Justice from the Beyond: The Alekwu Tradition of the Idoma Tribe

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September 30, 2024

Idoma is one of the ethnic groups primarily found in Benue state, Nigeria. The Idoma people are Idomoid speakers, and they are also found in Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and Enugu. The Idomas are known for their farming skills, as they are blessed with fertile lands. Both men and women grow crops like yams, cassava, millet, sorghum, groundnut, vegetables and maize. They are not just farmers but are also skilled in hunting and fishing.The tradition of the Idoma tribe is deeply rooted in the existence of spirit and in the belief that a higher being protects and governs the entire Idoma land. Before the advent of modern law enforcement and judiciary systems, the Idoma people relied heavily on Alekwu. Alekwu is highly revered by the Idoma people as their ancestral spirit, who is believed to ensure justice, peace and fairness. Alekwu is invoked through rituals and rites, by the Ad'alekwu.

The Ad'alekwu is a respected member of the Idoma community, as he is believed to possess supernatural powers that enable him to communicate with the spirit world. Through rituals and rites, the Ad'alekwu invokes and interprets messages from Alekwu- the ancestral spirit by using kolanut, palm wine, gong, leaves, roots and sacrifices of animals and food such as goats, chicken, yams and fruits etc. These rituals are performed for fertility, prosperity, protection, guidance, to seek resolution for disputes, , to cleanse the community, and to express gratitude for Alekwu's blessing. These sacrifices offered are believed to appease Alekwu, ensuring peace and Justice in Idoma land.

Alekwu's influence extends across various facets of the Idoma tribe, including marriages, crimes, and burials. It was believed that Alekwu maintained order and settled disputes among families. For instance, if a person kills their fellow kindred, Alekwu was thought to inflict the perpetrator with a disease, compelling them to confess before they die.

In cases of marital infidelity, if a woman married to an Idoma man commits adultery, Alekwu was believed to torment her in her dream, causing her to become sick, until she confesses and dies. However, there are cases where the husband dies in place of his wife. In such cases the husband is aware of his wife's actions; he continues to eat the food she prepares and continues to have sexual intercourse with her. Alekwu punishes him, for covering up his wife's infidelity.

Furthermore, the Alekwu tradition dictates specific rituals and customs surrounding burials, with potential consequences for non-compliance. In instances where a father dies and his children do not bury him with a cow, the children are expected to do the same for the mother, or else Alekwu will kill them. If they were not financially capable when their father died but became rich before their mother's death, and they decide to bury their mother with a cow, they would first of all perform their father's burial ceremony again. They will invite their relatives and bury him with a cow. After this is done, then they can bury their mother with a cow too.

Alekwu was believed to be merciful, but only for a limited period. Alekwu gives the guilty party a chance to try and mend their ways. If the guilty party, confesses their crime at an early stage of their illness or torment, they will not die. But if they allow the sickness to progress, then they will still be forced to confess and be killed by Alekwu. For example, if a woman cheats on her husband and is willing to confess, she must do so in front of the Ai-Onyakwuoche Ole (council of elders) and the rest of the community. She must mention the name of the man she slept with; the man must pay for damages the done to the tradition, as it forbids adultery. After the confession, the Idoko ijja (cleaning rite) is performed. The Idoko ijja is a traditional ritual performed to cleanse individuals and the community from spiritual impurities and wrongdoings. The Ai-Onyakwuoche Ole (council of elders) will advise her to desist from her old ways and continue to follow the tradition. After the Idoko ijja is performed, she will no longer be tormented or killed by Alekwu.

As earlier stated, the Idoma people's reliance on Alekwu, the god of justice, stems from their belief in Alekwu's impartiality. Unlike human beings, who can be swayed by bribes or their personal interests. Alekwu was viewed as an epitome of fairness, serving justice without fear or favour, this is why the Idoma people celebrate the “Eje-Alekwu festival” to honour Alekwu.

The Eje-Alekwu Festival

The Eje-alekwu festival is celebrated in Idomaland, before the period of harvest. The festival is celebrated annually between the months of July and August. While in some parts of Idoma land, the festival is celebrated in early February or early March. Before the festival, a communal hunt is done, where able-bodied man hunt animals. The largest game is usually offered to the ancestral spirit while the rest are used in the preparation of food for the community during the festival. The festival begins with a procession led by the Oche (King) and his chiefs.

*The Ogrinya dance performers wearing the Idoma cultural attire*

During the festival, Ad'alekwu offers sacrifices to pray for good yield and blessings. After which, the people are entertained by a dance performance, known as the Ogrinya dance, which is a famous dance among the Idoma people. The true highlight of the festival, is when the spirit of the ancestors manifests themselves through a masquerade known as the Alekwu Afia. The Alekwu Afia chants the history of the land, the genealogies and the families of the land in a poetic tune, a truly unforgettable moment. The Eje-alekwu festival is more than the celebration and rituals, it’s an evidence of the bond between the Idoma people and their tradition.