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Top 10 Celebrities with Igede Heritage

The Igede people are an ethnic group primarily found in Benue State, Nigeria. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and have produced several notable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. Here is a list of 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Igede ethnicity:

  • Dr. Sam Ode: Dr. Sam Ode is a renowned medical doctor and philanthropist from Igede. He has dedicated his life to providing healthcare services to the less privileged, particularly in rural areas.
  • Engr. Benjamin Adanyi: Engr. Benjamin Adanyi is a respected politician and former member of the Nigerian House of Representatives. He has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and development of the Igede people.
  • Mercy Johnson: Mercy Johnson is a talented Nollywood actress who has gained national and international recognition for her exceptional performances in movies. She hails from Okehi, an Igede community.
  • Dr. Otive Igbuzor: Dr. Otive Igbuzor is a renowned development expert, human rights activist, and public speaker. He has served in various leadership positions and has contributed extensively to national development.
  • Pastor Chris Oyakhilome: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is a popular Nigerian televangelist and the founder of Christ Embassy. He is known for his dynamic preaching and has a massive following both in Nigeria and globally.
  • Oscar Y. Oko: Oscar Y. Oko is an accomplished lawyer and legal scholar from Igede. He has made significant contributions to the legal profession and has served in various senior positions within the justice system.
  • Peter Otulu: Peter Otulu is a renowned traditional musician and cultural ambassador from Igede. He has been instrumental in promoting Igede music and showcasing the cultural heritage of his people.
  • Chief Edward Ujege: Chief Edward Ujege is a prominent Igede leader and former President-General of the Idoma National Forum. He is known for his efforts in fostering unity and development among various ethnic groups in Nigeria.
  • Dr. Rose Eneojo Abu: Dr. Rose Eneojo Abu is a distinguished academic and researcher. She has made outstanding contributions to the field of educational psychology and has received numerous accolades for her work.
  • Peter Otulu: Peter Otulu is a renowned traditional musician and cultural ambassador from Igede. He has been instrumental in promoting Igede music and showcasing the cultural heritage of his people.
The Idomas are people that primarily inhabit the lower western areas of Benue State, Nigeria, and some of them can be found in Taraba State, Cross Rivers State, Enugu State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State in Nigeria.  The Idoma language is classified in the Akweya subgroup of the Idomoid languages of the Volta–Niger family, which include Igede, Alago, Agatu, Etulo, Ete, Akweya (Akpa) and Yala languages of Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, and Northern Cross River states. The Akweya subgroup is closely related to the Yatye-Akpa sub-group. The bulk of the territory is inland, south of river Benue, some seventy-two kilometres east of its confluence with River Niger. The Idoma tribe are known to be 'warriors' and 'hunters' of class, but hospitable and peace-loving. The greater part of Idoma land remained largely unknown to the West until the 1920s, leaving much of the colourful traditional culture of the Idoma intact. The population of the Idomas is estimated to be about 3.5 million. The Idoma people have a traditional ruler called the Och'Idoma who is the head of the Idoma Area Traditional Council. This was introduced by the British. Each community has its own traditional chief such as the former Ad'Ogbadibo of Orokam, Late Chief D.E Enenche. The Palace of the Och'Idoma is located at Otukpo, Benue State. The present Och'Idoma, HRM, Elaigwu Odogbo John, the 5th Och'Idoma of the Idoma People was installed on the 30th of June, 2022 following the passing of his Predecessor HRH Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa who ruled from 1996 to October 2021. Past Och'Idomas also include: HRH, Agabaidu Edwin Ogbu, who reigned from 1996 to 1997, HRH, Abraham Ajene Okpabi of Igede descent who ruled from 1960 to 1995 and HRH, Agabaidu Ogiri Oko whose reign took place between 1948 and 1959.

Most Famous Igede People

Igede’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Igede community is a Nigerian ethnic group predominantly residing in the Benue State. With a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of identity, the Igede people have managed to preserve their traditions and customs throughout generations. Here, we explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Igede heritage.

  • Orbis
  • One of the most remarkable aspects of the Igede community is their traditional religious belief system known as “Orbis”. This indigenous religion revolves around the worship of numerous deities and ancestral spirits. The Orbis religion is deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Igede people, influencing their decisions and guiding their actions. Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role within this belief system, strengthening the community’s bonds and cultural identity.

  • Ekpe Festival
  • The Ekpe Festival is a prominent cultural event celebrated by the Igede people, attracting visitors from neighboring communities and beyond. This festival showcases various performances, music, traditional dances, and stunningly colorful costumes. The Ekpe Festival is a time for the community to come together, celebrate their heritage, and demonstrate their communal unity. It is a joyful occasion that allows the Igede people to honor their ancestors and preserve their unique traditions.

  • Igede Language
  • The Igede language is an integral part of the community’s cultural heritage. It is a distinct language belonging to the Idomoid group, a subset of the larger Benue-Congo language family. The Igede language serves as a tool for communication and cultural preservation, as it allows the community to pass down their traditions, stories, and values through generations. Efforts are being made to ensure the continued use and vitality of the Igede language, safeguarding it from potential extinction.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Igede People

Demographics Distribution
Country Region
Population Approximately 2 million Nigeria Benue State
Language Igede
Religion Christianity, Traditional beliefs
Industries Agriculture (farming, fishing)
Notable Cities Oju, Obi, Ado

The Ancient Heritage of Igede Ethnic Groups

Igede Ethnicity: References and Resources

There are several references and resources available for Further exploration of the Igede ethnic group. Here are some of them:

  • “The Igede People of Benue State: A Historical Perspective” by Paul Obaji Jr. This publication provides a detailed historical overview of the Igede people, their migration, cultural practices, and social organization.
  • “Tradition and Change: The Political System of the Igede of Central Nigeria” by E.K. Kooffreh. This book explores the political structure and dynamics of the Igede people, looking at their traditional governance system and how it has evolved over time.
  • “The Igede People: Origins, Migrations, and Socio-cultural Perspectives” edited by Francis O. Egbokhare. This collection of essays covers various aspects of Igede culture, including their language, religion, art, and gender relations.
  • “The Igede of Nigeria: A Thorough Cultural Background” by Andrew Ukpebor Nomo. This book delves into the cultural heritage of the Igede people, including their festivals, rituals, and beliefs.

Additionally, there are resources available online that provide valuable insights into the Igede ethnic group:

  • Igede Development Association (IDA) – The official website of the Igede Development Association provides information about the organization’s activities, news, and events related to the Igede community.
  • Igede Language Dictionary – This online resource offers a comprehensive dictionary of the Igede language, making it a useful tool for those interested in learning more about the linguistic aspects of the Igede people.
  • Igede Cultural Festival – The Igede Cultural Festival is an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Igede people. Exploring videos, articles, and photos from the festival can provide a deeper understanding of their traditional practices and customs.

Explore other famous people with Fur, Arrernte and Basques roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Delving into the lives of notable figures from various ethnic backgrounds associated with these Igede roots reveals the intricate web of connections between global cultures and their significant contributions to the world.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.

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