Prominent Nigerians rocking red and black Idoma cultural attire

This unique fabric has a pride of place in the wardrobe of an average Idoma. Called Apa in many parts of Idomaland or Edema among the Edumoga people, lli K’ Idoma is by default the ethnic dress code for epoch and grand occasions such as coronations, burial, weddings, festivals and tribal meetings.

When worn as a royal garb, the attire is complemented by beads, horsetails, caps and shoes.

Though, the time of its emergence could not be properly ascertained—some argued that the heritage was as old as the existence of the Idoma themselves who are believed to have migrated from the legendary Kwararafa kingdom centuries ago—history, however, indicated that the traditional fabric dates back to the reign of Och’ Idoma Abraham Ajene Okpabi, the second paramount ruler of the Idoma kingdom, or even earlier, as Idu, the progenitor of Idoma, who according to oral tradition, engaged in handloom clothing at the time blacksmithing flourished among the Igala, Ebira and Igbo-speaking neighbours of Idoma.

To the Idoma, this traditional fabric, defined by bold stripes of red and black, is a symbol of unity—red, for strength and resilience of the people, which proved overwhelming for rival tribes or races seeking to displace the Idoma from the Benue basin where they settled, and black, a reference to the agrarian nature of the people who depended on the earth for many purposes.

Today, this heritage has been well preserved. Proud and sons and daughters of Idoma are making bold statements with lli K’ Idoma, to the point that the fabric is gaining recognition around the world as an emblem of the Benue tribe.

We bring you prominent Nigerians rocking the red and black attire.