Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday presented the Staff of Office to retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku, formally installing him as the new Aren Eggon, the paramount traditional ruler of the Eggon Nation.
The installation comes about 40 years after the late Solomon Lar first conferred traditional recognition on a previous Aren Eggon in the then Plateau State, marking a significant moment in the history of the Eggon traditional institution.
LEADERSHIP reports that Ubangari-Alaku ascended the throne of Aren Eggon on May 5, 2023, following the approval of his selection by kingmakers and subsequent endorsement by the state government.
Speaking at the ceremony in Nassarawa Eggon, Governor Sule urged the new monarch to discharge his duties with justice, fairness and the fear of God, noting that traditional rulers remain critical to governance and community stability.
“Traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance and community development,” Sule said. “They serve as custodians of our cultural heritage, promoters of peace and unity, as well as mediators in conflict resolution.”
The governor said his administration has continued to strengthen traditional institutions by integrating them into governance processes, adding that such collaboration has contributed to peace and stability across the state.
He described the new Aren Eggon as a man of proven integrity and wisdom, expressing confidence in his ability to unite the Eggon people and promote development.
“His Royal Highness is a man of proven wisdom and integrity. His emergence has given hope to the Eggon Nation for greater progress and development,” he said.
Sule also charged the monarch to use his position to promote peace and ensure respect for democratic processes ahead of the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election.
He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in Nasarawa Eggon and surrounding areas, including the Nasarawa Eggon Modern Market, the Alizaga Hill-Wuyo-Wamba Road, and the Nasarawa Eggon–Arugbadu Road, among others.
Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aminu Maifata, said the emergence of Ubangari-Alaku followed due traditional procedures after the demise of the late Aren Eggon, Dr. Bala Abaine-Angbazo.
He commended the governor for renovating palaces across the state and called on residents to continue supporting traditional institutions.
Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Aliyu Ibn-Aliyu, said the installation would strengthen unity and peaceful coexistence among the Eggon people and neighbouring communities.
In his acceptance remarks, the new Aren Eggon thanked the governor for his approval and the formal presentation of the Staff of Office, pledging to rule with fairness and dedication to peace and development.
“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.
