Akogu Omaga was an Igala warrior who at a point, migrated from Idah because of a particular bitter relationship between him and the then Attah Igala, Attah Akogu Ayegba, oral history reported. He was said to have settled in various places but was still experiencing attacks from palace soldiers before he finally settled at Egume (Egugu me: to settle down is better, Opaluwa and Ejeh Ogaji, 2017). Even at Egume, Attah Akogu Ayegba was not still comfortable with him, and a plan was to be made to kill him.
Ohiemi, the younger brother of Akogu Omaga got this information that Attah wanted to harm his brother, and went to Attah Akogu that he can help in a way that his brother will be killed by Attah’s soldiers but that after killing his brother, he, Ohiemi be made the Onu Egume. Ohiemi had earlier found out from one of his brother’s young wives that once his husband was touched with fresh broom on his shoulder, his power will leave him. The agreement was reached and they went to Egume with many palace soldiers. And to cut the story short, they entered his compound, fought with him and beheaded him for he was no longer with his power. But, do you know what, even while his head fell of him, he ran away on his horse from the soldiers over a certain long distance, stopped his horse, fell down and died there.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A MAN WITHOUT A HEAD RIDING A HORSE?
Well, it happened in Igalaland, and is real not a fiction. The soldiers and Ohiemi took the head of Akogu to Idah and gave it to Attah Akogu Ayegba. Akogu Omaga’s remains was buried at the spot where he died, which was then like a gate to the Egume town. And for Ohiemi, he was waiting for his installation as Onu Egume by Attah Igala as agreed. But behold, it did not happen. Having considered his role in the death of his own brother, Attah Akogu Ayegba then realized that Ohiemi could one day turn again against him (Attah) or connive with some people to hurt him. He then ordered his soldiers to have Ohiemi Killed and that was his end. However, the head of Akogu Omaga was later returned to Egume and a special burial was done for him. A feast called Egbe Egume used to hold yearly in his honour, and is being done till now, a source said.
Ladies and gettlemen, have you been to Egume before? If you haven’t, try and do to at least see where the wonder happened. The spot will be developed to special tourist centre sooner than later. Egbe Egbume too will be a stae festival and national festival one day. Wonder shall never end but it can only happen oji anewa!
Credit: Amb Ayegba A. A.
Teacher, Researcher and Culture Advocate
Photo credit: Beyond Red Square