In the heart of Idoma land, where the stories of ancestors flow like the River Benue, a different kind of song emerged in the 1970s, one that wove the cadence of the local dialect with the eternal truth of the Gospel. This was the music of Evangelist Peter Owoicho Otulu, a man whose life became a bridge between his heritage and his faith. His voice, strong and clear, did not just sing songs; it carried a ministry of jubilant praise, cultural celebration, and unwavering devotion, earning him the venerable title of the first traditional gospel artist and minister of the Idoma people.
Born on the 5th of March in Ugboju, Benue State, Peter Otulu’s destiny was inseparable from his roots in Upipigbagbo Ejilo. From a young age, music called to him, and by 1976, he had formally embraced his calling as a professional musician. His journey began in the local church as a choirmaster, a role he initially held even before a profound personal spiritual awakening. As the responsibilities of ministry grew, he faced a pivotal choice. In 1994, after a successful career as a Medical Records Assistant, he heeded the divine call completely, resigning from his secular post to dedicate his life fully to gospel music.
A Symphony of Culture and Christ
Peter Otulu’s ministry was revolutionary. He pioneered a sound that was authentically and unapologetically Idoma, sung entirely in the language of his people. His style was not the imported gospel of foreign choirs; it was a vibrant, jubilant praise, celebrated with local musical instruments. This unique fusion made his music a powerful tool for evangelism, making the Christian message deeply resonant and accessible within his community.
The Songs
His vast catalogue, estimated at over 70 albums, served as a spiritual and cultural treasury for the Idoma nation. The legendary album “Opechi” catapulted him to fame and remains a foundational piece of Idoma gospel music, a song that truly “shook Idoma land”. Other beloved works like “Okwu Lohi Gam,” “Igblenyi kawanda,” and “Jesus jikwu” continue to provide solace, inspiration, and theological insight to listeners.
The Messenger
His songs were renowned for their profound biblical insight and powerful, life-affirming messages. Fans recall how his lyrics, speaking directly to themes of loss, hope, and divine faithfulness, felt as though they were written for their personal journeys. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a teacher, using melody to impart wisdom and courage.
The Legacy
His impact extended beyond his own voice. Passionate about nurturing talent, Otulu founded the Idoma Christian Singers (ICS), an association that successfully trained well over 50 singers, ensuring the continuity of the genre he helped create. He is rightly celebrated as one of the founding fathers of the broader Idoma entertainment industry, with his influence even extending to acting roles in Idoma-language films.
A Lasting Impact
Evangelist Peter Otulu’s prolific work was a blessing to his community and brought international recognition to Idoma gospel music. At home, he was a beloved family man, blessed with a beautiful wife, Lady Ojoma Otulu, and six children.
After a period of illness, this legendary minstrel passed away on the 22nd of January, 2019, at St. Daniel Hospital in Otukpo. He was in his mid-seventies.
Peter Otulu’s life was a witness to the power of a song rooted in one’s own soil. He proved that to worship God in spirit and in truth, one could and perhaps should, do so in the language of one’s mother. He sang the Idoma soul to heaven, and in doing so, he forever changed the soundscape of Nigerian gospel music, leaving his footprints indelibly etched in the sands of time.