The Price of Victory: Princess Inikpi

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January 25, 2025

The Igala people, an ethnic group in Kogi State, Nigeria, possess a rich cultural heritage. They have traditionally been hunters and farmers who cultivate different varieties of crops such as yam, cocoyam, maize, cassava, and groundnut etc. The Igala people reside in Kogi and they are also found in Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ajaka, Ofu, Olamaboro, Dekina, Bassa, Ankpa, Omala, Edo, Lokoja, Ibaji, and Ajaokuta Local Government.

Among the most cherished legends in Igala history is that of Princess Inikpi, the only daughter of Atta Ayegba Oma-Idoko the paramount leader of the Igala people and Queen Omele.

*The statue of Princess Inikpi at Ega market in Idah Kogi State*

The War Between the Igala and the Bini Kingdom

During the reign of Atta Ayegba's, the Igala people were at war with the Bini kingdom, which was from 1515 to 1516. The war resulted in the seizure of farmlands and the poisoning of streams, leaving the Igala people in fear. The Igala warriors were sent to battle the Bini forces, but they were outmatched by the Bini’s use of superior weapons. Numerous warriors were killed and many others were held captive. As the people of Igala faced imminent danger due to the scarcity of water and food, Atta Ayegba sought the guidance of the oracle.

The Ifa priests of Attah Igala convened under the leadership of the chief priest known as the Ohioga Attah. They were asked to consult the oracle, to give the people of Igala a way to win the war and not be slaughtered by the forces of the Bini Kingdom. After the consultation, the Ifa priests informed the Attah, about the oracles decree.

The oracle decreed that the Igala people would only be victorious over Bini, if the Atta Ayegba sacrificed his only daughter, Princess Inikpi, by burying her alive. For days, the king searched for an alternative solution, but found none.

Princess Inikpi, noticed her father's sorrow and inquired about the reason behind his sadness. However, Atta Ayegba couldn't bring himself to reveal the oracle's words to his daughter. It wasn't until the eighth day that he finally shared the proclamation of the oracle with Princess Inikpi. Out of love for her father and her people, she decided to fulfil the oracle proclamation.

The Burial of Princess Inikpi and the Aftermath

Princess Inikpi went to the bank of River Niger in Idah - the river separates Agenebode in Edo North and Idah in Kogi State. This was the route that the Bini army usually took to Idah. There she was buried alive along with nine slaves.

For fourteen days, Princess Inikpi remained alive in her grave. Her father visited daily to speak to her, and she would respond. However, on the fourteenth day, her father’s pleas were met with silence. The Fourteen day is an important day in Igala tradition. Legend has it that when the Bini army approached the Igala kingdom, they saw that the entire town was in flames. Believing that the town was already under attack, they retreated. That was how the Igala people was saved from the war against Bini.

Princess Inikpi’s Enduring Legacy

The Igala people affectionately refer to Princess Inikpi as “Inikpi oma’fedo baba”, which means “Inikpi, the beloved daughter of Attah”. A statue of Princess Inikpi stands at her burial site at Ega market located near the River Niger in Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Idah town serves as the headquarters of the Igala Kingdom. The site where her statue stands, is now a shrine where devotees offer sacrifices and prayers. The chief priest overseeing the Inikpi shrine holds the title of At'ebo. The At'ebo carries out rituals and rites offered to honour Princess Inikpi.

*The shrine of Princess Inikpi Oma’fedo Baba (the beloved daughter of Attah) at Ega market in Idah Kogi state*

The Cultural Significance of the Fourteenth Day

Princess Inikpi remained alive in her grave and died on the 14th day. Following the sacrifice of Princess Inikpi, the Igala people were finally able to win the war against the Bini Kingdom and regain control over their land.

This marked the beginning of a period of restitution for the Igala people. The Fourteenth day in Igala is called egwele. In Igala culture and tradition, the fourteenth day represents the period of restitution. The Igala people have a proverb that says: “Ebie ijo, egwele ijon” which means “If it doesn't happen on the seventh day it will happen on the fourteenth day”.

The fourteen-day period is a sacred time for the Igala people, marking important milestones and transitions in various aspects of their lives. Such as the celebration of a child's birth, which takes place on the fourteenth day. During burial rituals, the levelling of the grave is also done on the 14th day, and the results of prayers offered is expected to manifest between 7 to 14 days. Most importantly, various sacred royal activities are usually done within 14 days.

*Beautiful Igala women adorned in Achi Igala (Igala cultural attire) and their traditional beads.*

The legend of Princess Inikpi embodies the Igala tribe rich cultural heritage, showcasing their values of bravery, loyalty and selflessness. For generations, the Igala people have passed down the story of Princess Inikpi, ensuring her legacy lives on and inspiring younger generations to remain committed to their values and the traditions of their ancestors.

In tribute to their beloved princess, the Igala tribe often give the name “inikpi” to their daughters, to preserve her memory and to honour her ultimate sacrifice. The statue of Princess Inikpi oma’fedo baba stands at Ega market, as a reminder symbol of her lasting impact and her act of true leadership, which required making the ultimate sacrifice. Princess Inikpi’s sacrifice marked a turning point in Igala history, ushering in an era of restitution and renewal in Igala land. Her story is forever intertwined with the history of the Igala people.