Igoru Music and Issues of Leadership in Okpe

Abstract

Igoru is one of the oldest music genres in Okpe, performed by both men and women. Its primary roles are to represent the cultural identity of the Okpe, defend the ethos and territorial landmass, and the leadership question. It queries wanton sociomoral attitude, perversion, injustice, cruelty, and unnecessary associations among peoples in the Okpe country. It offers commendation to deserving members and leaders of thought in Okpe as well as counsel and warn against actions and nonchalance that could lead to serious crises in the future. It presents rich oral poetry and manifestation of Okpe cultural heritage; contesting and defending the religious values and philosophical constructs of the Okpe. Although Igoru social critique appeared to be so severe and its subsequent abuse consequently led to sorcery attacks against prominent performers, leading to its diminution and transformation to the Ighopha genre, its warning to Okpe leaders that were not heeded yielded manifestation of unpleasant developments some of which persist to the present day. This paper therefore attempts to examine the concern of Igoru musicians about the land of their fathers and its question of leadership. It investigates the historical development of the music genre and its functions in the issues of cultural identity and defence. It further highlights its roles in checking infringements and invasions in Okpe as well as its counsel and warning to the Okpe leadership and the implications of such.