The Kogi state government has officially announced the demise of Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II, attah Igala.
It had earlier been reported that the 27th traditional ruler of Igala land passed away during an operation at a hospital in the federal capital territory (FCT) on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi commissioner of information and communications, said the monarch will be sorely missed.
Fanwo said the late attah was “fiercely” loyal to his people throughout his lifetime and used his throne to foster friendships and partnerships for his domain and Kogi at large.
“The late Attah of Igala was a great man indeed, and often ahead of his time and institution in thinking and action. He ruled with great courage and the fear of God,” the commissioner said.
“His Royal Majesty’s most enduring legacy will include his avid support, as Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, for this Administration’s signature initiative to replace competition and rivalry with cooperation and integration as the basis of engagement amongst the diverse ethnic nationalities in Kogi state.
“He will be remembered for leading Royal Fathers across the state on a visit to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on June 19, 2019 where they added their voices to the Governor’s for urgent federal attention to some crucial needs in Kogi State then, such as disaster management, release of special funding and provision of sundry infrastructures. It is a measure of the respect accorded the delegation that Mr. President responded with favourable actions soon after.
“The late Royal Father advocated for rapid industrialisation of Igalaland and the Kogi East Senatorial District throughout his lifetime. He believed that widespread penetration of electricity was key to achieving this objective
“His Royal Majesty, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II will be sorely missed. We console his family, the great Igala people and all of Kogi State on this great and irreparable loss.”
Fanwo said the Kogi government would immortalise the deceased.
The lawyers of the late monarch had earlier demanded a retraction of his obituary, saying the attah Igala “lives in perpetuity”.