Kogi approves Matthew Opaluwa as Attah Igala

The Kogi state government has approved the appointment of Matthew Opaluwa, a prince, as Attah of Igalaland.

The Kogi state council approved Opaluwa’s appointment as the attah, following his nomination by kingmakers.

The development is coming more than a year after the demise of Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II who previously held the position before his death.

Ameh, the 27th Attah Igala, died in an Abuja hospital in August 2020, after undergoing an operation.

The 72-year-old Kogi state paramount ruler was said to have had a stroke which complicated the procedure.

Ameh’s rule — he ascended the throne in 2012 — was relatively short, when compared to his predecessor’s.

Aliyu Obaje, the 26th attah and Ameh’s predecessor, ruled for 56 years before his demise, having been installed in 1956.

Ameh was chosen unanimously as successor by the four ruling houses in Igalaland to succeed the throne after Obaje’s demise.

Meanwhile, Ameh Oboni I, the 25th ruler of Igalaland, spent 10 years on the throne — he was installed in 1946.