By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
After undertaking painstaking and meticulous process , the Igala Traditional Area Council has selected Prince Alaji Matthew Opaluwa Oguche as the new Ata’Igala, subject to the approval of Governor Yahaya Bello.
By this announcement, prince Matthew Oguche will succeed late At Igala Micheal Amen Oboni who died last year.
Matthew Oguche will no doubt sparkle the throne as Ameacho lineage returns to the throne after 102 years which his forefather last occupied in 1919.
Prince Matthew Oguche was born into the Royal family of late Chief Opaluwa Oguche Akpa and he is the number nine (9) of the sixteen (16) surviving children and the forth (4) of the six (6) male children of Late Chief Opaluwa Oguche of the humble Aju- Ameacho Ruling Dynasty of Igala Kingdom.
His mother was Late Mama Eke Opaluwa (nee Edicha).
Educational Qualifications –
Prince Alhaji Matthew M. Opaluwa Oguche started his early education at St. Boniface Primary School, Idah and obtained his first school leaving certificate in the year, 1975.
He proceeded in the same year to St. Peter’s College, Idah and obtained his West African Schools Certificate (WASC) in 1980.
In his quest for education as his father advised him, in 1981 he gained admission into the School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo and obtained “A” level papers in 1983.
That same year, he gained admission into the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and acquired Bachelors of Science (B. Sc.) degree in Business Administration in 1986.
He did his National Youths Service (NYSC) assignment in Niger State and served at the State Board of Internal Revenue, 1986/87 service year successfully.
Prince Alhaji M.M. Opaluwa Oguche went back to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and acquired his Masters (MBA) degree in Business Administration in the year 1997.
Working Experience –
The cognate working experience of this great man started with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1988 as administrative officer and rose through ranks and now a Deputy Director.
He has served in many Local Governments Areas of Kogi State as Electoral Officer which include; Idah, Ofu, Ankpa, Dekina, Bassa, Ibaji, Mopa/Amuro, Ogori/Magongo, and Okene respectively.
Prince Alhaji M. M. Opaluwa Oguche was transferred to Kaduna State INEC Headquarters and made in charge of Transport Unit.
While in Kaduna State, He served in the following Local Government Areas as Electoral officer (E.O);
Sabon – Gari, Kajuru, Kaduna South, Kauru, & Kaduna North L.G.As respectively.
Prince Alhaji Matthew M. Opaluwa Oguche was again transferred to Katsina State INEC Headquarters in July,2009 and was made to take charge of Research and documentation Unit.
There after, he was transferred to Dandume local government area as Electoral officer. After 2011 general elections, he was seconded to Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT as Electoral officer. He was transferred after the exercise to Katsina State and served as Electoral Officer in Danja and Dutsinma local areas respectively after 2011 general elections.
Finally, he was moved to Katsina LGA in the same capacity during the 2015 general elections till date.
Prince Alhaji Matthew M. Opaluwa Oguche is a humane, generous and gentle easy going personality of impeccable character. A bridge builder who derives pleasure in creating peace.
His passion for the Igala traditions, cultural value and unity cannot be over emphasised as such, engenders his willingness to always help the Igala sons and daughters and mankind generally.
He has learned his helping hands to orphans, the less privileged and widows. He is a man with amiable personality and natural aptitudes. He is happily married with children.
