‘We are pleased with the courtesy accorded the Attah Igala and his entourage, especially the message of unity preached by the Governor. ‘
‘We hope that these mutual respects will be sustained going forward. ‘
Nevertheless, we want to state for the purpose of the future that following the traditional practice of the Igala Kingdom and the extant State Government Edicts, the emergence of a new Attah Igala begins with decisions of the meeting of the designated ruling house presided over by the eldest member, and the formal approval by the State Executive Council.
The vertex is the passage of rites over several days culminating in the historical horse ride from Erane into the palace by the new Attah Igala.
The presentation of the Staff of office, participation in Traditional Council meetings and other official functions are post factum.
‘We therefore wish to state clearly that the activities of Coronation Committee are merely celebratory. ‘
Desirous as formal presentation of Staff of Office might be, it is not the crowned. The legitimacy of the Attah Igala institution is rooted in our tradition dating several centuries. We are proud of our heritage.
It is therefore disheartening to read the press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi State , Mr Onogu Mohammed Gallaticus in which he addressed the Attah Igala as a ‘Prince’.
This untaught statement could have been ignored if he had not count himself as an Igala son who ought to be well acquainted with the difference between an Igala prince and our paramount ruler, the Attah Igala.
If he had reflected deeply and not meant any offence or playing a script, it is trite in protocol that a prince could not have been at the head of that delegation of distinguished senior royal fathers of Kogi State.
While we are glad that the Governor did not commit such error in his address, we enjoin the Chief Press Secretary to school himself properly in Igala tradition to avoid such faux pas in the future.
We hereby appeal to the CPS to the governor, to tender an apology for his carelessness to Agabaidu and the Igala Nation and People.
Signed
Salifu Oguche Usman, Esq
Deputy National Secretary, AIR
