The Myth and Reality: A Historical Appraisal of the Master -Servant Relationship between the Igala and the Nupe

Abstract

This study provides a political, cultural, and social history of Nupe and Igala. This work differs from other histories in that it marks the first exploration of lingering facts about the earliest relationship between the Igala and the Nupe ethnic groups. Basically, the work investigated the aspect of “Master-Servant” relationship that had existed between the Igala and the Nupe. The study reflects debates on state formation and socio political religious of power. These findings posit a new approach towards understanding the roles that pre colonial political institutions and rituals played in early African history as well as their relationship to a religiously defined material basis. It demonstrates that the Niger-Benue Basin were long characterized by a political order that valued ownership and control over rituals as a source of power and a sign of legitimacy. The expressions of sovereignty changed throughout time in response to local and regional power shifts. Based on the findings, it is important to appreciate the fact that prior to the emergence of Tsoede as an important historical figure, there existed various groups of peoples and principalities in Nupe land on one hand and the existence of master servant relationship between the Nupe and Igala on the other hand. Also, the discussion has dispelled claims by both local and foreign peoples who regarded Tsoede as the genesis of the Nupe as a group and nation.