From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The new Attah Igala, HRM Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche was on Friday presented staff of office with a call on him to unite the Igala Kingdom towards contributing to the socio economic development of the country.
The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello made the call during the official presentation of Staff of office to the new Attah Igala in Idah on Friday the headquarters of the ancient Igala Kingdom.
The new Ata was administered his oath of office and allegiance at exactly 1:12pm by Barr. Dangana Ocheja in the full glare of thousands of onlookers from within and outside the State who converged at the Attah’s Palace in Idah.
Gov. Bello who congratulated the new Ata Igala on his emergence described his peaceful emergence as his administration’s determination to uphold equity, justice and in following due process and the rule of law.
Gov. Bello expressed satisfaction that his administration has graded and upgraded over one hundred chieftaincy stools under his leadership, said none of such upgrade witnessed rancour hinged on leadership and political will of his administration.
The Governor stressed that the era of imposition of traditional rulers on the people has become a thing of the past, describing the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion as a measure of acceptance.
Gov. Bello who warned against politicizing the Attah Igala’s stool described the emergence of HRM, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche as the Attah Igala as historic and urged the Royal father to reach out to those who contested with him and extend his hands of fellowship to them.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the traditional institution in the state, assuring that traditional institution will witness more fruitful ruling in future.
The Governor therefore payed glowing tribute to the immediate past Attah Igala, Late Chief Michael Idakwo, described him as a man passionate about Peace and development.
In his response, HRM Matthew Opaluwa promised to use the Attah Igala’s title in galvernizing the people to the socioeconomic development of the country.
He described his emergence as diving, urged all Igala sons and daughters to unite for the development of the Kingdom.
The new Attah Igala, the chairman Kogi state council of chiefs who thanked Gov. Yahaya Bello for creating an enabling environment for his successful emergence, urged others who contested with him to join hands with him to move the kingdom forward.
In his remarks at the occasion, President Mohammadu Buhari, represented by Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister for Police Affairs, described the new Attah as the right choice, urged him to unite the Igala people towards socio economic development of the Country.
He described the acceptance of the new Attah by the excitement and happiness that greeted the celebration as an indication of better things to come, praised the hitch free process that led to the selection of the new Attah Igala.
Earlier in a welcome remarks, Barr. Salami Ozigi Didat, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said due process was followed in the selection of the new Attah.
The occasion was attended by former Governors of the State, top Traditional Rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Captains of Industry and Politicians from various divide, Igala sons and daughters from across the globe.
Ata Mathew Opaluwa was born in to the Royal family of late Chief Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa, he is ninth of the sixteen surviving children and fourth of the six male children of late chief Matthew Oguche of the Aju Ameacho ruling dynasty of Igala Kingdom. He was born 54 years ago, holds a Master’s degree in ‘Administration.
