Introduction:
This detailed analysis revisits research indicating that the Igbo Nation is approximately 2,550 years older than the Yoruba Nation. The purpose is to provide clarity on our historical origins and placement relative to other Nigerian ethnicities. This overview will explore the chronological development of various ethnic groups in Nigeria, based on historical and forensic evidence.
Age of the Igbo Nation:
Historical records substantiate that the Igbo Nation is the oldest ethnic group in Nigeria. Based on available data:
– Igbo Nation: Traced back to around 1,450 BC, making the Igbo people the earliest settlers in Nigeria. This timeline represents a continuous existence of 3,469 years up to 2019 AD. This dating specifically applies to the Igbo groups claiming descent from Eri and his companions. However, other Igbo groups, who identify as indigenous, might have been present for over 5,000 years.
Comparative Analysis:
– Yoruba Nation: Established around 1100 AD by Oduduwa. The Yoruba kingship began with Oranmiyan, who became the first Ooni of Ile-Ife around 1200 AD. This positions the Yoruba as the fourth oldest ethnic group in Nigeria, with their historical presence in Nigeria starting approximately 1,099 years after the birth of Jesus Christ and 1,066 years after his death.
– Hausa Nation: The Hausa Nation, founded by Prince Bayajidda from Baghdad around 800 AD, is the third oldest ethnic group in Nigeria. The ancient Kano kingdom was established by Bayajidda’s grandson in 999 AD.
– Bini/Agbor Nation: The second oldest ethnic group in Nigeria, with the Ogele Dynasty in Agbor dating back to 701 BC. Although the Bini kingship itself was established later in 1180 AD, the Agbor kingship, previously ruled by the Ogele Dynasty, was replaced by Igbo warriors in 1260 AD.
– Fulani Nation: The Fulani, originating from Futa Toro in Senegal, began migrating to Nigeria around 1790 AD. They are the newest major ethnic group in Nigeria, making them 3,240 years younger than the Igbo Nation.
Significance of Historical Findings:
These findings are derived from historical and forensic evidence, not from celestial or mythical accounts. They are based on verifiable historical records and artifacts. The Igbo Nation’s long history is evident in the stools of Eze Nri and Eze Ora, which highlight their early and continuous presence in Nigeria.
Detailed Historical Accounts:
Igbo Historical Evidence:
– The Eze Nri throne in Nri Kingdom, established around 1230 BC, represents the oldest priest-kingship stool in Igbo Land, with a continuous lineage extending to the present day. This makes it 3,249 years old, 2,430 years older than the Ooni of Ile-Ife stool, which was established around AD 1200.
– The Aguleri Kingdom, established in 1087 BC with the first Eze Ora, is 3,106 years old and 2,287 years older than the Ooni stool in Yoruba Land.
Bini/Agbor Historical Evidence:
– The Ogele Dynasty of Agbor, established around 701 BC, lasted until 1260 AD when it was replaced by the Igbo. The Bini kingship was formally established in 1180 AD but was less influential compared to the older Agbor rulers.
Hausa Historical Evidence:
– The Hausa Nation’s origins trace back to around 800 AD with Prince Bayajidda. The Kano kingdom was founded by his grandson in 999 AD. The Hausa states were well-organized before the Fulani Jihad in the early 19th century.
– Yoruba Historical Evidence:
– The Yoruba Nation was founded by Oduduwa around 1100 AD, with the kingship beginning with Oranmiyan as the first Ooni of Ile-Ife around AD 1200.
– Fulani Historical Evidence:
– The Fulani began migrating to Nigeria around 1790 AD, led by Usman dan Fodio. This migration and subsequent establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate marked their relatively recent arrival compared to other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Corrections and Updates:
Previous accounts by scholars such as Profs. Angulu Onwuejiogwu and Elizabeth Isekwei contained inaccuracies regarding the timelines of the Eze Nri and other historical figures. Updated research corrects these timelines, emphasizing that the Eze Nri kingship likely began around 1230 BC, rather than the previously recorded dates. This correction aligns with historical accounts from Aguleri and other sources.
Conclusion:
The historical and scholarly analysis presented provides a comprehensive understanding of the age and origins of Nigeria’s ethnic groups. The Igbo Nation’s long-standing presence underscores its significant role in Nigeria’s history and cultural heritage. This analysis aims to clarify and confirm the historical timelines and contributions of various ethnic groups, reflecting their respective roles in Nigeria’s rich historical tapestry.
