The Igede people are the third largest ethnic group in present-day Benue State of Nigeria.They are native to the Oju and Obi local government areas of Nigeria, where 2006 population figures stand at an estimated 267,198 people. However, a large number of Igede people are dispersed across the state and the Nation. For instance, the Igede language is also spoken in Nigeria Cross River State, and a large number of Igede communities exist in Osun State and Ogun State. The Igede language is a member of the Benue-Congo subgroup of theNiger-Congo language family. Igede.org is the unofficial online community of Igede people.
Geographical Location
The Oju Local Government Area was created in 1976 and shares boundaries with present-day Obi, Ado, Konshisha and Gwer East Local Government Areas of Benue State, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, and Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is headquartered in Oju Town.
The Obi local government area was created in 1996 and has its headquarters at Obarike-Ito. The local government area derives its name from the Obi stream that flows in the area and shares boundary with Ado, Otukpo and Oju local government areas of Benue State.
History
Origin: Oral Tradition
The Igede trace their origin to Sabon Gida Ora in present-day Edo state. They are said to be the descendants of Agba, a high chief in Sabon Gida Ora. A skirmish between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration from that region to present-day Benue state through Nsukka in Enugu state. This historical event in Igede history is commonly recounted in song and drama, for instance the record and drama piece "Ego ny'Igede".
Origin: Archival Records
Archival records portray them as migrants from Ogoja province who have increasingly adopted the culture and practices of theIdoma.
Administration and Politics
Politically, the Igede fall under the Zone C senatorial district.
Igede Culture
The Igede are predominantly farmers cultivating maize, cassava, groundnut and yams. Igede is home of the popular Igede-Agba festival, a colourful annual celebration that marks the yam harvest season in September.
Igede traditional clothes are blue, black, and white stripes.
Igede Notable People
- Ode Ojowu: Chief Economic Adviser to President Obasanjo and CEO National Planning Commission
- Oga Okwoche: Former Nigerian Ambassador to France
- Peter Okwoche: Host of the British Broadcasting Corporation Focus on Africanews magazine programme
- Ogiri Ajene: Former Deputy Governor of Benue State
- Mrs Patricia kpuchi former special adviser to the government of Benue state under the APC government and presently working with the federal government
- Hon Samson OKWU Aja: house of representative member representing the duo local government housing the Igede indigenes(Oju and obi respectively. And lots more of them.
- Our culture remains our pridepride
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