The history of every great people is shaped by courageous men and women who rise at critical moments to confront injustice, challenge oppression, and inspire their people toward a better future. Such individuals are rarely perfect, but they possess an uncommon commitment to the collective interest of their people. Today, many Igalas believe that Hon. Alhassan Yakubu EneApe represents one of such rare figures.
For decades, the Igala Nation was blessed with towering political leaders whose influence transcended party affiliations and personal interests. The likes of Senator Dr. Chief Colonel Amodu Abah Ali (Rtd), widely acknowledged as the undisputed national political leader of the Igala people, provided direction and stability. Alongside him were notable patriots such as Dr. Steven Omakoji Achema, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN, and the indomitable political lion of Kogi State, His Excellency Prince Abubakar Audu, whose sudden departure from the political stage created a vacuum that has remained difficult to fill.
Their exits left behind a leadership gap that has continued to widen over the years. The absence of clear and purposeful leadership plunged the Igala political landscape into uncertainty. The vacuum became so profound that anyone with wealth, influence, or access to political power began to parade themselves as leaders, often without demonstrating the sacrifice, vision, and responsibility that genuine leadership demands.
The last decade has largely been an era of political experimentation, with little to show for it. The Igala people have wandered through the wilderness of political uncertainty like a flock without shepherds. The consequences are evident in the diminished political relevance of the kingdom and the growing sense of frustration among the people.
History teaches us that true leaders do not appoint themselves; they emerge naturally through sacrifice, service, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of their people. Leadership is not a title. It is not luxury. It is not privilege. Leadership is responsibility. It is sacrifice. It is the willingness to place the interests of the people above personal ambition.
This is where Hon. Alhassan Yakubu EneApe has distinguished himself.
At a time when many politicians sacrificed their people for political positions and personal gains, Alhassan EneApe chose a different path. He demonstrated uncommon courage during the political crisis and tensions that characterized the relationship between the Igala people and the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello. He stood firmly with his people when many others remained silent.
His actions since 2023 have convinced many observers that he possesses the qualities necessary to lead the struggle for the political liberation and restoration of the Igala Nation. He has shown resilience in the face of intimidation, consistency in advocacy, and determination in pursuing what he believes is in the best interest of his people.
The Igala people must now engage in sincere reflection and collective repentance for the mistakes that have contributed to our present leadership dilemma. We must confront uncomfortable truths and abandon the culture of pulling down those who genuinely seek to advance the collective cause of our people.
If we continue waiting endlessly for a political messiah to descend from the heavens, we may wait forever. The reality is that leadership opportunities often come disguised in ordinary men. Since 2023, one such opportunity has stood before us in the person of Hon. Alhassan Yakubu EneApe—the fearless and indomitable lion who continues to carry the aspirations of many Igala people.
The 1993 SDP governorship aspirant and former Executive Chairman of Ankpa LGA may not be everyone’s preferred choice. His style may not appeal to all. He may not fit every conventional expectation of leadership. Yet, what cannot be denied is that he is carrying a message that deserves the attention of every Igala son and daughter.
The unfortunate reality is that our people have historically resisted many of the very individuals who sought to serve them. Time and again, we have rejected, vilified, persecuted, and isolated leaders who genuinely desired progress for the kingdom. Some were sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity. Such patterns have cost us dearly.
The roots of our leadership challenges stretch far back into history. From the resistance movements of the colonial era, including the Emahino protests against external impositions in 1920 and the Ejule tax protests in 1974, our ancestors demonstrated courage in defending the dignity and autonomy of the land. However, in recent decades, that spirit of collective resistance and self-determination has weakened considerably.
Today, many of our people have become victims of political manipulation, economic hardship, and psychological defeat. The legendary musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti captured this condition perfectly in his famous song _Zombie_, where blind obedience replaces critical thinking and collective action.
The Igala Nation finds itself politically trapped. Hunger, poverty, and disappointment have created an environment where many have surrendered their voices and accepted conditions that undermine their collective future.
Yet hope remains.
Alhassan Yakubu EneApe is not a saint. He is not the most educated man in Igala land. He is not the most intelligent. He is not the richest. He is not the most influential. He is not the most handsome. He is not the son of a king. He is simply an ordinary man who has demonstrated extraordinary love, commitment, and sacrifice for his people.
As a philosopher once observed, “It is better to proceed with a lean hope than to have no hope at all.” Hence, Alhassan is the last man standing for our race and should be the rallying point, the pivot on which the Igala engine rotates, and the conveyor belt of the people to the center in the current realities.
The Igala people must not allow this opportunity to slip away. We have before us another chance to rebuild our political strength, restore our collective confidence, and reclaim our rightful place in the affairs of Kogi State and Nigeria.
Hon. Alhassan Yakubu EneApe is the torchbearer. He represents a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Whether history ultimately crowns him with greatness will depend not only on his efforts but also on the willingness of the Igala people to unite behind a common cause. If he fails in this endeavor, the Igala should be blamed. Alhassan is the fearless general who has taken up the battle for the freedom and progress of the kingdom. He has put his life on the line of duty to salvage a suppressed and oppressed nation.
Igala is one of the first 10 most populous and powerful nations in Nigeria. We were the first to sign a treaty with Britain in 1846, and we were the second richest after Kano in the golden era. Today, however, our race is completely out of the scheme of things in Nigeria and is not even listed in the ranking of languages in Nigeria.
The journey toward political emancipation requires courage, unity, sacrifice, and vision. The struggle is far from over, but every movement requires a messenger. Today, Hon. Alhassan Yakubu EneApe stands as a messenger carrying a message of hope, liberation, and renewal for the Igala Nation.
For years, the question on the lips of many concerned sons and daughters of Igala land has been: Who will bell the cat? Who will summon the courage to confront the political realities that have held our people down? Who will speak truth to power and challenge the structures that have marginalized the aspirations of the Igala Nation?
Many spoke in whispers. Many complained in private. Many observed from a distance. But few were willing to step forward.
Hon. Alhassan Yakubu EneApe has stepped forward. He has belled the cat. He has taken the risk. He has carried the burden on his head. He has chosen to stand where others feared to stand.
History will ultimately judge the outcome of his efforts, but no one can deny his courage, conviction, and commitment to the cause of his people.
The time has come for our people to listen.
The time has come for our people to unite.
The time has come for our people to rise.
Together we are stronger.
According to John Maxwell, “Coming together is success, and working together is progress.” Forward ever, backward never.
Our land is bleeding seriously, the time for healing is now.
E-signed:
Chief Akwu Umar Goodman
For: Igala Conscience & Heartbeat (ICH)
