The Inikpi in every woman
History has it that Princess Inikpi, was the virgin princess of the Igala Kingdom, buried alive to save the kingdom from the doom of the Igala-Benin war in 1515-1516, during the reign of Ata Ayegba Oma-idoko. In the early 16th century, the Igala Kingdom was at war with the Bini Kingdom. The war had devastating effects on the Igala people, with their farmlands seized and streams poisoned by the enemy. The king consulted the oracle, seeking a solution to save his kingdom. The oracle decreed that the only way to defeat the Bini Kingdom was to sacrifice Princess Inikpi by burying her alive.
The king was heartbroken but couldn’t find an alternative solution. Princess Inikpi, noticing her father’s sorrow, asked about the reason behind his sadness. When she learned of the oracle’s decree, she voluntarily agreed to sacrifice herself for the sake of her people. On the appointed day, Inikpi went to the bank of River Niger at Idah and was buried alive alongside nine virgin slaves that would help her thereafter.
Princess Inikpi was buried alive at the bank of the River Niger, and her sacrifice was believed to have saved the Igala Kingdom from destruction. The Bini warriors, seeing the town in flames (which was actually the result of Princess Inikpi’s blood), retreated, thinking the town was already destroyed.
Why will the gods demand for the Princess, not a Prince? Today, Princess Inikpi is remembered as a heroine who gave her life for her people. A statue of Princess Inikpi stands at her burial spot at Ega market close to River Niger in Idah, Kogi State Nigeria. Many Igala have named their daughters after her in Idah, Kogi State, and her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Every woman has an Inikpi inside of her. The role of a woman in the home and society cannot be overemphasised. At a tender age most girls, especially in African countries begin to take on responsible roles. Taking care of their siblings and doing house chores.
Every woman makes sacrifices. She sacrifices for her brother to go to school because her poor parents cannot afford to pay for both of them, she has to sacrifice her young age to be married to an older man, old enough to be her father to enable her cater for her parents and siblings with proceeds from the marriage, she sacrifice been a child to become a child-mother also known as adolescent mother. She has to sacrifice her career, buries her talent to be a stay at home mom, catering for her children, husband and the home. It is a circle, a circle defined by the society in which she lives. When her parents are aged, she has to look after them. After all, the make son is working hard to provide for his family. The females child has to be present. She either goes back home to take care of a sick parent, or bring him or her to live with her. Most woman sacrifice their names, lost in the circle of life, a life determined by the society.
Omodoko is another Princess from Idah who is believed to have sacrificed her life for the safety of her people. Princess Oma-Odoko was buried alive during the time of the Igala-Jukun war. Her death and the war are also closely linked to the cursed Inachalo river whose bank is home to the Oma Odoko shrine. As the legend goes, Princess Omodoko asked to be buried alive alongside some slaves, just like Inikpi.
According to late Tom Miachi in The Incarnate Being Phenomenon in African Culture, The Inachalo river was poisoned by Igala or Igala aided medicine men, leading to untold death of the invading Jukun forces. It is also said that Hausa mallams from Bebeji in present day Kano State, had helped Igala by poisoning the river, ultimately leading to many Jukun casualties and leading the Igala people to win the war.
Women not only make sacrifices, but are burden bearers of domestic violence. To make matters worse, they keep it to themselves because of stigma. Let’s not forget that if a woman remains down, she risks rotting away in depression and loneliness. Women has a lot of potentials and God given talents which are meant to be exploited and not buried in the grave.
As women nationwide celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), on 8 March 2025, I join the United Nations Office, to call on all to join and celebrate IWD under the theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.
Besides, the year 2025 is a pivotal moment as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document is the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide that transformed the women’s rights agenda in terms of legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, and change in social norms, stereotypes and ideas stuck in the past.
