources to support your position.

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