Agááááábaidu! All Hail The Return of Attah Igala

Tuesday, 27th April, 2021 is a date that will not be forgotten soon in the history of Igala Nation, tale of Ameacho Ruling House and by extension, the entire Kogi State as Prince Matthew Opaluwa Oguche, in destination, ascends the throne of his Forefathers.

It can be recalled that HRM. Attah Idakwo Micheal Ameh Oboni II went hunting and never returned on 27th August, 2020. Afterwards, the stool of Atta Igala, Custodian of the Igala Culture and People remained vacant with speculations and counter speculations on who will bear the highly revered crown.

It is in furtherance of this necessity, that the Igala Area Traditional Council were saddled with the assignment of resolving all issues around the selection of a new Atta. The running of days into weeks and later months was never a problem or cause of worry for this assignment, until Tuesday 27th April, 2021 when it considered the recommendation of another Atta Igala designate, in person of Mr. Mathew Opaluwa Oguche of the Ameacho Ruling House.

The Atta designate, Prince Matthew Opaluwa Oguche is the Ninth of the Sixteen surviving children and Forth of the Six male children of Late Chief Opaluwa Oguche. His father, of blessed memory gave birth to him through Late Mama Eke Opaluwa(Nee Edicha).

He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate(FSLC) from the St. Boniface Primary School, Idah in 1975 and proceeded to St. Peter’s College, Idah and obtained his West African Schools Certificate (WASC) in 1980. Thereafter, He obtained an “A” level from the School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo in 1983 and a Bachelors of Science(BSc.) in Business Administration from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1986. In his quest for more knowledge, the Prince went back to his Alma Mata, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for Postgraduate Studies and acquired a Masters in Business Administration(MBA) in 1997.

Until his unanimous recommendation by the Igala Area Traditional Council, Prince Matthew rose through the rank and files to become a Deputy Director in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with an over Thirty years voyage in employ of the Electoral body.

Hence, He’s in addition to the wisdom that comes with age equipped with the requisite aura of leading without bias. Moreso that He has at different times served as Electoral Officer (EO) in Kogi, Kaduna, Katsina States and the Federal Capital Territory, the complexity of Electoral Heterogenous nature and his unblemished records is a good point of reference that another Atta has returned in Ernest.

Beyond words, it’s a new dawn in Igala Nation and we owe ourselves the duty of upholding our long existing cooperation, spirit of sacrifice and above all, selflessness to preserve our rich heritage. 102 years of hunting is such a long time to be away. Lo! That’s how long the Atta designate’s Grandfather, HRM Atta Oguche Akpa I has been on hunting. Let’s welcome home His progeny… Agáááááábaidu, Atta Matthew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II.

May your reign be blessed!
May Igala Kingdom Triumph On!