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The Igala Kingdom: Legacy of a Nigerian Monarchy
At the meeting point of the Niger and Benue rivers lies Idah, the ancient capital of the Igala Kingdom, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most enduring monarchies.
For centuries, the Àtá Igálá has stood not just as a ruler, but as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Igala people.
From oral traditions of Princess Inikpi’s sacrifice, to the kingdom’s encounters with Benin and British colonial rule, the Igala story is one of courage, continuity, and adaptation.
Even today, the throne at Idah remains a living symbol of unity and heritage for millions of Igala sons and daughters.
Their journey, from precolonial power to modern cultural force, reflects how African monarchies continue to evolve while preserving their core identity.