Kogi State Government has announced Mathew Alhaji Opaluwa as new Attah of Igala, as recommended by the Igala Area Traditional Council.
This was part of the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting presided over by the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello today in Lokoja.
The appointment of Prince Mathew followed the nomination by the kingmakers and the committee set up by the governor to entertain all issues surrounding the selection of the new Atta.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi said the appointment followed due process.
Opaluwa succeeds late Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni II who died at a private hospital in August 2020.
With this development also, the Ameachor lineage returns to the throne of the Attah after 102 years.
Prince Alhaji Matthew M. Opaluwa Oguche started his early education at St. Boniface Primary School, Idah and obtained his first school leaving certificate in the year, 1975. He proceeded in the same year to St. Peter’s College, Idah and obtained his West African Schools Certificate (WASC) in 1980.
In his quest for education as his father advised him, in 1981 he gained admission into the School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo and obtained “A” level papers in 1983. That same year, he gained admission into the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and acquired Bachelors of Science (B. Sc.) degree in Business Administration in 1986. He did his National Youths Service (NYSC) assignment in Niger State and served at the State Board of Internal Revenue, 1986/87 service year successfully.
Still in his quest for more knowledge, Prince Alhaji M.M. Opaluwa Oguche went back to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and acquired his Masters (MBA) degree in Business Administration in the year 1997.
Working Experience
The cognate working experience of this great man started with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1988 as administrative officer and rose through ranks and now a Deputy Director. He has served in many Local Governments Areas of Kogi State as Electoral Officer which include; Idah, Ofu, Ankpa, Dekina, Bassa, Ibaji, Mopa/Amuro, Ogori/Magongo, and Okene respectively.
Prince Alhaji M. M. Opaluwa Oguche was transferred to Kaduna State INEC Headquarters and made in charge of Transport Unit. Still in Kaduna State, he has served in the following Local Government Areas as Electoral officer (E.O);
Sabon – Gari, Kajuru, Kaduna South, Kauru, & Kaduna North L.G.As respectively.
Prince Alhaji Matthew M. Opaluwa Oguche was again transferred to Katsina State INEC Headquarters in July,2009 and was made to take charge of Research and documentation Unit.
There after, he was transferred to Dandume Local Government Area as Electoral Officer. After 2011 general elections, he was seconded to Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT as Electoral officer. He was transferred after back after the exercise to Katsina State and served in the following local government areas as Electoral Officer; Danja and Dutsinma respectively after 2011 general elections. Finally, he was moved to Katsina LGA in the same capacity during the 2015 general elections till date.
