The Ata Igala designate, Prince Alaji Mathew Opaluwa will begin the coronation rites from Monday in line with the tradition of the age long kingdom following his appointment by Kogi State government on 18th October, 2021.
In view of this, the incorporated leadership of Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA) under the Chairmanship of Comrade Emmanuel Omattah has called on Igala sons and daughters to troop out en masse and give a rousing welcome as he moves from Lokoja, the State capital to Igala land.
The call was at the backdrop of an emergency meeting with Onu Igala Lokoja, and Omachi Ata, HRH Akpah Joseph and leadership of Kogi State chapter of ICDA led by Deacon Godwin Idakwo, including some members of district socio-cultural Associations within Lokoja on Sunday.
In a statement which was sent to CAPITAL POST on Sunday by the apex Socio-Cultural body, added that the Chairman urged the people to receive Aidokoanya (Ata Igala designate) by 12 pm at Hon. Emmanuel Omaebije house after Aniebo Quarters, Lokoja and follow him to Ugwolawo where he will start the traditional coronation rites.
The meeting resolved that all socio- cultural associations, especially within Lokoja and its environs should endeavour to mobilise and sponsor their members to accompany Aidokoanya to Ugwolawo from Lokoja on Monday as a mark of honour and respect for the stool of Igala nation.
“Note, traditional coronation rites of Aidokoanya is not starting from Lokoja, but for the fact that he is coming from a hunting expedition, enroute Lokoja, we have decided to give a rousing welcome and follow him to Ugwolawo where the process of making a new Ata Igala by tradition is expected to start”, Comrade Omattah expressed.
The incorporated ICDA therefore called on all Igala sons and daughters to come out in their thousands on Monday in Lokoja and receive Aidokoanya as he begins his journey to evolve as a new Ata for the Igala nation.
However, the body noted that adequate security has been put in place for a smooth journey to Ugwolawo on Monday , which kicks off by 12. pm in Lokoja
