Kogi Monarch, Attah Igala dies at 102

The longest reigning First Class Traditional Ruler in Nigeria, the Attah Igala, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Aliyu Ocheja Obaje is  dead. He transited to  the great beyond  in his palace on Monday at the age of 102, after his 56 years on the throne.The late Attah Igala who was the chairman Kogi state tradition council and chairman Igala traditional council ascended the throne on November 2, 1956 as the 26th Attah Igala.

The Late Attah until his death was also the  Chancellor, of the controversial  Moshood Abiola University formally university of Lagos.

In a statement signed by the Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, the Attah Igala Dr. Aliyu Ocheja Obaje, CFR,  died in the afternoon of July 16, 2012, at the age of 102 years.

According to the statement, the Paramount Ruler was installed the Attah of Igala on November 2, 1956 and was appointed Chairman of the Kogi State Traditional Council in 1992.  Until his death,

The late Attah of Igala was appointed a Minister without Portfolio by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, he was also a member of two Constitutional Conferences in London in the build-up to Nigeria’s independence.

The statement said,the Attah was renowned for his quiet but effective Administration of the Traditional Institution in the State and for his humble and humane disposition to the affairs of his people.

“The late Attah of Igala who was highly revered by his people, enjoyed wide relationships in various parts of Nigeria.

A devoted Muslim, the late Attah is survived by his wives and many children, among whom is Chief Abdullahi Obaje, a National Ex-Officio member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Kogi  State Government announces with a deep sense of loss, the death of Attah Igala and  is finalising  burial arrangements with the family,” the statement said.