Unity in diversity By Adakole Elijah

It appears like the Paramount ruler of the Idoma nationality, His Royal Majesty John Elaigwu Odogbo is a great buddy of the country music icon – Dolly Paton.

That perhaps informed his desire to palm off on his kingdom a “coat of many colours”.
Though the decision has not been operationalized, it has expectedly been abominated with denunciation from commentators as it was rightly vocalized that the multiple colours especially blue and white have no meaning in the Idoma culture.

The Och’Idoma no doubt may have meant well in his attempt to orchestrate these colours in the belief that it would foster love, unity and oneness amongst the Idoma people but the fact that there appears to be the absence of wide consultation and sensitization on this vexatious matter certainly will masquerade momentous impediments to its acceptability.

During the initiation, identification, spotting and formulation of the current Idoma colours – Burgundy and Black, there was a public debate to this effect. A committee was set up by the late Ochi’Idoma, Dr Abraham Ajene Okpabi to scout for plausible colours that will prevail as our traditional Identity. The colours according to the terms of reference must reflect our Kwararafa roots. And they must be entrenched in our culture.
After rigorous research, Chief Ene Edache’s design of Burgundy and Black got general commendation and applause and was thus selected.

Reasons adduced for the acceptability of Chief Ene Edache’s design were as follows:-
The Burgundy colour is a reflection of royalty as could be seen from the feathers of Ross Turaco ( Efu Uloko). It signified strength and victories as we have during our migration to our present abode triumphed over our adversaries.

There is no king in Idoma land that does not bear the Ross Turaco feather on his head. Ditto to our accomplished warriors.
The black which is also dominant in Ross Turaco colours is elegantly rooted in Kwararafa essences or fabrics and adopted as the shroud (Opa) – the burial clothes of the Idoma people. The Opa reminds us of our relationship with mother earth. As you know, the Idoma people revered the Earth in the vitality and righteousness of the spiritual trilogy.
Also, black was approved because it was a huge dominant colour of the Igede apparel. Similarly, the black occupies a space on the Tiv texture.

From the above, it could be interpreted that what the current Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agaba – Idu, John Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji is clamouring for had already been considered and entrenched by his predecessor, Dr Abraham Ajene Okpabi.
Any experiment to alter the status quo will be perceived as a deliberate effort to denigrate the good endeavour of our late father, Dr Abraham Ajene Okpabi.

Agaba Idu, Agaba Idu, Agaba Idu, please don’t thinker with the Idoma colours. It has already been nationalized and internationalized. People are already used to it.
Agaba Iduuuuuu!

Elijah, the living ancestor ( Adalekwu) writes from O’eje fortress, Otada – Otukpo.