On Saturday, October 26, 2019 history was made at Idah, Kogi State at the palace of His Royal
Majesty, Agabaidu, Attah Igala were he honoured three illustrious Kogites and one from Edo State for
their developmental strides. Also, the flag-off of the Idah-Agenebode bridge took place at Egah Water
Front, Idah. The 5km+ bridge being a multi interest project between governments and private
businesses will boost economic activities within the region and also help in reducing some long distance
journeys being a shorter route when completed.
At the Attah Igala Palace, HE, Governor Yahaya Bello was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Oga
Onu Ogwu Attah (Ede); HE, Chief Edward Onoja was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Olimene
Attah Igala (Doga); Major General Charles Airhiavbere, mni (Rtd.) was honoured with the chieftaincy
title of Eju Attah Igala (Ebije) and Dr. Mrs. Folashade Arike was honoured with the Chieftaincy title of
Omi-Akele Attah Igala (Adebu).
In thanking the Agabaidu, Attah Igala, HE, Governor Yahaya Bello noted that there are more that unite
us as Kogites more than those things that tend to divide us and in particular he reiterated on the
common origin of the Igala and Ebira as history had it that we are one from the great Kwararafa
Empire and the Ebira are originally of the Igala People and so, we are one and should come together to
build a better Kogi State for all.
THE ROYAL SPEECH BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY,
AGABAIDU, DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI II, JP
ATTAH IGALA and PRESIDENT, KOGI STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019.
PROTOCOLS.
Another landmark event is taking place in our lives. For a man who has achieved so much in the lives of
the people of Kogi East in particular and Kogi State in general, you deserve to be honoured.
For those critics without substance and patience to verify the truth, they should take note that on 14 th
August, 2019 Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.), a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the All
Progressives Congress came to my palace on a campaign mission; I enumerated the good things he did
for Kogi State while in service of the Nigeria Navy which are:
1. Naming of a Nigeria Warship, NNS Okpabana after the god of thunder in Igala
2. The building of one of the best Naval Secondary Schools in Nigeria at Okura Olafia and
3. The location of Naval Base at Idah, all in Kogi State
Based on these, I conferred on him at the heat of his campaign the title of Oga-Attah, which was
followed by a resounding applause. Oga-Attah, a General in Attah’s Army is no different from the title
being conferred on His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello which has generated an uproar and misgiving
by misinformed tribalists in our society.
Some lousy critics in our midst seeking recognition at all cost by publishing half-truth on Facebook,
never raised an eyebrow when the palace recognized Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.) neither did they say I
should spread the titles to all political aspirants.
However, in the midst of this uninformed left handed critics, there are some upright people who kept
faith with our tradition and revered the monarchical institution. To this group, I say thank you.
This group of mostly politicians who have won elections to the National Assembly were responsible for
putting heads together to build a palace and Igala House at Anyigba.
And finally, they are responsible for tasking themselves to purchase for me the ultimate ROLLS ROYCE
am privileged to have today. God bless you all.
My address will be incomplete if I do not reckon with the highly laudable undertaking which we the
Igala people have benefited in the tenure of Your Excellency – This is the Ocho National Festival for the
race which has been in limbo for 64 years before your administration unbanned it two years ago.
Regarding the return of this remarkable festival of my people, you have again done what others
including our own sons and your predecessors in office at the Lugard House, Lokoja failed to do.
We will not also fail to mention your magnanimity in keeping your promise to rehabilitate the Umomi-
Idah road, a project that is very dear to us on which work is ongoing.
The Flag-off of the construction of the Niger Bridge today is the crowning glory of your journey in
Lugard House and makes you worthy of all the honours in Igalaland.
Finally, I salute you all for coming to Idah, the seat of Ayegba Oma-Idoko for this historic occasion.
