The word Eggon
means "gifted sensitivity". Research shows that before the advent of
the colonialist, a rundown on the migration of the people of Eggon shows that;
they were inhabitants of Ngazargamu, now known as Borno State. They migrated
and joined the Kwararafa kingdom, after the dissipation of the kingdom they
crossed the Benue River at Ibi. In their journey's they made several stops in
various settlements (this is the predominant reason for their dispersed
distribution within the mid-belt of Nigeria), they finally arrived at Eggon
hill of Nasarawa State and were known to be settlers on a hill top before
coming down to the grasslands towards urbanization.
In history, the
people of Eggon where governed by traditional religious laws by a caretaker
Chief Priest Adanashim. With strong adherence to their beliefs, they have kept
the statutes of old and regarded the position of a ruling clan in each
settlement called Tsagbeju. Today they have restructured their ruling patterns
and the first class chieftain title is called the Aren Eggon (Father/Chief of
Eggon). This chieftain title is open to all indisputable Eggon men; basically
from the three (3) major clans of the Eggon people Anzo, Eholo, and Eggon Ero.
Twelve (12) kingmakers are selected from the clans who serve as scrutiny for
the selection of the first class chief.
The people of
Eggon are inhabits Nasarawa State in the mid-belt of Nigeria. Predominantly
located in Lafia, few more at Akwanga, Keffi, and Eggon local government areas
of Nasarawa. They are also found in little settlements like Kokona, Doma, Obi,
Keana and Wamba. The general population of the Eggon people using current
statistical analysis ranges from approximately 237,000 inhabitants, with 20% as
Christians, 65% still practicing ethnic religion passed on from generations,
and 15% practicing Islam. The three (3) clans previously discussed have their
settlements located in several villages namely: The Anzo Clan –Alogani, Angbaku
Ezeng, Gale, Gunyi, Okgba, Ogbagi, Ugba Waama and Wogna; The Eloho Clan –
Alushi, Endeho, Ginda, Gaji, Ika, Lizin KeffiUngwashuru, Wana, Wangibi, Warizo,
Wulko and Wuwen; the Eggon Ero Clan are found in Alizaga, Bakyono, Arigbadu
Sako and Ume. These clans have differentiated tribal marks; the Anzo and Eloho
clan carries fifteen long mark on the face (from temple to cheek), while the
Ero clan share similar marks but differentiated with nine stripes.
Modernization has gradually made the facial marks extinct and can only be seen
on the aged folks.
An exclusive
interview of Clans head in Aku village Nassarawa state, Chief Baba Aku,
describes the Eggon people as the first settlers in Nassarawa. With the advent of the colonialists in the
Nasarawa province, they saw the need to establish district and local authority
headquarters in each of the provinces; this development further gave rise to
the beginning of the urbanization that currently exist in Nasarawa State. The
construction of the 1976 local government reforms also gave rise to the
structure of Nasarawa state that makes Lafia, Keffi and Akwanga as major
urbanized settlements. According to Chief Baba Aku, the mode of life style of
the Nasarawa people have been passed on from generation to generation such
as; mode of exchanging pleasantries
- “Agba” (I welcome you).. “Mi-o-ma-gu”
(Are you in Peace?)
Their mediums of
reverence varies depending on individual preference; in forms of sticks,
cowries, beads, selected stones and clay pots. Example objects like the Ashim
(represents the supernatural as it rids off all forms of evil from the
possessor; it is also known to extract truth from liars and thieves), other
popular supernatural deities includes; Akuk, Arikya, Gango and Yamba and used
by various families depending on the needs for survival, childbirth, bountiful
yield, protection etc. Their traditional religion believes that all men and
women who die transcends to the spirit world, and can only see Angbashim, not
the god head, Ahogben. Thus, to attract bountiful yield before planting
seasons, the people offer sacrifices to the god head through Angbashim. From
January to April sacrifices of animals are made to the gods to ensure rainfall
for the cultivation season, and a renewal of sacrifices to appease the gods in
September.
Just like other
cultures, festivity is an integral part of the Eggon way. Annually, the people of Eggon come from
various locations all over the world to feast and show love to one another. The
chief priest releases the “dodo” masquerade on this day as all the young maidens
and men come out in colossal numbers; making beautiful traditional renditions
to their gods. The men and maidens dress in traditional regalia, the men also
displays armories (knives, spears, shield made out of wild ox skin, bow and
arrow) used in the past to fight the local wars.
Modern trends
have changed the modes of marriage rites within the Eggon people.
Traditionally, during child birth, the midwife who is already familiar with the
family chooses betrothed male or female from her clan depending on the sex of
the child being born. If the sex is a girl, a special dry wood would be given
to the mother to boil water and bath the child as a sign of interest in
betrothing the girl. After consent, the “gamba” leaf would be assembled by the
suitors and foodstuff on agreement of the girl's parents. This food stuff gifts
would be presented each year until the girl is ready and of due age for
marriage as stipulated by her parents. On the period of her wedding the friends
(25) of the young man must cultivate a farm land of the bride and her parents. Due
to the nature of the predominant occupation of the Eggon people (agriculture),
they are polygamous in nature, their wives and children help in tilling and
cultivating the soil for a massive yield of farm produce.
The Burial rites
for the Eggon people is unified and have been passed on through
generations. In the case of demise of an
Eggon individual, the corpse is treated with due respect. The corpse is cleaned
up and dressed up awaiting the rites of the chief priest or prominent clan's
men. The Makpngibi men digs the grave; dug up to four feet like a round tube
with a parallel passageway leading out of it. The corpse would be laid in,
heading the east wards as they believed that all men migrated from the east.
The family members of the deceased shave half of their heads as a symbol of
mourning and prevention of being attacked by the dead. The deceased's immediate family members can
be inherited by the brothers of the late and they believe also in reincarnation
(Inkiya).
From the western
shores to the northern plains, from the southern creeks to the eastern hills of
Nigeria there is an ample rich cultural heritage that dates back to several
generations. There is no doubt that the Eggon people of central Nigeria has
this similar rich cultural values that cannot be extinct but will bask and
extend to generations yet unborn.
