By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaha Bello, on Friday, installed the 28th Ata Igala, HRM Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche in Idah with a call on him to unite the Igala Kingdom toward ensuring towards socio economic development of the kingdom and the country at large.
Our Correspondent reports that the new Atta was administered the oath of office and allegiance at exactly 1:12p.m by Barr. Dangana Ocheja in the full glare of thousands of onlookers from within and outside the state.
Gov. Bello,who congratulated the new Ata Igala, described his peaceful emergence as his administration’s determination to uphold equity, justice and in following due process and the rule of law.
Bello,who expressed satisfaction that his administration had graded and upgraded over 100 chieftaincy stools, added that none of such upgrade witness rancour, a development, he noted,hinged on leadership and political will of his administration.
The Governor described the era of impositing traditional rulers on the people as a thing of the past and expressed satisfaction that the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion was a measure of acceptance.
He described the emergence of the Ata Igala as historic and, urged the Royal father to reach out to those who contested with him and extend his hands of fellowship and warned against the politicization of the State Igala stool.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment towards the welfare of members of traditional institution in the state.
Bello paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Ata Igala, late Chief Michael Idakwo, describing him as a man passionate about peace and development.
In his response, the new traditional ruler promised to use his title in galvernizing the people for socio-economic development of the kingdom and the country at large.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
