The Story Of Attah Ameh Oboni the Nigerian King who Chose Suicide Instead of Bowing to the Queen of England

[justseyi]

The Story Of Attah Ameh Oboni the Nigerian King who Chose Suicide Instead of Bowing to the Queen of England

Attah Ameh Oboni was a revered Igala King. At a particular meeting held in Kaduna which consisted of all paramount traditional rulers in Nigeria and which

had the queen of England in attendance, Attah Ameh was asked to remove his cap to greet the Queen of England as others had done.

However, he resisted until they told him that if he didn’t take off his cap, he should leave the meeting. Attah, though, wasn’t like other people—or was he?

Attah was forbidden from taking off his cap in front of people. Attah Ameh Oboni’s headgear, which he removed to greet the Queen, was emitting a swarm of bees that filled the entire hall where they were residing.

With the exception of the amiable Oba of Benin, who was requested to leave the conference by Attah Ameh before taking off his cap, the Queen of England and the other rulers in attendance ran riot. Some people were stung by the bees, and the conference terminated as the room grew empty.

According to history, Attah Ameh Oboni was asked to be arrested and handcuffed by the security people, which they did, but the handcuffs fell off his hands. He was later locked up in a room on the instruction of the Northern rulers and guarded by the security personnel but only to find out later by the personnel that he had left the room. Yes, when the security was taking him to be locked up, he told his driver, Amanabo of blessed memory, to take the car and be going to Idah while the security locked him in the room. 

He then advised Amanabo not to turn around until the vehicle began to experience a cool wind. Even though Amanabo protested a little that he couldn’t leave the Attah there, he eventually submitted and began making his way from Kaduna back to Idah.

After a while, he noticed Attah Ameh seated inside the vehicle and felt the cool breeze. The meeting’s episode infuriated many traditional monarchs, who were largely northerners, notably by forcing kings flee in such a way due to bees.

This was like “one sin too many” because it became one significant sin. The English queen was not pleased either, so she and the northern chiefs began seeking for a way to depose Attah Ameh from the throne because he was becoming more obstinate and difficult to govern like other people, as well as for a willing successor.
Ocho is one of the several cultural festivals held in Igala. Prior to the start of farming, Attah Igala prays to God during the celebration of Ocho, asking for abundant rain, a bountiful harvest, and good hunting.

 

[Author]

Posts