The traditional chieftaincy title awarded the governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, and his wife, last Saturday, is now generating crisis within the Igala Traditional Council.
The Katsina governor was awarded ‘Ata Oja Igala,’ meaning ‘father of Igala people,’ and his wife, ‘Iye Oja Igala,’ meaning ‘mother of Igala people.’
The Eje Ankpa, Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu, had given out traditional titles to some worthy Nigerians, including Governor Shema, to commemorate his 20 years coronation.
The title according to findings, was said to be so important and sensitive to Igala nationality and the Attah Igala, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni was reportedly not happy about the action of the Eje Ankpa.
By giving such a title, a source said, the Eje had stepped beyond his traditional authority by awarding a sensitive title to Governor Shema and his wife.
This might not be unconnected with the reported boycott of some notable traditional rulers and chiefs in Igala land from the ceremony.
The source added, “Of course the new Attah Igala felt that that singular action of Eje Ankpa was an affront to his traditional supremacy as the overall head and spiritual leader of Igala dynasty.
“That was why the Attah Igala on ascension to the throne set up some committees to look into some problematic land and chieftaincy disputes in lgalaland because his majesty wanted lasting peace, unity and development in Igalaland,” the source who craved not to be named said.
