History as Gov. Sule Presents Staff of Office to New Aren Eggon, Ubangari, After 43 Years
…Says his administration has incorporated traditional institutions into the machinery of governance
The ancient town of Nasarawa Eggon came alive on Saturday as prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from within and outside Nasarawa State gathered for the historic installation and presentation of the Staff of Office to the new Aren Eggon of Eggon Nation, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku (Rtd).
Among the dignitaries at the colourful ceremony were former National Chairman of the APC, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Umar Tanko Al-Makura; Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau; and the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (Rtd), who led other traditional rulers from across the state.
Traditional rulers of the Jukun Kingdom from Taraba State, Nupe Kingdom from Niger State, and Igala Kingdom from Kogi State also attended the event, alongside many other notable personalities.
Governor Abdullahi Sule officially installed and presented the Staff of Office to Ahmed Ubangari Alaku I, OFR, CJ (Rtd) during the ceremony held in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.
The event, which brought the town to a standstill, also attracted Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, APC governorship candidate in the state; Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, ADC governorship candidate; former Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Hon. Silas Ali Agara; APC governorship aspirant Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna; Arch. Shehu Tukur; Dr. David Ombugadu; legislators, government officials, and numerous other guests.
In his address, Governor Sule charged the new Aren Eggon to discharge his duties with justice, fairness, and the fear of God in the interest of peace and unity within Eggon Nation and Nasarawa State at large.
“We are gathered here to witness the formal installation and presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku I, the Aren Eggon.
“As you are aware, traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance and community development. They serve as custodians of our cultural heritage, promoters of peace and unity, as well as mediators in conflict resolution,” the governor said.
Governor Sule stated that his administration has deliberately integrated traditional institutions into governance by involving them in government affairs at all levels.
“This synergy has contributed immensely to fostering peace, tranquility, and harmonious coexistence among our diverse people,” he added.
He explained that the selection of Justice Ubangari Alaku to succeed the late Aren Eggon, Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo, was based not only on the traditional process of succession but also on his proven ability to unite the people.
“I say this considering the antecedents of His Royal Highness, who is a man of proven wisdom and integrity. He embodies the virtues essential for leadership,” Sule stated.
The governor expressed confidence that peace and progress would continue to thrive in Eggon Nation under the new monarch’s leadership.
He also urged the monarch to use his revered position to promote stability and ensure peaceful democratic participation ahead of the June 20 Nasarawa North bye-election.
Governor Sule noted that his administration has prioritized the welfare of traditional rulers across the state and highlighted key projects executed in Nasarawa Eggon and Nasarawa North, including the construction of the Nasarawa Eggon Modern Market, the Alizaga Hill/Wuyo/Wamba Road, and the Nasarawa Eggon–Arugbadu road linking communities in Lafia LGA.
He added that several urban and rural roads have also been constructed in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba, among other infrastructural developments.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, said the emergence of Justice Alaku followed the demise of the late Aren Eggon, Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo.
He commended Governor Sule for renovating palaces of traditional rulers across the state to provide a conducive environment for traditional leadership.
Maifata urged the people to continue supporting traditional rulers in promoting peace and unity.
Also speaking, Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon LGA, Barr. Aliyu Ibn Aliyu, described the installation as a significant step toward strengthening unity and peaceful coexistence among the Eggon people and their neighbours.
He thanked Governor Sule for presenting the Staff of Office and pledged the council’s support and cooperation to the new monarch.
“Let this coronation serve as a rallying point for our people and the state at large through the promotion of unity and cooperation,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, the new Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku (Rtd), appreciated Governor Sule for approving his selection and formally presenting the Staff of Office to him.
The former Chief Judge of Nasarawa State pledged to rule with justice, fairness, and the fear of God.
He appealed for the support of stakeholders, sons and daughters of Eggon land, and all well-wishers to enable him succeed.
“I call upon all sons and daughters of Eggon land to join hands in building a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Eggon Nation, a peaceful Nasarawa State, and a better Nigeria.
“Let us embrace dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict, and service over self-interest,” he said.
Justice Ubangari Alaku ascended the revered stool of Aren Eggon on May 5, 2023, following the death of the immediate past monarch, Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo, who died on July 12, 2022.
The last time such a ceremony was held was in 1983, when the late Aren Eggon received the Staff of Office from the then Governor of old Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar.
The colourful and well-attended ceremony featured captivating displays of traditional music and cultural dances, reflecting the rich heritage of the Eggon people.
