Governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last Kogi gubernatorial election, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti has condoled the immediate family and the entire Igala kingdom over the demise of the Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, who passed onto glory on Thursday.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, Akpoti described the late Attah Igala as a father, a guardian and a source of inspiration to her advocacies and social impact investment programs which has touched the lives of many Kogites across tribes and geopolitical regions.
Recounting on her last visit to the late monarch’s palace in Idah, Akpoti said; “In August 2019, during the flag off of our women & youth empowerment program in Kogi East, I and my team were at the palace of the late King on a courtesy visit. He gave us his blessings and words of inspiration on our dream to liberate our people from abject poverty and sufferings. He was happy with our social intervention programs and our advocacy for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company. The wife of His Majesty was warmly receptive and she encouraged me and my team a lot. We were fulfilled by the palace encomiums showered on our little efforts.
“The late Monarch expressed his joy for seeing me and my team again, not giving up on what we started some years ago to develop human capacity and create opportunities for our teeming youth and women through the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program which we took to his palace for launch in 2015. He prayed and charged us to remain focused on our good work while showering his royal blessings upon us.
“Unfortunately, I received with utmost shock the news that the Royal father has joined his ancestors after some illness. Indeed, he was a courageous ruler who never got tired of supporting the development of Igala land and Kogi state, especially by supporting individuals who wish to give back to the society.”
Akpoti said she will continue to miss the monarch’s “fatherly blessings, advice and his unconquerable quest and impetus for developmental initiatives.”
Also, popular activist and public affairs commentator, Comrade Austin Okai has extended condolences to princes and princess of Igala kingdom.
In a condolence letter addressed to son of the late monarch, Prince Ocholi Ameh Oboni, Okai
“On behalf of my family, I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of our great Attah of Igala Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ameh Oboni II. The great Attah of our kingdom steadfastly steered Igala through turbulent times. With wisdom and foresight, he forged ever-stronger and spurred the entire Igala kingdom against external forces.
“His legendary role, just like the great Ameh Oboni I, paved way for the victory we are celebrating today. He may have gone on permanent hunting, but his historical deeds will forever remain in our hearts.
“The historical restoration of Ocho festival, which was long abandoned and forgotten, his doggedness and bravery that gave “Ané Ayēgba” court victories ranging from the supreme court affirmation of Ette community, which was formerly pronounced a part of Enugu state, as Igala land, through his flawless victory that restored Lokoja, Koton Karfe and Ajaokuta back to Igala kingdom, to the recent giant stride to improve on electricity connection and power supply across every nook and cranny of Igala land, are landmark achievements recorded within a short time,” he said.
