The Igala Women Advancement Association (IWAA) has congratulated Prince Mathew Opaluwa Oguche of the Aju Ameh Achor Royal Dynasty by his confirmation as the new Ata Igala, after 102 years of absence of the lineage from the throne.
In a statement signed and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Monday by the President of the Association, Dr Maryam Ojochide Goodman said Igala women are happy with his choice to occupy the exalted stool of his ancestors.
While IWAA president stressed that Prince Opaluwa is no doubt a credible person for that ancestral position, she noted that the kingmakers have done well in such a sensitive assignment, adding that the selection of Prince Mathew Opaluwa is the best thing that has happened to the Igala kingdom.
“Prince Opaluwa is one person with high Intelligent quotient who graduated from the prestigious Amadu Bello University with high grade. Great ABUSITE!!
ABU is known to have produced good leaders.
About 50 percent of leaders in different positions in the country today, both political and traditional went through ABU. We, the alumnus of the institution will form ring of support around the new Ata to make sure he succeeds.
“We pray that his reign will bring forth the needed unity among Igala people and usher in the needed rapid development”, she expressed.
Dr Maryam therefore urged women to throw their full weight behind the new Ata Igala designate in order to ensure quick transformation of the Kingdom.
She added that, “I will advise the new Ata Igala designate to draw women closer, we are known to be promise keepers. We will not only talk, but walk the talk.
“As mothers, our love for the people is endless.
The contribution of women in sustaining the Kingdom is legendary; taking into cognisance the role played by Princess Inikpi, Oma Odoko, Ogado, Omajale and others to safeguard the Kingdom from collapse, women of the Igala nation should be integrated into the scheme of things to play their desired role.
“It was these women that paid the supreme price to save the Kingdom from annexation hundreds years ago”.
