By Barrister Muhammad Otopa Ohiare
As a proud son of Ajaokuta, I find it imperative to refute the baseless claims made by our so-called Council of Senior Special Assistants (SSA) and Special Assistants (SA) from Ajaokuta Local Government. Their recent press conference, where they asserted that Ajaokuta would not be part of the proposed Okura State, is not only disappointing but an outright betrayal of our history, identity, and ancestral heritage. These political jobbers, in their desperate bid to appease their paymasters, have chosen to deny the truth, but they will not succeed in erasing the history of Ajaokuta from the Igala Kingdom.
Ajaokuta is, has always been, and will always remain an integral part of the Igala Kingdom. No political gimmick or self-serving declaration can alter that reality. The fact that Nigeria is now a sovereign nation does not mean that historical and legal ties with our colonial past are erased. The colonial administration recognized Ajaokuta as Igala land, and this fact was upheld by judicial pronouncements. The immediate past Attah of Igala, HRM Dr. Michael Ameh Oboni II, won a legal battle affirming Igala’s rightful claim over Ajaokuta. That ruling settled the matter once and for all—Ajaokuta belongs to the Igala Kingdom.
For those who are conveniently ignorant of history, let me educate them. The land on which Ajaokuta stands was leased to the British colonial administration by Attah Ameh Ocheje for 700 bags of cowries. This was a formal agreement between the Igala Kingdom and the British, not any other ethnic group. The colonial authorities recognized the Attah of Igala as the rightful ruler of the area. This historical fact is well-documented and cannot be erased by the self-serving proclamations of a few political opportunists.
It is laughable that some individuals, who owe their political appointments to their masters, now think they can rewrite history. Their press conference was nothing more than a desperate attempt to fight shadows, as they have no legitimate basis for their claims. These people, who have done nothing to develop Ajaokuta, suddenly remember they are from here when it serves their political interests. Their allegiance is not to Ajaokuta but to the pockets that feed them. Let them be reminded that history is not written by opportunists but by facts and judicial affirmation.
The truth remains that the Igala-led administrations in Kogi State, particularly during the reigns of the late Prince Abubakar Audu and Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, were more beneficial to Ajaokuta than the tenure of any governor from our own senatorial district. These Igala governors ensured the development of Ajaokuta by providing key infrastructural projects, political appointments, and economic opportunities that our own so-called kinsmen have failed to deliver. It is ironic that those now championing the false narrative of separation were silent when Igala leadership was fostering growth and progress in our land. Their hypocrisy is evident, and their attempt to erase this history is futile.
Furthermore, Ajaokuta remains predominantly Igala, with deep cultural and ancestral ties that cannot be wished away. From Ajaokuta town to Gadumo/Ibaji quarters, all the way to our boundary at Dunamis Church in Lokoja, the Igala people have played a significant role in the development of the local government. Their investments, businesses, and industrious spirit have contributed immensely to the economic prosperity of Ajaokuta, adding more revenue to our local government than any other tribe in Kogi State. To now turn around and claim that we do not belong to the Igala Kingdom is not just misleading but an insult to our shared heritage.
Historically, the Igala people have always treated us as their brothers, standing by us in times of need, and fostering unity rather than division. We have never regretted our strong association with them, as it has brought mutual benefits in commerce, governance, and community development. Those who are now attempting to sow discord do so for selfish political gains, not for the good of Ajaokuta. We, the true sons and daughters of this land, will not allow history to be rewritten by those who prioritize personal ambition over the truth.
The people of Ajaokuta must reject these desperate political manipulators who, instead of working for the unity and development of our land, are engaging in divisive tactics for their own survival. What have they done for Ajaokuta? What legacy will they leave behind aside from spreading falsehoods? Their statements do not reflect the true position of Ajaokuta sons and daughters who understand our heritage and value the long-standing relationship we have with the Igala Kingdom.
Ajaokuta’s future is not with those who deny our roots but with those who acknowledge and respect our historical and cultural ties. The proposed Okura State is an opportunity for greater political and economic advancement, and we must embrace it. We cannot allow the selfish ambitions of a few individuals to dictate our collective destiny.
The truth is clear, and history has spoken. Ajaokuta is Igala land, and no amount of political deception can change that. We stand by the truth, and we will continue to defend our heritage, no matter the opposition.
