By NEXTER
LAFIA – Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule on Saturday presented the Staff of Office to retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku, formally installing him as the Aren Eggon, paramount ruler of the Eggon Nation.
The ceremony, held in Nassarawa Eggon, comes nearly 40 years after the late Solomon Lar conferred the same insignia on the late Angabazo during the old Plateau State era.
Ubangari-Alaku’s selection by the Eggon kingmakers was approved by Governor Sule on May 5, 2023. He succeeds the late Dr. Bala Abaine-Angbazo, who passed away on July 12, 2022.
Speaking at the installation, Sule charged the new royal father to lead with justice, fairness and the fear of God. He described traditional rulers as “indispensable partners in governance and community development,” noting their role as custodians of cultural heritage, promoters of peace and mediators in conflict resolution.
The governor said his administration has worked to integrate traditional institutions into governance, adding that collaboration with royal fathers has helped maintain peace among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
Sule expressed confidence in the new Aren Eggon’s leadership, describing him as “a man of proven wisdom and integrity” whose emergence brings hope for greater progress in Eggon land. He urged the monarch to promote peace and uphold democratic values ahead of the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election.
The governor also listed ongoing projects in the district, including the Nasarawa Eggon Modern Market, Alizaga Hill-Wuyo-Wamba Road and the Nasarawa Eggon-Arugbadu Road linking communities in Lafia Local Government Area. He added that several urban and rural roads have been constructed across Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas.
Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aminu Maifata, said the installation followed due process after the demise of Angbazo. He commended Sule for renovating palaces across the state and urged residents to support traditional institutions.
Also speaking, Nasarawa Eggon LGA Chairman Aliyu Ibn-Aliyu said the installation would deepen unity and peaceful coexistence among the Eggon people and their neighbours. He pledged the council’s support for the new ruler.
In his acceptance speech, the new Aren Eggon thanked the governor for approving his selection and presenting him with the Staff of Office. Ubangari-Alaku, a former chief judge of Nasarawa State, pledged to rule with justice, fairness and the fear of God.
“I call on all sons and daughters of Eggon land to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous and united Eggon Nation, a peaceful Nasarawa State and a better Nigeria,” he said. “Let us embrace dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict and service over self-interest.”
