HONOUR TO THE KING WITHOUT BORDERS: THE ATTAH IGALA by Amb Dr Ayegba Abdullahi Attah Igala is the king of Igala Kingdom or Igala nation. In the history of the birth of Nigeria, Attah was one of foundation pillars. The land up on which Lord Lugard built his house or office as well as the name, Nigeria, was named, was given to the colonial Masters by Attah Igala. It was on lease, and the balance of the money was not paid to Attah before the independent. Attah had a control as far as the location was founded by Igala, hence traditional rulers from various locations across the Nigeria of today were crowned by Attah Igala in his palace including the Kings of Aguleri, beginning from Aguve, been the officially crowned Aguleri king. Till date, the marks of Attah Igala are many towns in Nigeria such Attah Igala (Attagara) town/people in Kebbi State, Attah Igala (Attagara) town/people in Borno State, Taraba State and Gombe State. Attah is just a title among Igala titles but the oldest title in Igala tradition. That is why even as early as around 700 BC in Kanem empire, a town which was the headquarters of Igala Kingdom then just like Idah now was named after Attah Igala which is now Attagara in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. In Kwararafa which was where Igala migration to after leaving Borno State, Attagara town in Ibi was also named after him. In fact, the second capital of kwararafa was Attagara or Tangara as recorded by different authors. Attah ruled Kwararafa within that period. Attah, king of Jukun was said to have established a port in Calabar then. In fact, the original name of Calabar was Atakpa, interpreted as king of Akpa. Akpa or Akpai people are Igala people as people still call us jokingly till this day. Attah Igala was a title taken after Ata (Djet), the progenitor of Igala/Gala including the Igara kingdom of Uganda, Igara of Kenya,etc. It was initially Ata Gala, as Gala meaning freemen, children of the kings, was our name when we were in ancient Egypt. The Gala group or clan which we are their descendants adopted the name after the passing of the king around 2990 BC. Aside that, assuming it even started in Nigeria of today in Attagara Kanem empire, that was in 700 BC which is 200 years older than our (first two sets of Igala) arrival at Idah in 500 BC. This makes the title, Ata Gala now Attah Igala undoubtedly, the oldest title in Igala kingdom. As at today, Attah Igala's has indigenous people or towns across the world, hence making him a king without borders. Attah Igala has influence in Enugu, Anambra, Delta, Benue, Rivers, etc Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, USA, Netherlands, etc. In fact, last year, indigenous Igala woman from Netherlands came to the palace for reconnection. There are various Igala festivals been celebrated in Brazil, Cuba, USA,.. today, and this can be done with the approval of Attah Igala. Apart from those indigenous traditional rulers, their are resident traditional rulers across various towns and states including outside Nigeria, and all are beaded as leaders of those respective Igala communities by Attah Igala. It is only Onu Igala that coordinates or heads Igala community, and he does this on behalf of Attah Igala. While the palace or seat of Attah Igala is in Idah just by the Niger river, his territory and control has no borders. And you will agree with me that, always, we give HONOUR TO ATTAH IGALA, THE KING WITHOUT BORDERS. Amb Dr Ayegba Abdullahi Adojoh, General Ambassador of Attah Igala, and, Secretary, Office of Diaspora Igala Affairs, Attah Igala palace, Idah Kogi state, Nigeria. #historyfacts #attah_igala_palace #history