We are who we are, Igbenke is Ika, by Gloria Adagbon

Ethnic nationality is not coerced or forcefully imposed! Igbanke are Ika people who are geographically domiciled in Edo State. Igbanke people speak Ika language. Igbanke people have a unique heritage and a distinct culture.

Linguistically, everything about Igbanke is Ika — like for like! However, we have in Igbanke a mixture of names in Ika as well Bini. For example we have the Adagbons, and so also are the people of Umunede in Delta State. An Adagbon both found in Umunede community in Delta State and an Adagbon in Igbanke — both distinct and Ika speaking people.

The fact that some Igbanke people bear Bini names does not equate them to being Bini. An American bearing English names does not make that American to be English. My surname maybe Adagbon or Omoruyi from my mother’s side, and I can pronounce them, but that is as far as it goes. I do not speak or understand Bini language.

Majority of our people who were born and brought up in Igbanke do not speak or understand Bini language. This is because we are Ika people and the language spoken from birth in Igbanke is Ika. How them do you belong to a community or kingdom that you don’t understand a word of the language? I remember when I visited Orhionmwon my local government area and I had to find someone to translate for me and I felt so out of place!

A community as large as Igbanke with six communities have the capability in all ramifications to have a local government of its own but several calls for an Igbanke LGA fell on deaf ears, time and time again! Our people have continued to endure this administration inconvenient arrangement to date.

Ethnic nationality is not coerced or forcefully imposed. Please people should bury this idea of trying to impose themselves on our people. It is insulting and condescending to the people of Igbanke. WE ARE IGBANKE PEOPLE, OUR KINGS INHERITED THEIR THRONES FROM THEIR FOREFATHERS. They were born as kings. They are autonomous. They are sovereign and are not under any kingdom.

I appeal to all concerned to respect the rights of Igbanke people and communities. Igbanke are tired of being tossed around for either political reasons, social-economic interests or otherwise.

Permit me ask this question, since the creation of Edo State, what have you done for Igbanke community? What is your impact on the welfare and development of Igbanke? We may be a minority in Edo State but that does not mean that our rights should be trampled upon or violated. IGBANKE IS IKA and remains so! Igbanke is NOT under any kingdom whatsoever.Our identity is not up for debate. WE ARE WHO WE ARE! WE ARE IKA. Full stop ✋

God bless our people and community.

—@gloria_adagbon
03/05/2025