Ata Igala designate, Prince Mathew Alaji Opaluwa on Monday commenced coronation rites when he made a triumphant entry into Ugwolawo amid mammoth crowd who thronged out to receive him.
Traditionally, his entry into Ugwolawo, headquarters of Ofu Local Government was taken to be a return from a hunting expedition and he is then welcomed home by the people who must have been waiting for him.
In a video of Monday’s event at a hut in Ugwolawo, the Ata Igala designate prayed for the prosperity of Igala land; in the prayers which were translated and echoed in Igala language, the Ata prayed for the welfare of Igala sons and daughters at home and in diaspora to fare well.
CAPITAL POST reports that Ugwolawo has been a beehive of activities since Monday with people travelling from far and near to witness the coronation rites that will culminate into being enthroned on the seat of his ancestors.
The coronation rite was full of encomiums and praises as Igala sons and daughters prayed for Ata Igala’s long life on the throne of his ancestors. It was creme-la-creme, great men and women, professionals, friends of Ata from all over the country came around to pay homage. Some who were given opportunity spoke well of him particularly his old school mates.
The Incorporated Trustee members of Igala Cultural and Development Association, (ICDA), a socio-cultural apex body of Igala groups, who earlier in the week pledged support for the Ata Igala designate were part of the events that’s ongoing.
Traditional rulers, district heads and community leaders were not left out in making it early to Ugwolawo to grace the occasion.
CAPITAL POST gathered that even some members of the ruling house who opposed his appointment initially have soon put their disagreement behind them and have joined the ceremony.
As the rites continue, our correspondent will be updating until the final coronation ceremony.
