The ancient town of Idah, headquarters of the Igala Kingdom, came alive as dignitaries and supporters stormed the town for the coronation of Prince Olatunji Olusoji, a Kogi-born philanthropist, as the Ene-Umola Ata-Igala, meaning “Companion and Partner of the Attah.”
The Attah Igala, His Majesty Alhaji Matthew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, conferred the title on him at a colourful event that brought the entire Idah to a standstill.
The Attah Igala, speaking at the ceremony, noted that the honour, which is in recognition of the dogged service of Prince Olatunji Olusoji, the Asiwaju of Ayere land, to humanity, will spur him to do more.
According to him, he had been briefed about the various philanthropic activities of Prince Olusoji, hence the decision to honour him.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, said the title speaks of trust, confidence, partnership, goodwill, and commitment to the cause of serving humanity.
Governor Ododo described the honour as distinguished and well deserved, saying it will further strengthen unity and the One Kogi State agenda that the present administration has been advocating.
According to him, the collective identity of the state is greater than ethnic differences, pointing out that the diversity of the state should be its strength.
He maintained that the title conferred on Prince Olusoji shows that unity is possible, and congratulated the recipient on the honour.
The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, expressed the gratitude of the Okun people to the Attah and the entire Igala Kingdom for the honour done to their son.
Responding, Prince Olatunji Olusoji thanked the Attah Igala for finding him worthy of the honour, saying that now that he has become a bonafide son of the Igala Kingdom, he will continue to provide support whenever called upon.
He stated that he will be a good ambassador of the Igala Kingdom and expressed his readiness to ensure that more Kogi communities benefit from his philanthropic gestures.
Prince Olusoji appealed for support for the government of the day, both at the state and federal levels, for more dividends of democracy.
He urged well-to-do people in the state to support Governor Ododo by embarking on projects that will have a direct impact on the lives of the people, as the government alone cannot do it.
Top government functionaries including legislators, commissioners, a local government chairman, and traditional rulers, among them the Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, and the Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun along with youths, women, and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, graced the occasion.
