Atogba Oya “The Mediator” As Foundational in the Igala Traditional Marriage Settings

Abstract

Not only between the Igalas alone, but it is a general phenomenon within human existence that marriage as an institution has been an age-long debate describing the union between individuals of the same species and different genders, with a cordial arrangement bringing them together as husband and wife for the purpose of procreation, regeneration, companionship, etc. It is common to note that the essence of marriage does not only exist between the two agreed individuals alone, but it also involves the coming together of their families to form aliens, or kindship, which links both the bride’s parents, siblings, and friends to the groom’s parents, siblings, and friends as well. All of them have roles to play before both parties can come together as husband and wife. It is commonly found among the Igala people that the Atogba Oya, who is the next go-between or mediator, is shouldering the responsibilities to be contracted by the would-be groom’s family to mediate between them and the would-be bride’s family. Sometimes this person is well known by the bride and her parents or guardian, and in most cases, it is somebody who is close to the groom and the bride. Adopting an analytical method, this paper critically analyses the role of this middleman, Togba Oya, in the process of marriage in Igala land. In conclusion, this paper argues with the position that the mediator, Atogba Oyain Igala, in traditional marriage settings has the ability to make or break the union between man and woman.