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    Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II – 28th Attah Igala Verified listing Verified listing

    • Profession
      Attah of Igala
    • Tribe / Ethnicity
      Igala
    Biography

    Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II is the 28th Attah Igala, paramount traditional ruler of the Igala Kingdom in Kogi State, Nigeria. He ascended the throne following the passing of the late Attah Igala, Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, and was formally recognized in October 2021. He serves as the spiritual, cultural, and traditional head of the Igala people and President of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers.

    Early Life and Background
    Matthew Opaluwa was born into the Aju Àáméè Acho ruling house of the Igala Kingdom in Idah, the historic seat of the Igala people. He is the ninth of 16 surviving children in his family. His early education began at St. Boniface Primary School, Idah, and continued at St. Peter’s College, Idah, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. He later attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, before returning for a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

    Career

    Ascension to the Throne
    Following the passing of the 27th Attah Igala, Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, in August 2020, the throne of the Attah Igala was vacant. After a traditional selection process involving the Igala kingmakers and approval from the Kogi State Government, Prince Matthew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa was appointed as the new Attah Igala in October 2021. His appointment was confirmed and supported by the government and traditional authorities alike.

    Role and Leadership
    As the Attah Igala, Opaluwa serves as the paramount ruler of the Igala Kingdom, which is one of the oldest traditional institutions in West Africa. The Attah Igala is respected as the spiritual father, cultural custodian, and political symbol of unity for the Igala people. In his role, His Royal Majesty leads the Igala Area Traditional Council, advocates for cultural preservation, and engages with government and traditional institutions on matters affecting his subjects and the wider region.

    He has also been active in community engagement, including supporting social and agricultural initiatives and collaborating with government agencies to address security and socio-economic challenges facing the Igala area.

    Achievements

    Significance and Influence
    The Attah Igala holds a revered position not only within Kogi State but also as part of Nigeria’s broader network of traditional rulers. His leadership helps preserve Igala heritage, mediate conflicts, and promote unity among diverse communities within and beyond the Igala Kingdom.

    Place or Origin

    Idah

    Tribe

    Igala

    Local Government Area
    Profession

    Attah of Igala

    Family

    Opaluwa was born into the Opaluwa Oguche Akpa royal family of the Aju Ameacho ruling house of Igala Kingdom. He is the ninth child of 16 surviving children and forth of the six male children of Chief Opaluwa Oguche. His mother was Mama Eke Opaluwa (née Edicha).

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