The coronation of the new Ata Igala took place amidst elaborate ceremony recently in Idah, Kogi state

The coronation of the new Ata Igala took place amidst elaborate ceremony recently in Idah, Kogi state


Matthew Alaji Opaluwa was installed as the 28th Ata Igala on March 4 in a colourful ceremony at Idah, Kogi state. With this development Opaluwa succeeded Dr Michael Ameh Oboni II who was “on an ancestral journey” since 2020. The coronation of the traditional ruler of the Igala Kingdom, in north central Nigeria, took place in a ceremony amid pomp and pageantry in Idah, Kogi state.

After he was presented with the staff of office by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the traditional ruler, Ata Mathew Opaluwa thanked the Governor and his people for their support and pledged to always serve. According to His Royal majesty, “I always pray to God to put me in the position where I can render my service to the people. Having given me this opportunity, I will not disappoint you and my people. He added: “I will work with you and for my people”. Governor Yahaya Bello also commended the Ata for his good character. He said; “The Ata is of impeccable character and he is a fulfilled personality, highly respected within his domain, in the country and across the world, we are proud of him.” The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Said Abubakar II expressed delight over the due process that brought in Alaji Opaluwa as the new Ata Igala. He said with his education and exposure, the Northern States Council of Chiefs and Emirs, and the rest of the country will be looking forward to his advice and input in the administration of the region and the country.

Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Digyadi, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion congratulated the new Ata on his appointment, and equally called on traditional rulers to continue to play crucial roles in forging national unity and cohesion. President Buhari prayed to God to guide him in his new assignment to his people, and the country as a whole. Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar equally congratulated the new Ata on his coronation and expressed the hope that the cordial relation bothering on historic links between his people and Igala will be sustained. He prayed to God to give the new Ata wisdom in his new responsibility.

Present at the ceremony was the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse; Och’idoma; Elaigwu Odogbo II; the Emir of Gwandu; Mohammed Jega two former governors of the state Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada were also present at the event. Also present were traditional rulers from within the state and other parts of the country; politicians of all shades and class; captains of industries and illustrious sons and daughters of Igalaland at home and in Diaspora, etc. The event culminated in the colorful display of masquerades and cultural dances, including other traditional rites.

The new Ata, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche was born into the Royal family of late Chief Opaluwa Oguche Akpa. He is the number nine of the 16 surviving children and the fourth of the six male children of Late Chief Opaluwa Oguche of the Aju- Ameacho Ruling Dynasty of Igala Kingdom. His mother was Late Mama Eke Opaluwa (nee Edicha).

Ata Matthew ALAJI 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, 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, OPALUWA ALAJI OGUCHE went back to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and acquired his Masters (MBA) degree in Business Administration in the year 1997. He is a man with amiable personality, happily married and blessed with children.