Illah (Ila), located in present-day Delta State, Nigeria, is a historically significant settlement with deep cultural and political connections to the Igbo, Igala, and Benin civilizations. The town’s history is characterized by migrations, conflicts, and cultural fusion, making it an essential part of Igbo and West African historical narratives. The image of an elder in Illah holding an abani or eben sword, as photographed by Northcote Thomas in 1912, is a symbolic representation of Illah’s warrior traditions and its rich heritage.
Origins and Migration Patterns
According to oral traditions recorded by historian Adiele Afigbo (1992), Illah is believed to have been founded by Ala, whose father, Ika, was said to have migrated from either Nteje or Nri, while his mother, Ejini, was of Igala origin. This lineage indicates the intersection of Igbo and Igala identities in the region.
Over centuries, Illah, like other Enuani settlements west of the Niger River, experienced waves of migration from various groups, including Igbo from the east and Igala from the north. These migrations shaped the political and cultural structure of the town, leading to the development of a unique hybrid identity that reflects both Igbo and Igala influences.
Conflicts and the Role of Benin
During its early history, Illah faced frequent conflicts with the Anam and Nzam people, groups from the east of the Niger River known for their expansionist tendencies. Oral history suggests that Illah received military assistance from a Benin Edaiken (crown prince), possibly a refugee or an emissary from the Benin royal family. This alliance strengthened Illah’s ability to resist external threats and solidified connections between Illah and Benin, further enriching its cultural identity.
Photographed by Northcote Thomas, c. 1912. MAA Cambridge.
The Benin influence in Illah is evident in aspects of governance, title systems, and warfare. The eben sword, held by the elder in the 1912 photograph, is a ceremonial sword associated with Benin warriors and leaders. Its presence in Illah symbolizes the military and political ties between Illah and the Benin Kingdom.
Cultural and Linguistic Identity
Illah, like other Enuani-speaking Igbo communities west of the Niger River, developed a distinct Igbo dialect with Igala linguistic elements. This dialectal uniqueness emphasizes the cultural synthesis that defines Illah’s identity. Additionally, rituals, religious practices, and traditional leadership structures in Illah incorporate elements from majorly the Igbo and Igala traditions, demonstrating the region’s long-standing interethnic connections.
The Importance of Illah in Igbo and West African History
Illah’s history is a testament to the dynamic interactions between various ethnic groups in West Africa. It serves as a key example of how migration, war, and political alliances shaped the development of settlements across the Niger-Benue confluence region. Its blend of Igbo, Igala, and Benin traditions illustrates the fluidity of ethnic identities in pre-colonial Nigeria, challenging rigid classifications of ethnic groups.
The history of Illah is one of resilience, adaptation, and cultural integration. From its origins rooted in Igbo, migrations from Igala and to its military alliances with Benin, Illah represents the interconnectedness of West African civilizations. The 1912 photograph of an elder holding an abani sword serves as a powerful reminder of Illah’s warrior tradition and its historical significance. As modern Illah continues to evolve, its heritage remains a crucial part of understanding the broader history of Igbo and West African societies.
References
Afigbo, A. E. (1992). Groundwork of Igbo History. Vista Books.
Thomas, N. (1913). Anthropological Reports on the Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria. Harrison and Sons.
Oriji, J. N. (2011). Political Organization in Nigeria Since the Late Stone Age: A History of the Igbo People. Palgrave Macmillan.
