Exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma tribe in Nigeria

News360 Nigeria delves into the customs, heritage, background, and beliefs of the Idoma community in Benue State, Nigeria.

The Idoma people are an ethnic group that is mainly concentrated in Benue State in central Nigeria.

They are among the numerous ethnic groups comprising the wider Tivoid peoples. Their warm, peaceful, and humble demeanor is unparalleled.

Their attire is a vibrant combination of red and black stripes, signifying their strength and royalty.

They are the second largest ethnic group in Benue State, making up approximately 3.5 million of the country’s total population.

They are spread across nine local government areas, including Ado, Agatu, Apa, Obi, Ohimini, Ogbadibo, Oju, Okpokwu, and Otukpo.

History

The origin and early history of the Idoma people are not well documented, but according to tradition, they are descendants of Apa, the son of Edoma.

Together with the ancestors of the Yoruba, Bini, and Igbo people, they are thought to have migrated from the north, most likely from the Jukun or Igala ethnic groups, and settled in their present location along the banks of the Benue River valley.

They are thought to have arrived in their present location around the 12th century.

According to traditional history, Iduh, the Idoma people’s father, had multiple children who founded distinct clans and regions within the present-day Idoma land.

Language

The Idoma language is a member of the larger Niger-Congo language family, specifically the Idomoid group of languages.

The language is spoken by natives of Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, and Northern Cross River states, it is closely related to the Igala language.

Location

The Idoma people are primarily concentrated in the southeastern part of Benue State in Nigeria, particularly around the Benue River and its tributaries.

Their kindred groups can be found in Cross Rivers State, Enugu State, Kogi State and Nasarawa State in Nigeria.

Population

With an estimated population of 2-4 million, the Idoma people are the second largest ethnic groups in Benue state.

Occupation

The Idoma people are predominantly agriculturalists, well-known for their production of vegetables, rice, cassava, yams, and maize.

They are also involved in fishing, hunting and trading activities.

Beliefs

The rich belief system of the Idoma people has its roots in animism. They believe in a supreme being, known as Oma, who is responsible for the creation of the universe.

They also hold that ancestor spirits exist, and that these spirits guard and direct the living.

Christianity and Islam coexist with traditional religion.

Culture

The customs, dances, and festivals of the Idoma people are manifestations of their rich and varied culture.

Festivals

The Agila Festival, Owulo Festival, and Okwojo Ngwo Festival are a few of the most well-known Idoma celebrations that honor the harvest and cultural legacy.

They engage in masquerade performances that honor ancestral spirits, such as the Okpopo and Achanalu masquerades.

The Idoma people wear their traditional clothing during this festival. These clothes are made up of two striking stripes, red and black, representing  the Idoma people’s strength and royalty.

Crafts

The Idoma people are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, particularly in the areas of carving, weaving, and pottery.

Traditional pottery, for instance, is highly valued and used for various domestic and ceremonial purposes.

Dance

The Ogirinya dance, a dance performed by the Idoma tribe, is always a sight to behold.

It is an extremely fast-paced dance in which you must quickly and repeatedly jump on your toes.

Food

The Idoma people eat a wide variety of foods, such as rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, yam, and cassava.

Pounded yam, Okoho soup, Adoka soup, Owo soup, and Ngada soup are some of their well-known dishes.

They also have special delicacies such as perfect “Ichenku” (roasted yam).
A yearly food festival is typically held in Benue state to honor women because of their passion for food.

Marriage

The Idoma people follow a monogamous marriage custom in which the groom gives the bride’s family a bride price.

Traditionally, it consists of several stages, including parental consent, bride price payment (often in yams or livestock), and elaborate ceremonies that include traditional rituals, dances, and feasts.

Idoma couple in their traditional outfit

The Idoma people place a high importance on community and family, and their cultural identity is strongly linked to their traditional customs and beliefs.

Though there are some things that set their traditions apart, their marriage rites and customs are comparable to those of the Igbo and other southeastern cultures.

Kinship

The Idoma Area Traditional Council is headed by Och’Idoma, the traditional ruler of the Idoma people, whose palace is located in Otukpo, Benue State.

The Idoma people either reside in villages close to one another or more widely apart.

Only at the community level do there exist political ties with a headman, or chief, who receives his position through patrilineal inheritance.