Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has turbaned Chief Ambrose Onah as the new Ada’Idoma (Sarkin Idoma) of Sokoto, charging him to consolidate the existing bonds of peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among the Idoma community and other residents of the state.
The traditional investiture, held in Sokoto on Saturday, attracted members of the Idoma community, traditional institutions and other stakeholders, marking a new chapter in the leadership and representation of the Idoma people in the state.
The Sultan, represented at the ceremony by the Ciroman Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, reaffirmed the Sultanate’s commitment to recognising and respecting traditional leaders representing various resident communities across Sokoto.
He said the traditional institution valued the contributions of the different communities residing in the state and would continue to support initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and unity.
“As we turban you today as the Sarkin Idoma Sokoto (Ada’Idoma), we hope and pray that you ensure the sustenance and continuation of the cordial and good relationship we enjoy,” the Sultan said.
The Sultan described the Idoma people as a community renowned for friendliness and care, recalling his longstanding relationship with prominent Idoma personalities, including former Senate President David Mark.
“I have known Idoma people to be very good and caring. I have some of them as friends, especially the former President of the Senate, David Mark,” he said.
According to him, the new traditional position also creates an avenue for Chief Onah to strengthen his engagement with the Sultanate Council and other traditional rulers across the state.
“You now have access to associate with the Sultanate Council and all the traditional rulers. I am a bridge between you and the Sultanate Council,” the Sultan said.
Earlier, Malam Sambo Na Malam Ilo, who declared the coronation open, prayed for divine wisdom, protection and guidance for the new Sarkin Idoma, urging him to lead his subjects with fairness, responsibility and humility.
He also called on the Alapa K’Idoma Sokoto and second in command, Chief Bartholomew Eluma, to work closely with the new Sarkin Idoma and provide the necessary support for the success of his reign.
Chief Bartholomew Eluma was subsequently recognised as the Alapa K’Idoma, deputy to the Sarkin Idoma, during the ceremony at the palace of the Ciroman Sokoto.
The elevation of Chief Onah comes against the backdrop of the Sultanate’s longstanding role in fostering peaceful relations among the various ethnic and cultural communities that call Sokoto home.
The newly turbaned Sarkin Idoma Sokoto, Chief Ambrose Onah, was born on October 1, 1960, at Olayega village in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
He began his education at LGEA Primary School, St Peter’s Ugbokolo, Edumoga, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1977.
He proceeded to Midland College, Jos, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 1985.
In his pursuit of further education, Chief Onah obtained a Diploma in Public Accounting and Auditing from Talata Marafa, affiliated with the Polytechnic of Sokoto State, in 2005.
Chief Onah commenced his career in the Federal Civil Service on July 3, 1986, as a Clerical Officer at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
He was subsequently transferred to Sokoto on March 30, 1990, where he served in the Auditing Department of the Ministry of Police Affairs.
After 35 years of service, he retired from the Federal Civil Service, having combined his public career with sustained community leadership.
Chief Onah also served as Chairman of the Edumoga Community for 16 years and later as an elder and adviser to the community.
Prior to his elevation as Sarkin Idoma, he served as the Alapa of Idoma in Sokoto, a position through which he participated in the affairs and representation of the Idoma community.
His latest elevation now entrusts him with the responsibility of providing traditional leadership to the Idoma community in Sokoto while strengthening its relationship with the Sultanate Council and other communities in the state.
