From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Stakeholders of Aju-Ameachor, which is due to produce the next Attah Igala in accordance with the Kogi State Chieftaincy law and the Igala Native Customs, on Thursday announced unanimously the chosen of Prince Samuel Opaluwa as the family’s candidate for the exalted throne.
The nomination which according to our correspondent was sequel to the compliance of the final stage for the emergence of a new Attah Igala in the nomination of a former Manager of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prince Samuel Opaluwa by the Aju-Ameachor Ruling House as the preferred candidate to occupy the stool.
It was gathered that the meeting was convened at Idah, the traditional stool of Igala Kingdom by the Head of the Aju-Ameachor Ruling House, Prince Jacob Yahaya Etu, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, as required by the Kogi State Chieftaincy law.
The in-house family meeting according to sources had earlier screened, interviewed and considered three main candidates who had indicated interest in the stool.
Amongst other candidates include, Matthew Alhaji Opaluwa, a Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ocholi Opaluwa a high ranking Customs Officer.
Addressing the stakeholders meeting of the clan last Thursday, Prince Jacob Etu said “the family had unanimously agreed that Samuel Opaluwa, being the eldest among the sons of Opaluwa Oguche, a one time Attah Igala designate who indicated interest be nominated and presented to the other ruling houses as the Aju-Ameachor choice for the stool.”
He said “the family had so far consciously acted in full compliance with Kogi State of Nigeria, Igala Area Traditional Council (Modification of Native Law and Customs) Order 2015 and traditional precedence which gave the exclusive right to nominate an Attah to the Ruling Family that is due to produce the Attah.”
