Skip to main content

The Story Of Attah Ameh Oboni - the Nigerian King who Chose Suicide Instead of Bowing to the Queen of England.

Attah Ameh Oboni was a revered Igala King.

At a particular meeting held in Kaduna which consisted of all paramount traditional rulers in Nigeria and which had the queen of England in attendance, Attah Ameh was asked to remove his cap to greet the Queen of England as others had done.

Though he refused until they said he should leave the meeting if he would not remove his cap. But Attah was not like others, or was he?

It was a taboo for Attah to remove his cap in the public. The entire hall where they were staying was occupied by swan of bees which emanates from the cap of Attah Ameh Oboni which he removed in order to greet the Queen.

The Queen of England as well as other rulers in the meeting ran helter-skelter except the friendly Oba of Benin who was asked by Attah Ameh to go out before he removed his cap. The hall became empty as some were stung by the bees and the meeting ended.

According to history, Attah Ameh Oboni was asked to be arrested and handcuffed by the security people, which they did, but the handcuffs fell off his hands.

He was later locked up in a room on the instruction of the Northern rulers and guarded by the security personnel but only to find out later by the personnel that he had left the room. Yes, when the security were taking him to be locked up, he told his driver, Amanabo of blessed memory, to take the car and be going to Idah while the security locked him in the room.

He then warned Amanabo not to look back until he felt a cool breeze in the car. Though Amanabo argued a little that he cannot leave the Attah there but later obeyed and started driving back to Idah from Kaduna.

After some time, he felt the cool breeze in the car, and Attah Ameh was sitted inside the car.

The incident in the meeting made many traditional rulers which were mostly northerners to be angry especially making kings run in such a manner because of bees.

This became one important sin, and it was like “one sin too many”.

The queen of Englnad was also not happy and they (the Queen and northern leaders) started looking for a way to remove Attah Ameh from the throne since he was getting tougher and uncontrollable like others, as well as searching for an obedient replacement.

Igala has various cultural festivals, one of which is Ocho. Ocho is celebrated before farming starts, and it is the time that Attah Igala prays to God for sufficient rainfall, bountiful harvest, success in hunting. It is celebrated in the bush and the venue is called Ere-ocho, where the Attah will hunt until he kills a Buffalo or a strong animal. The community in Idah where Ocho takes place is called Ogo-Efa. He performs a little sacrifice to the ancestors using a fowl in the process, and this was to find out if there will blessings or problems in the land after the Ocho.

Before this time, the enemies at home (among the Igala people), especially those having connections with the leaders of the northern region, were working hard to get any evidence either true or false which can be used to remove him from the throne. The blood of the animal used as sacrifice at Ocho ground now became what the enemies would use against him.

Petition was written by these two Igala people to the Queen and some other Northern leaders that Attah Ameh was sacrificing humans during the Ocho festivals. Since they were looking for any means to displace him with, judgment was quickly passed that he must be dethroned, even when investigations were not yet concluded. 

In addition, all the Igala cultural festivals including the Ocho were immediately banned and this remained for almost 63 years until Governor Yahaya Bello unbanned them based on the appeal of the present Attah Igala.

Already, before this time, the Oba of Benin who had such friction with the British had already been dethroned and banished from Benin. So, Attah Ameh Oboni knew that at that point, no matter what spiritual approach applied, it can only postpone the evil day as his enemies will never relent until he was removed by them.

The result of the blood sample which was taken from the Ocho venue and taken to University of Ibadan for analysis had arrived and it was proved that it was the blood of an animal and not human. Sadly, the revered King, Attah Ameh had passed on before the result was brought.

But Attah Ameh, being very sure that he was wrongly accused and framed up by his enemies, especially those from Igala who wrote the petition against him marking the beginning of his planned dethronement, made some pronouncements before his death.

He was allegedly quoted to have said that ” the person who wrote the petition against him would have that hand dried up, and that the leader of the gang or petitioners would be buried three times”. And they all came to pass.

While the hand dried as said, the other was buried as stated, first was the leg, second was his hand and the third was himself, all buried at various times at different locations.

In addition, as this information of his dethronement was given to him in a meeting from where he was supposed to go back to Idah and prepare to leave the throne, he stopped on the way in another Igala land called Dekina.

That was where he committed suicide.

Before taking his life, he was allegedly quoted to have said that the town, Dekina will be popular but its development will not be as much as its popularity.

He was also quoted to have said that because Igala was the genesis of his ordeal, there will be disunity among the Igala people until the reign of his own blood (son) as Attah, and all Igalas irrespective of their locations will be reunited again.

I think from the reconnection and reunification of Igala people across Nigeria and beyond which has been going on and still going on under the reign of his son, Agabaidu Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, the present Attah Igala, that pronouncement of reunification of Igala people is also coming through.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Symbols Only the Awakened Understand — Can You Recognize Them?

In a world brimming with signs and synchronicities, the journey of awakening often unveils a rich tapestry of symbols that resonate deeply with those who are attuned to their meanings. For the awakened, these symbols serve as powerful guides, illuminating paths of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Yet, for many, the challenge lies in recognizing and understanding these subtle messages woven into the fabric of daily life. This article delves into the nature of awakening, explores common symbols that signify transformation, and provides insights into how individuals can enhance their ability to decode the language of the universe. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the symbols that only the awakened can recognize and learn how to interpret their significance in our lives. The Nature of Awakening: What Does It Mean? Defining Awakening in Various Contexts   Awakening is like that moment when you realize the light was on the whole time, and all you needed t...

