By Joy Salami
The Ankpa Traditional Council, has conferred the revered chieftaincy title of Iye Ebule of Ankpa Chiefdom, on the Kogi State Accountant-General, Dr Habibat Tijjani Onumoko, FCNA, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to public service, leadership and community development.
The historic conferment makes Chief Habibat the first female representative of women to sit in council with the Ejeh, marking a significant milestone in the traditional governance structure of the Ankpa Chiefdom.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Palace of the Ejeh in Ankpa Local Government Area, drew traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, women groups and residents from within and outside the state.
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While performing the turbaning and coronation rites, the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Ahmodu Yakubu II, described the honour as historic, noting that the title reflected the Accountant-General’s integrity, capacity and commitment to service.
“By this turbaning and coronation today, you are now elected as the only trusted first female member to sit in our council, to represent the women folk in the Ankpa Chiefdom, ” the monarch declared.
He added that the Ankpa Traditional Council found her worthy based on her track record in public service and her demonstrated support for women empowerment and community development.
In her acceptance speech, Chief Habibat Tijjani Onumoko, expressed profound gratitude to the Ejeh and the entire Ankpa Traditional Council for the rare honour, describing it as both humbling and inspiring.
This honour is not just for me, but for every woman whose voice deserves to be heard. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve, she said.
She pledged to justify the confidence reposed in her by serving as a voice for women and contributing to peace, unity and development within the chiefdom.
The Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Hon. Ademu Muhammed, in his welcome address, congratulated the new Iye Ebule, describing the conferment as a bold step toward inclusive traditional governance.
He commended the Ankpa Traditional Council for recognising competence and integrity, noting that the development would further strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions and government.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Zonal Security Adviser to the Governor for the Ankpa Federal Axis, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, congratulated the newly crowned Iye Ebule, describing her exceptional service to the people of Kogi State.
The people of Ankpa deeply appreciate her commitment, dedication, and love for the masses, he said.
He also used the occasion to commend the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his timely intervention through the Olubojo erosion control project in Ankpa.
“For many years, erosion has been a serious menace, causing untold hardship to the people of Ankpa. Today, we are happy and grateful that the Governor’s intervention has brought succour to our communities”, he stated.
The ceremony featured traditional rites, cultural performances and goodwill messages from dignitaries, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Ankpa Chiefdom.
