BY Joseph Edegbo
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has enjoined the Attah Igala designate, Prince Matthew Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa II, to take the whole State as his Kingdom.
The Governor was speaking on Monday when he received in audience, the Royal Father, for the first time at the Lugard House, Lokoja
“You are not just limited to Igala Kingdom, the whole Kogi is your Kingdom.
“I’m expecting nothing from you than putting all the traditional rulers from the East, Central, to the West together.
“Even, by the Grace of God as the President Kogi State Council of Chiefs, you should be able to resolve any crises arising from any remote area, as far Kogi is concerned.
“Today, the Obaro of Kabba accompanying Attah Igala to my office is a demonstration of love we have for each other,” Gov. Bello remarked.
Bello congratulated the Attah over his well deserved ascension to the stool of his fore fathers noting that his ascension was God’s divine devoid of human interference.
According to the governor “It is in my usual character not to interfere in the selection or upgrading of any traditional ruler or stool and that is why my government ensured that fairness, equity and justice prevailed in your selection as Attah Igala
“We had a very wonderful relationship with the late Atttah Igala, Dr. Micheal Idakwo Ameh Oboni and in the quest of finding who would emerge after him; we allowed the will of the people to prevail being conscious that the will of the people is God’s will”
The governor said that such disposition played significant role in the successes recorded in the state in the areas of security, unity and good governance.
He noted that the royal father’s proactive engagement in resolving existing crisis was an indication and sign of an already blessed reign, asserting that such approach was what a traditional ruler should do.
Governor Bello lauded the show of love and cooperation amongst the traditional rulers across the three senatorial districts of the state assuring that his administration will continue to accord their welfare top priority.
The Attah Igala- designate, Prince Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa II in his response, thanked the Governor for his support and the fairness exhibited in the process of his selection and pledged his desire to ensure peace and unity of the Igala Kingdom and the state in general throughout his reign.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Momodu Deedat noted that the hitch free process of the selection of the Attah of Igala was a dividend of a New Direction.
He said that the process was totally free of government interference while due honour and reference was given to the stool and a popular person, accepted by the people emerged.
He expressed that the Ministry was confident that the royal father would collaborate with the government towards achieving set goals.
Additional story; THISAGE
