The REDCAP , in Igboland symbolizes authority, tradition , culture and respect , it also represents the entire institution of leadership, authority and power in Igbo society.
The RedCaps , in Igboland , are for selected individuals in the community , just few are entitled to this special cap , especially when it is with eagle feather which in its own right signifies prominence
These RedCaps are usually for men who have fulfilled certain obligations and maintained the standards laid down in their various communities . When conferred a chieftaincy title in Igbo land , it is proper to wear the REDCAP during traditional events and appearances in community meetings.
The RedCaps represents authority , such that it commands respect and honor , those who use the Redcap are recognized in various communities in Igboland by different and categorized names such as ‘Nzes’, ‘Ichies’, ‘Ozos’, ‘Ogbuefis’ and others.; who are examples of honesty and straightforwardness in the community where they live and represent.
However, it has become a common practice lately , that even some Igbo indigenes indiscriminately wear the Redcaps for just reasons , they wear it only to mark presence in the society
Different cultural experts often stress the need to preserve such sanctity of the ‘Igbo cap’ in their morals and ethos. They say that this cap has been a real symbolic feature of the rich Igbo culture over hundreds of years and it should be saved according to all the rules and tradition.
Lately , everyone targets the REDCAP , they all want the original Redcap , the original REDCAP hidden in Abuja , some say it is their turn to wear the cap , others insists the youths are ready to wear the cap , while some say it is the birthright of the chief herdsmen to keep permanently .
The question is , who owns the original REDCAP ? only time tells , it is the property of nobody . The REDCAP should be for those who deserves it , those who are not cheats , who are not stingy , who are not aliens in the land of our forefathers
The original REDCAP in Abuja is likely to be snatched by an executive herdsman , the rich who at a time was accused of stealing amount of money that could feed over 300 million people , the rich who flies in every 4 years to bid for this special cap
As the struggle continues , His Highness ! The Baba of “Emilokan” The powerhouse insists the Redcap is his turn to wear , the Jagaban of Borgu , the kingmaker now ready for the throne , the Agbalagba himself , the owner of Eko Akete
Lest I forget , Here comes the philosopher , the stingy , acclaimed chief of the Youths , the Obi-dient , the laborar who also wants the original REDCAP for a change , the outspoken literate , the academic , young blood of our time
Surprisingly , the original REDCAP is somewhere in Aso Rock , the original detentor is the trickster asking for a sucessor in the kingdom of herdsmen
So they say , the REDCAP must befit a leader , it must size the head of a leader , a leader that will command respect , honor and authority . A true leader , a chief in all instances .
Oh my fatherland, where hast thou been ? Why hath thou not saith the truth that the REDCAP is not vacant ? Why hast thou forsaken thy children, O deity , the REDCAP whose existence I doubt?
To He that owns the IGBO REDCAP in Asorock , I quote
Hilary of Poitiers: ” The hidden things of heavenly words and their power are hid from the wise, and revealed to the babes; babes, that is, in malice, not in understanding; hid from the wise because of their presumption of their own wisdom, not because of their wisdom.”
Till then .
