Governor Bello's CoS Asuku Conferred Chieftaincy Title, Ogochi Ata By Ata Igala »

Idah, the ancestral home of the Igala people, Nigeria’s seventh largest tribe, is agog today after the Kingdom bestowed a chieftaincy title on Pharmacist Abdukareem Asuku Jamiyu, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, among others.

Recall that His Royal Majesty (Dr) Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II, Ata Igala and Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, revealed in an official letter addressed to the Chief of Staff on Monday 14th November, 2022, that the kingdom is pleased to confer the chieftaincy title of “Ogochi Ata Igala,” in recognition of Asuku’s contribution to the development of the Igala Kingdom.

The bestowment rituals were carried out on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the palace of Ata Igala, Idah LGA, as part of an event commemorating the first anniversary of the reigns of the current Ata.

The honouring of Asuku, who is from the Ebira tribe of State, with such a symbolic title was made possible after the kingdom noticed his unusual non-tribalistic approaches in supporting the Igala Kingdom.

The Chief of Staff, who recently ordered the removal of a controversial tribal agenda billboard spotted in front of the Lokoja government house, is also said to have had a significant impact on the development of Igala land, and his empowerment of Igala youths has been unparalleled. This spans from influencing the appointment of several Igala people to key positions in the state government and other empowerment programs.

Dignitaries took turns to congratulate Asuku dressed in traditional chief’s regalia, showing that he has now become a part and percel of Igala Kingdom.

In a brief speech, the Chief of Staff thanked the Ata, Governor Yahaya Bello, and the Igala Kingdom for believing him worthy of serving the people of Kogi State. He went on to say that the Igalas are known for their good deeds and that he was honored to be named a crowned chief of the kingdom.

Other people honored with different titles by the Ata include Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, Hajiya Rasheeda Bello, Mr. S. I. Ocheja, Engr. Sule Abutu Haruna, Prince Ocholi Opaluwa Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, Dr. Jummai Ahmadu, Prof. Sule Ochai, Hon. Sule Ochai, Hon. Sule Ochai, Hon. Sule Ochai, Hon. Sule Ochai, Hon. Sule Alh. Murtala Yakubu Ajaka Dr. Kashim Akor, Abdullahi Fridy Idachaba, Alh. Sen. Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, Dr. Paul Akpa, and Mr. Daniel Akoii Pharm. Pastor Dr. Sunday Onaji, Peter Yakubu Iduh, Kingsley Idoko Ilonah, and Alh. Isah Taofiq.