By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche, Ata’Igala
The long awaited Ata’Igala has emerged after more than one year that the former Ata, HRM, Michael Idakwo joined his ancestors in August, 2020.
The new Ata’Igala, Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche who is from the Ameacho lineage returns to the throne after 102 years that his lineage last occupied the seat in 1919.
The choice of Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche as the New Ata’Igala came after undertaking painstaking and meticulous processes.
No fewer than ten male persons cutting across the four Ruling Houses of the Ata’Igala Stool namely; (1) AjuAmeacho, (2) AjuAkumabi, (3) AjuAkogu and (4) AjuOcholi contested for the exaulted traditional seat.
The selection and screening of contestants to the throne started at the family level of each of the four Ruling Houses, followed by that of the Area Igala Traditional Council and the State Government.
No doubt, a lot of intrigues ranging from injustice of the past, age seniority consideration and division among the people of the four Ruling Houses played role in the selection processes to the advantage of Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche’s choice.
The battle however, ended on the 18th of October, 2021 when the Kogi State Government during its Executive Council Meeting finally approved the appointment of Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche as the new Ata’Igala who should succeed, the immediate late Ata, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni 2 following his demise in August 2020.
Briefing Journalists on the approval, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ozigi Deedat, said that the appointment of Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche followed his nomination by the Kingmakers and the Committee set up by the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to entertain all issues surrounding the selection of the new Ata’Igala.
Now that the dust is over, what should preoccupied the mind of the new Ata is the way forward and ability to tackle the tasks ahead for peace, unity and development of the Igala Kingdom.
The new Ata should work seriously towards the unity of the entire people of the Igala land.
Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche should immediately embark on reconciliation of his co-contestants and the people of the four Ruling Houses of the Ata’Igala Stool.
He should also strive to address the injustice or actions taken by his predecessor Late Gabaidu Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni 2 for the benefit of the agrieved clans and other affected subjects.
The new Ata should fashion out ways that will engender accelerated development of the Igala Kingdom.
As the President of Kogi State Traditional Council, Prince Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche should champion policies that would enhance traditional institutions in the state.
He should equally endeavour to work and co-operate with the government of the day in its task to improve on the living conditions of the entire citizens.
prince Matthew Oguche was born into the Royal family of late Chief Opaluwa Oguche Akpa.
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.
Still in his quest for more knowledge, 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. Still in Kaduna State, he has 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 back after the exercise to Katsina State and served in the following local government areas as Electoral Officer; Danja and Dutsinma 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 aptitude.
He is happily married and blessed with children.
