The founder of the Onono Onimisi Foundation (OOF) and respected writer, Onono Onimisi, has declared that the Igala people of Kogi State are not tribal bigots.
She made the statement in her latest article titled ‘The Igala People of Kogi State vs. Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’, which she shared via her social media handle on Saturday.
According to Onimisi, her aim was to correct long-standing misconceptions that wrongly portray the Igala people as driven by ethnic hatred.
In her words, “We can’t build a peaceful Kogi if we let tribalism or party lines determine who we love or support.”
She pointed to the overwhelming support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan received from the predominantly Igala people of Kogi East during her political and legal battles as clear proof that the Igalas value justice above tribal lines.
Onimisi also recalled the case of AbdulHameed Ododo, a young data analyst allegedly arrested by the Accountant General of Kogi State.
According to the doyen columnist, the Igala people rallied behind the youth, demanding justice without considering his tribe or background.
“These are not the actions of a people driven by ethnic hatred,” she wrote.
“These are the actions of people who value truth, who respect courage, and who stand with the oppressed regardless of name, place, or political leaning.”
She called for a united Kogi State, urging residents to support truth over tribe and build a future where fairness prevails over political divisions.
“The Igala people are not tribal bigots. They stand for justice, truth, and fairness,” Onimisi said.