Coronation: Gov Bello Hails Attah Igala As Man Of Impeccable Character
The Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has described the new Attah Igala, Matthew Opaluwa as a man of impeccable character who has been creditably selected in conformity with traditions, equity and fairness.
He also commended the hitch-free process that led to Opaluwa’s choice, adding that the eventual coronation ceremony would also hold without hitches as the people were happy with his selection.
The governor noted that the process of installation was a departure from previous practices which were marred with crises, violence, and destruction of lives and properties.
Speaking in Idah on Friday during a visit to the Attah’s palace as well as the official installation and presentation of Staff of Office, Governor Bello said; “For a hitch-free process that culminated into the selection of Attah Igala that we have today, we appreciate God Almighty.
“He is of impeccable character and he is a fulfilled personality, highly respected within his domain, in the country, and across the world, we are proud of him.
“We welcome each and every one of us to this historic event and I am confident that it is going to be a hitch-free event and our return back to our destinations will be a hitch-free event also.”
Governor Bello said the mammoth crowd from within and outside the Igala Kingdom also proved that the people were satisfied with the selection of their new King, saying; “There is now a total departure from certain practices which made the appointment of traditional rulers in Kogi filled with crises, violence, and disruption of lives and properties in the past.
“My new direction administration has ushered in a different narrative of celebrations and felicitations. To do justice to the tradition and will of the people, we knew transparency was the only way we could guarantee tranquility and harmony in the Igala Kingdom after a new Attah has been selected.
“So, we acted with fairness and total respect for the people, tradition, and institutions of Igala throughout the process. I know that by the grace of God we have achieved the peaceful change of baton.”
He said; “On August 27, 2020, the past Attah Igala, Micheal Ameh-Oboni joined his ancestors and the stool became vacant. Traditionally, the Attah stool rotates among the four ruling houses. The emergence of his royal majesty Mattew Opaluwa as the Attah Igala respects the rotation principle among these ruling houses.
“I have discovered by my own that leadership and political will travel hand in hand when the objective is good governance. The era of imposition of traditional rulers on any community ended when I came into offices and I have the abundant political will to keep it so.
“I am gratified to see the mammoth crowd which has turned out today to witness this occasion. It is clear evidence that his Royal Majesty enjoys wide acceptance and support from his people.”
Bello, who urged the Attah Igala to use his revered stool to ensure the peace, progress, and development of the Igala Kingdom, also advised him to resist any form of temptation to politicise his ancestral stool or oppress any person or tribe.
In his response, the Attah Igala thanked the governor for ensuring fairness, equity and due process were followed all through the selection process, even as he pledged to work with the governor for the overall good of the people and the state.
While also appreciating his brothers, who offered a hand of fellowship to him after he was chosen, promising to work with them for the good of the people, the Igala Kingdom, and the state, the royal father said; “I thank the people of the great and ancient kingdom of Igala and everyone who came from far and wide to honor this occasion.
“I thank the governor for recognising the recommendations of the ruling house and Kingmaker which restored us to the throne of our forefathers after 103 years. It was a long and contentious race and I and my brothers of the four ruling houses maintained decorum, I appreciate them.
“We will all work together for the good of our people, the peace, progress of Igala Kingdom, Kogi State, and Nigeria.”
Congratulating the Attah of Igala over his coronation, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar admonished him to seek God’s guidance for a peaceful and successful reign.
According to the Sultan, now more than ever, with the situation in the country, the Attah Igala has a big role to play in fostering peace, unity, and the progress of his people.
The colourful event, held at the Civic Centre, witnessed displays of masquerades by different cultural groups and was graced by the Olu of Warri, Etsu Nupe, Tor Tiv, and Aku-Uka Wukari, among other dignitaries. – NAN
