Iliyasu S. Yahaya
Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria
My esteemed brothers and sisters of our great Igala Kingdom,
Distinguished sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora,
At this critical juncture in our collective existence, it has become necessary to address a growing and deeply troubling development that threatens the integrity, unity, and dignity of the Igala race. Recent utterances and actions by a small group of individuals, who claim to be Igala champions but are instead driven by personal ambition, greed, and the pursuit of personal gain, seek to tarnish the reputation, name, culture, values, and cherished traditions of the Igala people. This behaviour is unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to everything our forefathers laboured to build and preserve.
Ukomu Igala Organisation, as the foremost socio-cultural body of our people, was founded on the principles of unity, cultural preservation, mutual respect, and the advancement of the Igala race. Our mandate is clear: to protect our kingdom, defend our heritage, and promote the well-being of every Igala person, irrespective of political affiliation, social status, or personal ideology. We are zealous guardians of our identity, and we will not stand idle while individuals attempt to sow discord or misrepresent who we are for personal gains.
Let it be made abundantly clear: every Igala person has the right to belong to, support, or campaign for any political party or candidate of their choosing. This freedom is not only constitutional but also fundamental to democratic norms. Ukomu Igala Organisation does not, and will never, dictate political allegiance. Our role is not partisan; our loyalty lies with the Igala Kingdom and its people. We respect the diversity of political expressions among our sons and daughters, and we encourage healthy engagement that uplifts rather than divides.
However, what we reject unequivocally is the use of politics as a tool to insult our people, demean our leaders, desecrate our values, or distort our collective identity. Those who have been misled, those who harbour selfish ambitions, and those who engage in destructive behaviour for personal gain must cease immediately. The Igala Kingdom is greater than any individual’s interest, and our collective destiny must never be sacrificed on the altar of personal greed.
We also strongly condemn the rising trend of name-calling, character assassination, and the deliberate misrepresentation of our cultural institutions. Such conduct is alien to our values of respect, discipline, and communal responsibility. The Igala Nation has always been known for honour, courage, and unity. We must not allow the reckless actions of a few to overshadow the dignity of our race.
Although we acknowledge that we are not yet where we ought to be as the ninth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, we remain steadfast in our determination to reclaim our rightful place in the Nigerian project. Our progress may be gradual, but it is deliberate and focused. We are building, we are organizing, and we are strengthening the foundations upon which future generations will stand.
I call on all Igala sons and daughters to rise above all forms of division, reject misinformation, and recommit to the values that define us. Let us protect our kingdom with wisdom, speak with one voice, and act with the unity that has always been our strength.
The Igala Nation shall not be diminished. Our culture shall not be corrupted. Our identity shall not be erased. Together, we shall reclaim what is ours. To the false-hearted among us, we urge you to reconsider your ways and guard your utterances. Remember, every Nigerian has an origin and operates from a base. A person who abandons their home will stand alone in the rain soon.
May God help us and bless all Igala people and Igala land.
Yours sincerely,
Maj Gen James Alilu Ataguba (Rtd) Ph.D
National Leader, Ukomu Igala Organisation
