AKPA-AYEGBA (THE NATION STOOL)

Posted by rex  at January 25th, 2014

Available knowledge of early history of Igala traditional institution has revealed that Akpa Ayegba is another item of regalia in Igala kingship. Akpa is the throne or a specially made stool that only the Ata Igala sits on it. According to historians, Akpa is not an ordinary seat; rather, some charms were used as protective power in the making of the stool. This was meant to safeguard the life of the Ata as a public figure.

Akpa Ayegba in modern times is a beautifully and intricately decorated royal chair with unique design features which only the Ata Igala sits on it.

The use of a gorgeously dressed and elevated seat that is meant only for the king is a universal trend that started from the ancient times and has continued through the ages.

In Igalaland, Akpa is one unique item of royalty introduced in the palace several years ago. Its origin is traced to the ancient times precisely during the reign of Ata Ayegba Om’Idoko. Igala tradition indicated that Ata Ayegba Om’Idoko was acclaimed to be its originator thus the name ‘Akpa Ayegba’.

Cultural significance of AKPA AYEGBA

Akpa Ayegba is a sacred object that is held in high esteem in Igala kingdom. It is popularly known as the ‘nation stool’. The use of this royal stool is important because, the Ata Igala does not sit on any type of seat, but only on Akpa Ayegba which is meant for the noblest person in the kingdom.

It is obviously note worthy that the appearance of this noble stool in any occasion usually heralds the arrival of the Ata Igala which normally stirs in his subjects, the great joy of seeing him. It is also a signal to the importance of such gathering and the caliber of distinguished personalities expected.

Naturally, its value is derived from the immense roles the stool has to play in the life of the kingdom. It is an elevated position meant to booster the status of Ata Igala in any important gathering. In fact, the beauty and elegance of this seat account largely for the prestige and dignity which are the hallmarks of the Ata Igala. Akpa adds value and honour to the high position of the Ata Igala. This is because the dignity of the Ata Igala is never compromised in any gathering and in a similar development, the ‘nation stool’ is so sacred that no human being; no matter how highly placed dares sit on it except the Ata Igala.

Indeed, the Akpa Ayegba is one particular object of royalty that enhances the personality of the Ata Igala and differentiates him from other people in a gathering. It is also worthwhile to note that one peculiar striking feature of this stool is its striking resemblance with the ‘golden nation stool’ discovered by Oseri Tutu of Ghana for his people. Oseri Tutu reigned in Ghana between 1680 A.D. and 1717 A.D. during which time he brought down from the sky a ‘nation stool’ which was said to have embodied the soul and unity of the Asante people.

However, in a lesser degree, Akpa is symbolic of the Oji-ede, a raised platform {seat} built with mud in the palace of any high chief in the olden days. It is usually decorated to make it look special and beautiful.