Open Letter To Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, The Executive Governor Of Kogi State
“When is the coronation of Prince Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni as Attah Igala?”
The above is a question that has brought untold embarrassment to the Igala Kingdom, one of the most entrenched and revered kingdoms that has been existing since the pre-colonial Nigeria.
What is the status of Igala Kingdom today?
Igala kingdom as it is today is a kingdom that has no king. But who can expunge this shame that has been undeservedly inscribed on the faces of Igala people today? Only His Excellency, Captain Idris Ichala Wada, the executive governor of Kogi State, can.
It could be recalled that on 14th December, 2012, the Igala area traditional council after elaborate deliberations, had recommended Prince Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni to the state government as the new Attah Igala but till today, the recommendation has not been ratified and no reason(s) was adduced. It should be stressed that similar letter was equally sent on November 22nd, 2012, but the state government failed to ratify after rendering some unconvincing explanations.
During the selection process, it was believed that His Excellency, Captain Idris Ichala Wada stayed-off the tussle knowing well that the appointment of an Attah is not a state affair. However, the long silence of the state government over the ratification of Prince Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni, a man who has been certified by the Igalahate Council, is already puncturing the earlier perceived independence of His Excellency.
Attah Igala is the centre of unity of the Igala nation and the custodian of its culture. The Attah therefore lives in the hearts of all true sons and daughters of Igala. Any attempt to crack the sacred wall through political manipulation and outright abuse of our cherished culture is tantamount to desecration of the royal blood that flows through the veins of all Igala sons and daughters. Furthermore, it would amount to a gruesome defilement if the exalted and highly sacred stool of the Attah is politicised to satiate selfish ambitions. In fact, when truth is sacrificed on the altar of avarice, severe rancour and disunity may ensue in the land that is reputed for its aged-long peaceful coexistence and at the end of the day we may have an Attah that is not truly the Attah Igala.
The Attah Igala stool is like a roof that hovers over the entire Igala Kingdom irrespective of party affiliations or religious differences; it is not a means of accentuating political interests or an avenue to show loyalty to one’s political party. His Excellency knows it better.
The colonialists whom we accused of balkanising the African culture have since left the shore of Africa and now is the time to restore what was stolen from us. Now is the time for His Excellency to restore the dignity of Igala race by ratifying the atahate council’s recommendation which appoints Prince Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni as the Attah Igala with first class status.
The world is watching Captain Idris Wada to write his name in gold by conforming to the Igala Tradition. Enough of the desecration of Attah Igala stool!!!
Arise igala…building our future.
Signed:
Onoja J. Okpanachi
Emmanuel N. Oguche
