On June 2, 2020, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, under incorrigible Justice
Donatus Okorowa, delivered a landmark judgement on the ancestral and
historical ownership of Lokoja, Ajaokuta and Koton Karfe. The judgment, based on documentary and historical evidence, affirmed that the area is part of Igala
Kingdom. The Court further demanded that the Federal Government should pay
Igala Kingdom the sum of N10 billion debt owed Attah Igala since the colonial era.
The courageous judgment, widely commended by a cross-section of Nigerians
and the international community, has been variously attacked by some ethnic communities in Kogi State. As if it were a call to arms, these groups have taken to an out of the ark, old-fashioned way of handling the pronouncement of the
judiciary – insults, provocative action, and threats of fire and brimstone.
Ignorant of their own ancestry, they have issued statements that denigrated the
Igala kingdom, which had nurtured and protected their forefathers, so that their
memories are not forgotten.
As a sign of maturity, Igala sons and daughters have restrained themselves from
entering into the mud, because the truth, like the sun, has no hiding place.
The Federal High Court in Lokoja spoke the incontrovertible truth, which cannot be overturned by insults and naked threats. Some have planned to engage in a street protest against the truth.
Uk’Omu Igala Organisation, the umbrella organization for all social-cultural
groups in Kogi East, wishes to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Our silence since the insults was not an indicator of cowardice or the lack of response to the
ignorance and falsehood being peddled on the social media and other platforms.
We will no longer entertain foolish arguments and insults on Igala kingdom.
We salute the courage of Agaba’idu, Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty Idakwo
Micheal Ameh Oboni, who, despite provocations, has maintained his calm and
prevailed on his subjects against responding to false and irritating reactions to
the judgment.
The matter of the ownership of Ajaokuta and Lokoja has taken a judicial
dimension, and anyone who has issues with the initial judgement should demonstrate his interest by going to the court of law. The judgement cannot be
overturned by insults, threats and provocations.
We call on the government of Kogi State, the institution that has the responsibility of ensuring peace and security, to call these trouble-makers to order.
Also, UIO calls on the Inspector General of Police and Kogi State
Commissioner of Police, DSS, to activate their intelligence network to bring to
book all criminally-minded persons, who, puffed up by undue ethnic bigotry,
have continued to threaten Igala kingdom with unprovoked violence.
It is unfortunate that some traditional rulers have encouraged their subjects to
engage in uncouth, ignorant and criminal activities, as a way of objecting to the
judgment. Instead of dissipating energy on insulting Igala kingdom, we advise
them to retreat, put together their own contrary evidence, and meet Igala
kingdom in court.
Enough is Enough!
(Signed)
Comptroller Abdul Amade (rtd)
National Leader,
Uk’Omu Igala Organisation
Lokoja.
June 26, 2020