The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, has issued a stern warning against the increasing trend of cultural shame and identity avoidance among the Idoma people. Speaking at the Idoma Cultural Day celebration, held in collaboration with the Idoma International Carnival in Otukpo, the royal father called for a deliberate and urgent revival of the community’s language, values, and traditions. This intervention aims to safeguard the rich heritage of the Idoma nation, which he believes is under significant threat from internal and external pressures. The monarch underscored the critical need for a collective commitment to cultural preservation.
His Royal Majesty expressed profound concern over the growing disconnect many young Idoma individuals exhibit towards their ancestral roots, often in pursuit of what he termed “misplaced validation.” He articulated that the very essence of a culture begins to erode and ultimately perish when its people develop an aversion or apology for their language, unique accent, and traditional practices. The Och’Idoma declared emphatically that “culture dies when its people apologise for it,” urging against any form of shame regarding their distinct identity. He stressed that the Idoma accent serves as a fundamental marker of identity, advocating for the freedom and pride to speak their language and sing their songs in any global setting.
The monarch meticulously outlined several multifaceted threats confronting the survival of Idoma culture. These challenges include the pervasive issues of insecurity and displacement, which disrupt community structures and traditional life. He also pointed to the insidious erosion of the Idoma language within homes, a decline in cultural pride leading to shame, and the detrimental effects of leadership fragmentation. Furthermore, poor documentation of historical heritage and the pervasive ridicule encountered on social media platforms were identified as significant factors undermining cultural resilience.
Addressing the specific impact of digital platforms, the Och’Idoma highlighted how the public ridicule of Idoma people, their leaders, and institutions, particularly prevalent on social media, contributes directly to a diminishing respect for their cultural identity. He noted that such disparaging attacks are frequently fueled by a combination of ignorance and a regrettable lack of patriotism among some members of the community. In response, the royal father urged all Idoma sons and daughters to embrace their role as “gatekeepers” of their collective identity, advocating for responsible digital conduct, the promotion of accurate historical narratives, and dignified engagement in safeguarding the image of the Idoma nation. He asserted, “We must respond to falsehood with facts, dignity, and love. We shall not hand over our image to mockery.”
A pivotal aspect of the monarch’s address focused on the imperative for unity among the diverse Idoma cultural organisations. He issued a stark warning that fragmentation and internal rivalry within these groups severely weaken their collective cultural direction and overall strength. The Och’Idoma stated unequivocally that “where leadership is fragmented, direction becomes confused. Culture cannot survive in the midst of ego-driven rivalry.” He called for a concerted effort to align organisational structures, programmes, and messaging, thereby enabling the Idoma people to present a cohesive and clear voice on matters pertaining to their heritage and future.
In a concrete move towards revitalising Idoma identity, the Och’Idoma announced the official institutionalisation of Idoma Cultural Day. This significant declaration designates December 23rd of every year as an annual celebration specifically dedicated to the vigorous promotion of Idoma heritage, language, and core values. This annual event is envisioned as a cornerstone for fostering a renewed sense of pride and belonging among all Idoma people, both at home and in the diaspora, reinforcing their unique cultural legacy for future generations.
Further enhancing the visibility and significance of this cultural initiative, the monarch declared that the grand finale of the Idoma Cultural Day celebration would henceforth be hosted at the revered Och’Idoma Palace. Accompanying this decision are ambitious plans for the comprehensive upgrade and rebranding of the Palace Square to meet international standards. This strategic development aims not only to provide a fitting venue for the annual festivities but also to significantly boost cultural tourism within the region, drawing greater attention and investment into Idoma land.
Concluding his impassioned address, the royal father issued a broad appeal for collaborative efforts across the Idoma community. He specifically called upon Idoma youths, various cultural groups, corporate bodies, and friends of the Idoma nation to unite and work synergistically. Emphasising that the very survival of their culture hinges on cooperation rather than internal competition, the Och’Idoma articulated a powerful vision: “We are many expressions, but one Idoma soul.” He urged a renewed commitment to cultural pride, unwavering unity, and a shared pursuit of their collective destiny, ensuring the vibrancy of Idoma heritage endures.
