Ethnic Nationality Not Forcefully Imposed, Igbanke is Ika, INPA Initiator, Gloria Adagbon Asserts

 Ethnic Nationality Not Forcefully Imposed, Igbanke is Ika, INPA Initiator, Gloria Adagbon Asserts

- Emeka Esogbue

Barr. Gloria Adagbon, a prominent Igbanke leader and initiator of the Igbanke Nationals Progressive Association (INPA), has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the suspension of six Igbanke monarchs by the Benin Palace. 

In a statement posted on her Facebook page, she asserted that Igbanke is an Ika community with a distinct culture and language, emphasizing that ethnic identity cannot be imposed.

Adagbon pointed out that despite being located in Edo State, Igbanke people speak the Ika language and maintain Ika traditions. She noted that having Bini names doesn't necessarily mean they are Bini, just like an American with English names is not English.

She highlighted that most Igbanke people don't speak or understand the Bini language, further emphasizing their Ika heritage. 

"Majority of our people who were born and brought up in Igbanke do not speak or understand Benin language. This is because we are Ika people and the language spoken from birth in Igbanke is Ika," she said.

The Igbanke advocate recalled that she once visited Orhionmwon, her local government and had to search for an interpreter to translate the language of the area for her, leaving her feeling out of place.

Adagbon also criticized the suspension of the monarchs, describing it as an insult while asserting Igbanke's autonomy.

"We are Igbanke people. Our kings inherited their thrones from their forefathers. We are autonomous and they are sovereign and not under any kingdom," the statement read.

The controversy in the state has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some suspended Enogies adopting Obi and Eze titles and the Benin Traditional Council claiming Igbanke is part of Benin, which some groups outside the state dispute. 

The Ika people are a subgroup of Anioma, geographically located in Delta North District of Delta State. Other Ika communities include Agbor, Umunede, Mbiri, Ekwuoma, Owa, Akumazi, Otolokpo and Igbodo. Notably, Igbanke shares linguistic and cultural ties with these communities.

Historically, the 1991 state creation under the Ibrahim Babangida administration led to the redistribution of territories in the defunct Bendel State. While several Ika communities were included in the newly formed Delta State, Igbanke was administratively assigned to Edo State, despite its cultural affinity with its Ika counterparts.