Idoma, Igala, Igbo Relations

Inter-group relations in our area of study has been cast in the Hobbesian hue of endless internecine conflicts; in the domination-submission mould, with the Igala portrayed as the dominant force and the Igbo and Idoma as the subservient peoples. Very little thought has been given to perspectives of mutuality of interest, interdependence and autonomy of political actions among our focal communities. This study has dissented from these conventional perspectives and has stressed mutuality, autonomy and occasional conflictual relations which most often, did not go down beyond the veneer to the marrow. Given the litany of stereotypes and prejudices encountered in the study of Igala influences in Igboland, there is the need to understand the dynamics of inter-group relations in our study area, namely the contiguous Igala, Idoma and Igbo communities. However, the litany of markets across the borders is suggestive of the peaceful atmosphere of the area, as markets do not thrive in Hobbesian conditions. The conventional portrayal of Idoma, Igala and Igbo borders as occupied by cantankerous peoples who do not see eye-to-eye with each other is misleading.

Autorentext

Apex A. Apeh is of the Department of History and International Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He holds a doctorate degree in the discipline of history from the same university. His research interests include: Igbo and Central Nigeria studies, gender and peace studies, inter-group relations, etc. He is married with children.