Kogi State Government has announced the death of the Attah Igala and Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja, the state capital, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kinsley Fanwo who announced the demise of the paramount ruler on behalf the State Government, said his demise sent shocks to the entire State.
He described the late Attah Igala as a great king, who was often ahead of his time and institution in thinking and taking actions for the overall good of the State.
The statement further notes that, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II ruled with great courage and the fear of God, adding that all his actions and royal decisions were for the common good of all.
According to Fanwo, the late revered Igala monarch was fiercely loyal to his people throughout his lifetime and used the revered throne of the ancient Igala Kingdom to foster friendships and partnerships for his domain and for Kogi State at large.
The statement adds that, the Attah’s most enduring legacy include his avid support, as Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, for this administration’s signature initiative to replace competition and rivalry with cooperation and integration as the basis of engagement amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities in Kogi State.
The departed Attah established his own legend by his progressive words and deeds while on the throne, noting that in due course, the Kogi State Government will immortalise him in a befitting manner but most importantly, government will continue to honour the memory of his pragmatic leadership by sustaining rapid development as the bedrock of governance in Kogi State.
While wishing his family, the Igala kingdom and the entire State the fortitude to bear the loss, the State Government noted that his funeral obsequies and other ceremonies will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound commiserations with the family, friends and associates of His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, over the transition of the Paramount Ruler of Igala Kingdom and Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs.
The President also condoled with the Kogi State Government, describing the late royal father as a “man of peace who devoted his life and reign to the unity and progress of not only his people, but also the state and country.”
President Buhari in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu noted that the 27th Attah Igala will be greatly missed for his wise counsels and reputation for honesty, urging the people of his domain to sustain his achievements during his 8-year rule.
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The President prays that God will console the family of the revered foremost traditional ruler and all those who mourn him, and grant his soul eternal rest.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
