An Epic Convergence of Culture, Ancestry, and Politics as Zone C’s Next Senator Emerges with Royal Mandate
OJU, BENUE STATE – July 17th, 2025
History was made. Not with the sound of ballots, but with the beating of ancestral drums and the gathering of crowns. In a majestic two-day event filled with symbolism, spirituality, and solidarity, the great sons and daughters of Igede Nation witnessed a phenomenon many describe as divinely orchestrated: the Royal Endorsement of Chief Dr. Nelson Alapa to contest the 2027 Senate seat representing Benue South (Zone C).
This was not a conventional campaign kickoff. It was a sacred convocation, where tradition met prophecy, and royalty answered destiny’s call.
A DREAM FORETOLD, A MANDATE SEALED
Among the Igede people, it is said that the highest form of approval is not public applause — but ancestral alignment. Long before the event, whispers rippled through the clans: several revered elders and royal emissaries had seen visions — dreams confirming that one among them, born of a daughter of the land, was destined to lead the charge into a new era.
And so the kingdoms collapsed their boundaries.
United under one cause, the Igede Royal Institution — made up of ann the classes of chiefs, custodians of heritage, and spiritual gatekeepers — invoked their sacred rites to bless Chief Dr. Nelson Alapa, whose mother hails from Uwoku, the most politically influential bloc in Igedeland.
“In Igede tradition, a child of our daughters is not just our child — he is our inheritance. We give him to the land as our pride, our promise, and our power,” declared one of the elders at the gathering.
ROYALTY IN MOTION: WHO WAS THERE?
The climax of the event held in Oju — heart of Igede territory — where His Royal Majesty Chief Ogah Ero CP Rtd, the Adurahu Oligede, was ably represented by Ambassador Chief Ulegede Kosoko, who pronounced the royal blessing before an overflowing crowd of dignitaries.
In an emotional but powerful declaration, His Majesty’s message reverberated:
“It would be a worthy thing to have our son, born of Uwoku the heartbeat of our political structure, represent us at the Senate. We have tested him in public service. We have seen the fruits. Now, we send him forth. Go and bring the Senate seat home. We will support you from every part of our land.”
The gathering was a vibrant tapestry of influence:
Royal Chiefs Present:
Chief Okponya
Chief Obande
Chief Odeh Obagi
Chief Felix Arubi
Political Stakeholders and Powerhouses:
Hon. Cyril Ikom, Deputy Majority Leader, Benue State House of Assembly
Hon. Jackson Onminyi, Executive Chairman, Oju LGA
Hon. Dave Odeh, Former Vice Chairman, Oju LGA
Hon. Obia Alukpo, Vice Chairman, Obi LGA
Hon. David Egboja, Former Member, State Assembly
Hon. Godwin Owulo, PDP Zonal Chairman
Hon. Ekala, Party Elder
Hon. Abi Rose Eneyi, APC Women Leader, Oju
Hon. Regina Obia, APP Women Leader, Obi
Hon. Agi Okebe, HOD COE, President Obi Welfare Association
Hon. Atojor, Oju PDP Chairman
Hon. Ekpeme, APC Secretary, Obi LGA
Speaker, Majority Leader, and Councillors of Oju LG
Religious and Community Leaders:
Bishop OKwe
Pastor Oiji
Rev. Abraham
Daniel Okwoche, Former Provost, Oju
Andrew Egwu, Former Executive Secretary, Oju LGA
Comrade Anderson, Youth Representative
Chief Tony Adenyima
Hon. Dan Odeh