Unlocking Potent Energy: The Art of Banishing with Banishing Powder

In the realm of spiritual practices and rituals, the concept of banishing is often a powerful tool used to clear out negativity and unwanted energies from our lives. Whether it’s a lingering emotional weight, negative influences from others, or simply the need for a fresh start, the utilization of banishing powder can help pave the way for renewal and positive transformation.  Banishing powder is not a traditional powder but rather a blend of natural ingredients, each chosen for its specific properties that promote cleansing and protection. Common components may include salt, black pepper, and herbs like sage or rue. Each of these elements works synergistically to amplify the powder's effectiveness. While there are many ways to create your own blend, purchasing pre-made banishing powder from a reputable source is also an option for those who are new to this practice. ### The Purpose of Banishing At its core, banishing is about removal—removing negative energies that can...

Oaths of Loyalty and the Spiritual Weight of Sacred Promises

Throughout history, oaths of loyalty have served as powerful declarations of commitment, binding individuals to their beliefs, communities, and leaders. These sacred promises carry profound significance, often invoking a sense of moral responsibility that transcends mere words. The intricate relationship between loyalty and spirituality reveals itself in various cultural contexts, where the weight of an oath can influence personal identity and societal cohesion. As we explore the multifaceted dimensions of oaths—ranging from their historical roots to their modern implications—we uncover the enduring power of these solemn pledges and their impact on human relationships. Understanding Oaths of Loyalty: Historical Context and Significance   Ancient Traditions of Loyalty   Throughout history, oaths of loyalty have acted as the glue that binds individuals to their leaders and communities. From the feudal lords and vassals of medieval Europe to the sacred vows ...

Solutions To Spirit Husband And Spirit Wife Problems

There are multitudes of human beings who are afflicted with various degrees of problems in their waking life because they have had a sexual encounter or more in their dream with a spirit spouse. This phenomenon, depending on the degree of attack, is known by several names including sleep paralysis and night terror, which results from unwanted visits by spirit entities known generally as night visitors or better yet, Incubi and Succubi. Oftentimes, the people involved in such spiritual sexual encounters and relationships or marriages are not even aware they have a spirit spouse who is usually so jealous and spoils things for the actual physical/human spouse. This kind of problem has no boundaries as it affects even legally married human couples where the human wife experiences several miscarriages and sometimes actual barrenness alongside financial problems and business failures on the part of the human husband. More often than not, it turns out that the Incubus (Male sex...

MAMI WATA: THE MARINE GODDESS

At once beautiful, protective, seductive, and dangerous, the water spirit Mami Wata (Mother Water) is celebrated throughout much of Africa and the African Atlantic. A rich array of arts surrounds her, as well as a host of other aquatic spirits--all honoring the essential, sacred nature of water. Mami Wata is often portrayed as a mermaid, a snake charmer, or a combination of both. She is widely believed to have "overseas" origins, and her depictions have been profoundly influenced by representations of ancient, indigenous African water spirits, European mermaids, Hindu gods and goddesses, and Christian and Muslim saints. She is not only sexy, jealous, and beguiling but also exists in the plural, as the mami watas and papi watas who comprise part of the vast and uncountable "school" of African water spirits. Mami Wata's presence is pervasive partly because she can bring good fortune in the form of money. As a "capitalist" deity par excellence, her ...

The Significance of Using the Mother's Name in Spirituality

In the realm of spirituality, names carry profound significance. They are not merely labels but rather reflections of identity, energy, and intention. One noteworthy aspect of various spiritual practices is the emphasis on using a mother’s name over a father’s name in certain contexts. This preference is steeped in cultural, psychological, and spiritual symbolism, creating a unique nexus that merits exploration.  At the core of this practice is the recognition of the maternal archetype. Across many cultures, the mother is viewed as the primary nurturer and the embodiment of unconditional love. From the moment of conception, the mother’s energy plays a pivotal role in the formation and growth of a child. This deep connection often leads individuals to seek a connection to their maternal lineage in spiritual practices. Using the mother’s name can evoke feelings of warmth, safety, and nurturing, which are essential for spiritual growth and healing. In many spiritual tradit...

Why Did Muhammad Die a Painful Death While Jesus Was Saved?

The relationship between Jesus and Muhammad is a deeply significant topic within Islamic theology, drawing attention to the contrasting narratives surrounding their lives and deaths. For many adherents of the faith, questions about divine intervention in the lives of these two pivotal figures provoke contemplation about their nature and the messages they convey. From the Islamic perspective, Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet, or the Seal of the Prophets, entrusted with delivering Allah’s message. His life, marked by both triumph and tragedy, culminated in his passing at the age of 63 after enduring various hardships. The nature of his death, which was not characterized by miraculous escape or divine intervention, raises questions about the divine will and, consequently, about the characteristics of prophethood and the intended impact of each prophet's life. On the contrary, the story of Jesus, as presented in Islamic texts, is notably different. According to the...