A SYMBOL OF RESISTANCE AGAINST COLONIAL FORCES IN 1903 THE COLONIAL DIVISION AND THE IGALA QUESTIONS STARTED IN 1900 THROUGH ATTAH OCHEJE ONUKPA (NOKWA) Comrade Enemona Abel Ellah Social media storyline episode 118 The year 1900 marked a significant turning point in history when the British colonial government formally declared the Northern and Southern Protectorates. This division was not merely a territorial restructuring but a deliberate colonial strategy to control and administer the vast lands of present-day Nigeria. However, while most ethnic groups were placed under a singular administrative protectorate, the Igala Kingdom was uniquely divided between the Northern and Southern Protectorates. This division was not based on natural boundaries such as the river Niger and Benue but was a calculated move to weaken the Igala Kingdom’s influence. Areas like koto karfi, Lokoja, Ajaokuta Dekina, Omala, Ankpa, and Olamaboro were placed under indirect rule within the Northern Protectorate, while Idah, Ibaji, Igalamela, Ofu, Odolu, and parts of Enugu, onitsha Asaba fell under the direct rule of the Southern Protectorate. This deliberate fragmentation of Igala land created a significant challenge to the kingdom’s unity and resistance against colonial domination. Colonial Encroachment and the Threat to Igala Sovereignty With British expansion into the Igala territories, traditional governance structures faced an existential threat. The colonial administration introduced new laws, imposed taxes, and sought to control trade routes that had historically been under Igala influence. This period saw the rise of Igala resistance leaders who sought to defend the kingdom’s sovereignty, with Attah Ocheje Onukpa emerging as one of the most prominent figures in this struggle. Attah Ocheje Onukpa, known for his wisdom and strategic acumen, became a central figure in Igala resistance. He understood that the British had superior weaponry and resources but also recognized the importance of preserving Igala identity and governance structures. His approach was twofold: diplomatic negotiations to maintain Igala autonomy and, if necessary, armed resistance to protect the kingdom from complete subjugation. A Balanced Approach to Resistance Under Attah Ocheje Onukpa leadership, the Igala council held numerous deliberations to determine the best course of action against colonial rule. He believed in diplomatic engagement while preparing the people for defensive resistance. Attah Ocheje Onukpa sought to find common ground with the British, hoping to maintain Igala self-governance within the changing political landscape. However, his efforts were met with internal divisions. Some Igala elites, influenced by promises of power and economic benefits from the British, preferred collaboration over resistance. This division weakened the kingdom’s ability to present a united front against colonial aggression. Betrayal and Banishment: The Fall of a Leader By 1903, the situation had escalated. British colonial authorities, in collaboration with some local Igala elites, saw Attah Ocheje Onukpa as an obstacle to their plans. Accusations were leveled against him, branding him as an instigator of rebellion against the colonial government. These accusations were driven by internal betrayals, where a brain washed Igala factions seeking favor from the British turned against their own leader. In a dramatic turn of events, Attah Ocheje Onukpa was banished from the Igala Kingdom. His removal marked a turning point in Igala history, symbolizing both the resilience of those who resisted and the challenges of internal divisions that weakened the struggle against colonial rule. Assassination in Asaba: The Ultimate Sacrifice Following his banishment, Attah Ocheje Onukpa found refuge in Asaba, another town under British direct rule and control. Despite his exile, his reputation as a fearless leader remained intact. The colonial government, fearing his potential to inspire further resistance, saw him as a threat that needed to be eliminated. In a covert operation orchestrated by British colonial officers and their local allies, Attah Ocheje Onukpa was assassinated in Asaba. His death was a significant blow to the Igala resistance movement, but it did not erase his legacy. Instead, his martyrdom became a rallying symbol for Igala resilience and defiance against oppression. The Legacy of Attah Ocheje Onukpa The life and sacrifice of Attah Ocheje Onukpa serve as a powerful reminder of the struggles that the Igala Kingdom faced during colonial rule. His efforts to preserve Igala sovereignty, culture, and governance continue to inspire generations. 1. A Symbol of Resistance: Onukpa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. His fight against colonial encroachment remains a crucial chapter in Igala history. 2. A Lesson in Unity: His downfall was partly due to internal divisions within the kingdom. This serves as a lesson on the dangers of betrayal and the need for unity in the face of external threats. 3. A Call to Preserve Igala Identity: His life and struggle urge modern-day Igala people to protect their heritage, resist external influences that seek to undermine their sovereignty, and strive for unity. The Igala Kingdom and Nigeria’s Division: A Historical Perspective The unique division of the Igala Kingdom into two protectorates highlights the deliberate colonial tactics of fragmentation and control. While other regions remained intact under either direct or indirect rule, Igala land was divided between the Northern and Southern Protectorates, making it the only ethnic kingdom in Nigeria to experience such political fragmentation. This colonial division set a precedent for the modern-day marginalization of Igala land, creating political and economic challenges that persist today. The struggle of 1903 remains relevant as Igala leaders and intellectuals continue to advocate for recognition, development, and the preservation of their cultural and political identity within Nigeria. Conclusion: Honoring a Hero of Resistance Attah Ocheje Onukpa’s story is not just an Igala story—it is a Nigerian story of resistance, sacrifice, and the fight for self-determination. His legacy calls on every Igala person to stand firm in defense of their rights, their history, and their identity. His life reminds us that resistance is not just about war; it is about preserving a people’s dignity, ensuring their place in history, and fighting against any force—internal or external—that seeks to erase their existence. Comrade Enemona Abel Ellah Social Media Storyline Episode 118