Читать книгу Igbo History Hebrew Exiles of Eri - Omabala Aguleri - Страница 9

The migration of Eri from beyond Igala is backed by the age-long Aguleri folklore

To reach the land of my story, you have to travel across seven rivers and seven vast land, across seven rivers and seven vast lands across seven rivers seven vast lands

“There was a powerful and wealthy king called Eri whom God had sent to the world with two special packages of gifts. God did not disclose the contents of the gifts and ordered that they must not be opened until Eri got to his destination at Omabala River Basin. Eri had over 500 followers who accompanied him on earth from the sky.

Some equally powerful evil spirits forced them to land at far away Igalaland and made them believe that it was their destination.

On landing, Eri and his companions looked very much like other human beings on earth except that he was exceptionally well dressed in his royal regalia. The spoke Eebu language with which they managed to communicate. The Igala people were full of excitement at the arrival of a king sent by God. In his address, Eri told them that God had sent him with two packages of gifts to the world. He opened the first package, which contained two swords’ one to be used by him and the other to be used by their king. Unfortunately, the Igala people had no king. Eri did all he could to open the other package but fount it impossible. The Igala people requested Eri to ask God to give them a king.

On one Eke day, Eri called the general assembly of all Igala people and challenged their elders that whosoever could open the second package or made suggestions as to how to open it would be their king. The elders went into consultation with their individual gods, an equivalent of guardian angels. One of the elders by name Kilidim was inspired to give a correct solution to the problem. He told Eri that as long as he remained in Igalaland, the second package would not open because Igala was not his destination. The package would only open in a land of his destination. Eri suddenly became aware that the evil spirits operating on earth diverted them from his destination which in fact was around Omabala River Basin. Kilidim also revealed that God required him to proceed to his destination with his followers (called Umuokolobia) and their families. Kilidim added that if at any point along the route, Eri was able to open the pack, it would be an indication that they had reached their destination.

Kilidim was made the king of Igala; and the sword, which became an instrument of authority, was given to him to enable him establish the Igala Empire. The family of Kilidim was overjoyed at the success of Kilidim and in appreciation; Kilidim gave his daughter, Nono, who was the most beautiful girl in Igalaland, to Eri in marriage.

On the fateful day, Eri set sail to the Promised Land in the company of over 500 Umuokolobia who were between the ages of 26 and 35. As they travelled on, Eri kept trying to open the second package. On getting to the confluence of Omabala and Ezu Rivers, Eri was able to open the package. It there and then reminded Eri that they had reached their destination, as Kilidim had prophesied. Eri and his followers went upland and settled on a land near Odanduli stream. Eri called the settlement Eri-Aka.

The second package of gift was eventually opened with fanfare before the anxious eyes of his followers. Behold, it contained a small talking doll which said it had the assignment of transmitting messages from God. It told Eri that God required him to use his sword to kill the Satan who took the form of a mermaid living in the river at the confluence of Omabala and Ezu Rivers. It revealed that after the Satan was destroyed, his kingdom would enjoy lasting peace and plenty. Eri obeyed and killed the mermaid without delay. God told Eri through the talking doll that his kingdom would be established without war, that his sword, which signified authority, should safely be buried in the river bed at the confluence of Omabala and Ezu rivers and that any future king of Igboland must be given the royal scepter named Odudu Eze of Ofo which would be dug out from the river bed.