From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Ballo and Ata’Igala designate, Prince Matthew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa
The Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has given an assurance that his administration will not interfere in the selection or upgrading of any traditional ruler in the state.
The Governor gave the assurance yesterday, in Lokoja, when he received in audience, the Ata’Igala designate, Prince Matthew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa 11 for the first time at the Lugard House.
Bello congratulated the Ata’Igala designate, Prince Mathew Opaluwa Ogwuche Akpa II 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 Ata’Igala
“We had a very wonderful relationship with the late Ata’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.
