Community protests alleged imposition of woman as ruler
Residents of Itobe community in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have protested against the alleged move by the Attah Igala, Dr Michael Ameh Oboni II, to impose a woman on the traditional stool of Amana of Itobe.
The protesters carried several placards to register their grievances urging the Attah to reconsider his position on the stool of Itobe traditional institution and allow peace to reign.
The protesters, comprising women, traders, farmers, artisans and students marched through major streets of the town to register their grievance.
North Central Trust reports that the protest was the second in the series of agitations over the alleged move.
Protesters had last year grounded activities in Idah town, the traditional headquarters of the Igala kingdom in the earlier mass action which spread to Itobe over the same issue.
Speaking on the matter, the chairman of the Itobe Community Development Association, Danjuma
Alhassan, noted that the protest was over an alleged move to impose one Hajiya Ramatu Ibrahim on the people following the demise of the Amana of Itobe, Chief Mohammed Egbunu Obaje.
“It is about chieftaincy and land matters. The throne of Amana of Itobe is a traditional throne and it is hereditary. It belongs to the family of Amana and not to any other person.
“But the present Gabaidu (Attah Igala) wants to forcefully take the throne away from the owners of the throne. He wants to hand over the chieftaincy stool to a woman which is a taboo. The present Gabaidu wants to impose a woman on the people of Itobe and that is why we are protesting”, he said.
He noted that the Onu Itobe stool has been a subject of litigation before a High Court in Idah, adding that the court has since given judgment in favor of Alhaji Salihu Adaji and papers forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy for complained.
He appealed to the state government and other relevant institutions to intervene to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
When contacted, Secretary to the Attah Igala, Alhaji Adama Suleiman, said the Attah has not done anything outside the tradition in the matter.
According to him, even long before the current Attah was born, a woman, Ochenia Abu, had superintended over Itobe as the traditional rule; “so why is this case different, “he queried.
He urged the people of the town to be calm and law abiding, adding that whatever the monarch does would be in their interest and that of the ancient town.