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The coronation of Joseph Onuche Enemona as Olimene Ata Igala set Idah and Ogugu communities in Kogi State agog on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as the Ata Igala’s Palace came alive with traditional festivities, while a colourful reception attended by Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and other prominent personalities turned the occasion into a double celebration.
Enemona, who described the royal honour as an extraordinary privilege and a defining moment in his life, also inaugurated his new country home in Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government Area, making the day particularly memorable for him, his family and associates.
The coronation ceremony at the palace in Idah saw the paramount ruler of the Igala Kingdom, Alaji Opaluwa Mathew Akpa, confer the prestigious chieftaincy title on Enemona before an impressive gathering of traditional dignitaries, political figures, business leaders and other distinguished guests.
For Enemona, the conferment was more than the acquisition of a traditional title. It represented royal recognition, personal fulfilment and a remarkable transformation in his relationship with the Igala traditional institution.
Expressing profound gratitude to the Ata Igala for finding him worthy of the honour, Enemona said the significance of his elevation was difficult to capture in words.
He reflected on his journey from an iconoclast to a protégé of the Ata Igala Kingdom, describing the recognition as a defining moment that opened a new chapter in his relationship with the revered traditional institution.
Following the coronation in Idah, the celebrations shifted to Ogugu, where Enemona formally inaugurated his country home and hosted a colourful reception attended by friends, associates and well-wishers from different parts of the country.
Davido and his entourage joined an array of personalities from traditional institutions, politics, business, entertainment and community organisations to celebrate Enemona’s elevation and personal accomplishment.
The presence of the Afrobeats superstar added celebrity glamour to an occasion already marked by royal recognition and an outpouring of goodwill from friends and associates of the newly crowned chief.
Among the dignitaries were former Kogi State Deputy Governor Edward David Onoja; representatives of the Ata Igala; former President of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN), John Egaji Obeh; and the association’s current president, who was represented by its Public Relations Officer.
Also in attendance were renowned Igala musician Umaja; Iyeoja Ochogwu; and Ojoma Cecilia Lawson, Chief Executive Officer of the Ojoma Heart of Gold Humanitarian Foundation, alongside other guests drawn from different walks of life.
The gathering also afforded Enemona an opportunity to celebrate with family members, friends and associates who had supported him over the years, as the festivities underscored the significance of his elevation within the Igala traditional institution.
As the celebrations drew to a close, Enemona expressed appreciation to the Ata Igala, his family members, friends, associates and well-wishers for their contributions to the success of the coronation and housewarming ceremonies.
He acknowledged the overwhelming show of goodwill and solidarity, saying the presence of those who travelled from different parts of the country to celebrate with him made the occasion even more memorable.
The newly crowned Olimene Ata Igala prayed that joy and celebrations would never cease in the households of his guests, while wishing them safe journeys to their respective destinations.
