Ayegba Abdullahi Adojoh, Odiji Okpanachi Linus
The importance of history with provable evidences cannot be overemphasized, as it will correct any likely past error and guide against present and future mistakes. The aim of this research work was to examine the reasons why the six men or mallams from Bebeji town in Kano State, were invited to Idah, Kogi state prior to Igala-Jukun war, as well as determining their real tribe. The research work adopted the review research method, relying majorly on secondary data or previous research works. From the results, it was observed that the six men led by Aliyu Ohiado to Idah around 1449 were medicine men, who combined prayers with medicine making, blending with Igala traditional religion. It was also observed that the real identity or tribe of the men was Agala or Agalawa (Tuareg from the Nile area of Egypt and Central Sudan), who are still in Bebeji to date, and not Hausa. It was concluded that though they were mallams, their ways of prayers are associated with traditional norms, including medicine/charm-making (ogwu-eche) and Ifa divination, a role they played in the war, and not as fighters or warriors who carry weapons to fight in war. We also concluded that the six men were Agalawa tribe who are closely related with Igala as seen in their cultural festivals, and festival songs, as well as the names of some of their clans’ progenitors such as Ohiado, Ame Attah, Ameawo, Adaminia, Obukele, Okomanyi, Adenede, Adumale, Akah, Oliaja, Ejah and Adache which are all Igala names and none is of Hausa root.
Angwa Ayegba, Agalawa, Berber, Egypt, Igala, Jukun,Kano, Tuareg.