Igede people founded Otukpo, not Idoma – Igede writers claim

A simmering controversy has resurfaced over the origins and development of Otukpo, the political and cultural heart of Idoma land.

Recently, Joseph Odeh Ogor, a journalist and Abraham Daniel, a former pastor turned humanist, both of Igede descent, asserted that the Igede people not only played a key role in Otukpo’s founding but also powered its economic growth for decades, while Idoma elites took the glory.

The claims follow heightened attention on the Och’Idoma throne, particularly involving queries addressed to Adahiru Nyidege, Oga Ero, for alleged disrespect, which has reignited debates over history, identity, and ownership.

Ogor traces Otukpo’s early history to migrations from Apa (Kwararafa) following the “horse wars” under the leadership of Okoko-Ajaba. He details ancestral movements, clan settlements, and the consolidation of the Otukpo clans under leaders like Oko and Ogwu-Eflu.

“IGEDE THE FOUNDER OF OTUKPO IN BENUE STATE. The people of Otukpo descended from ancestors who migrated from Apa (Kwararafa) following the ‘horse wars’ under the leadership of Okoko-Ajaba. The origin of the name Otukpo is controversial, ranging from a tree called Atrukpa, to ‘Oturu kpo’ (gathering of ‘ukpo’ fruits) by Igede ancestors, to ‘otulu-kpo’ (from tobacco), but the most widely accepted theory is ‘otukpo,’ meaning to ‘hit like a ram’ after their prowess in battle.”

Ogre emphasizes that Igede people began developing Otukpo from the 1970s onward, playing a central role in its modern economy.

Building on this, Abraham Daniel highlighted the Igede contribution to Otukpo’s most notable industry:

“What many Idomas do not know is that the Igede have been a major driver of the Otukpo rice mill industry in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. The Otukpo rice mill industry, the only thriving industry in the whole of Idoma land then, was highly dominated and owned by non-indigenes. The Igedes largely owned and pioneered the growth of that rice mill industry. At one point, the Otukpo rice mill was known as the largest rice mill in West Africa.”

He gave personal testimony to the Igede role: “How did I know? My father was an engineer there, and my uncles owned many of the engines and were largely bringing in raw rice into the Otukpo rice mill industry, while most of the Idomas were doing menial jobs there.”

Daniel did not shy away from social critique: “With all the so-called big names from Idoma land, can they mention any significant growth or major achievements in Idoma land? Their major achievements are to have bullied the Igede tribe, the Igbo tribes, the Hausa, and the Yorubas that developed the Idoma land, from the rice mill industry, to the Otukpo main market, to the thriving supermarkets, to medicine stores, pharmacies, etc. The majority of these were owned by non-indigenes, not Idomas.”

He also critiqued the behavior of Idoma youths: “The average Idoma youth waits for free money from politicians. They are entitled, proud, and often resort to bullying. Their frustration stems from not being able to subdue the Igede and use them politically.”

The assertions have sparked strong pushback from Otukpo residents and Idoma leaders.

Onaji Ben, a community elder, countered: “That is a great lie and a dangerous distortion of history. The people of Otukpo descended from ancestors who migrated from Apa under the leadership of Okoko-Ajaba. Through his descendants—Oko, Odaji, Onah, and Agbooko—the clans consolidated and established what is today Otukpo, the ancestral headquarters of the Idoma Nation. Colonial records confirm that Chief Ogbole Ochefu of Ai-Agbooko was recognized as the paramount ruler. Igede contributions came much later, mainly from the 1970s onward. Development is not the same as foundation.”

He also explained the historical origins of Otukpo’s name: “There are different theories—from a tree called Atrukpa, to Oturu-kpo (gathering of ukpo fruits), to Otulu-kpo (tobacco). But the most widely accepted is from Idoma warrior tradition, Otukpo meaning ‘to hit like a ram,’ describing the ancestors’ strength and fearlessness. Linguistic similarity does not equal ancestral ownership.”

Other residents voiced blunt objections: Anthony Agbo: “All your write-up is just a fabricated context that is not traceable to reality. The owners of Otukpo are the Oglewu; mostly all the city in Otukpo carries the names of Oglewu heritage.”

James Odee Ijuo: “Hmmmmmmmm… Who told you this history? You people should be careful so you don’t say things that will put you in trouble when you are apprehended.”