Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has charged the newly installed Attah Igala His Majesty, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa to ensure the unity of Igala Kingdom.

Governor Bello gave the charge at the official presentation of Staff of Office to the Attah Igala in Idah, Idah Local Government Area

The Governor who also called on the Attah Igala to ensure continuous peace in his kingdom towards the development of the area as well as carry people along in ensuring oneness of his subjects.

He urged the traditional ruler to avoid politicizing his exalted stool or use it to oppress or witchunt any man.

He assured of the present administration commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers in the State as well the protection of the sacred institution.

On the appointment, grading and upgrading of traditional rulers, Governor Bello said due process was followed which has eliminated violence and chaos that follows the process in the past.

He stated that the era of imposing traditional rulers on the people has come to an end and advised subsequent administrations in the state to sustain it.

While paying glowing tribute to the immediate past Attah, His Majesty, Idakwo Michael Ameh-Oboni the second for his contribution to the development of Igalaland and Kogi State as a whole, the Governor wished the new paramount ruler of Igalaland peaceful and prosperous reign with the fear of God on the throne of his ancestors.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Barrister Salami Ozigi, noted that government observed due process that led to the emergence of the Attah Igala.

Barrister Ozigi urged the traditional ruler to emulate the New Direction Administration by ensuring fairness, justice and equity in uniting his people and developing the land.

In his goodwill message, President Muhammadu Buhari represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammed Dingyadi, congratulated the Attah Igala on his ascension to the throne and urged him to ensure unity, maintain peace and tranquility among his people.

Responding, the Attah Igala, His Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa expressed gratitude to government for following due process for his emergence and called on the people to join hands with him for the economic development of Igalaland by living in peace and unity.

The Attah Igala
thanked government for the infrastructural development across Igalaland, and appealed for the upgrading of more traditional rulers.