Have you ever heard of Igede? If you’re familiar with the 1970s Igbo highlife music scene, you may have heard of it – it’s even the title of one of Celestine Ukwu’s songs. But what exactly is Igede?
Igede refers to a type of musical drum that is integral to traditional Igbo music. This leads us to the Igede people, who are one of the largest ethnic groups in Benue State, Nigeria. According to the 2006 census, their population was estimated to be around 267,198 people, and they primarily reside in the Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Historically, the Igede people are said to have migrated from the Ogoja province, though oral tradition also traces their origins back to Sabon Gida Ora in present-day Edo State. There were misunderstandings between the Igede and the native peoples of Ora, which eventually led to their migration to present-day Benue State. Along the way, they branched at Nsụka in Enugwu State before finally settling where they are now.
But why do the Igede people share so many cultural similarities with the Igbo? Is it due to proximity or intermarriage between the two groups? Their progenitor, Agba, is also associated with the Agba people in Ebọnyị State, as well as neighboring tribal groups in Ishielu and Ọhaukwu. Additionally, the Igede people have strong lexical similarities with the Igbo language.
Unfortunately, the Igede people also suffered greatly during the war in Nigeria. The Tivs, a neighboring ethnic group, inflicted significant harm on the Igede people during the conflict, leading to taboos against intermarriage between the two groups.
Despite this difficult history, the Igede people thrive today and are known for their contributions to Nigerian society. They have prominent figures in politics and journalism, and they celebrate a New Yam Festival annually in a big festivity known as Igede-Agba Festival. Interestingly, they share a lot in common with the Igbo, including even the celebration of the New Yam Festival. Many Igede people strongly identify with the Igbo people and share cultural customs and practices.
