The ancient town of Nasarawa Eggon came alive on Saturday as Governor Abdullahi Sule officially installed and presented the Staff of Office to the new Aren Eggon of Eggon Nation, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku (Rtd), marking the first such ceremony in 43 years.
The colourful event attracted prominent dignitaries, including former APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe;  Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau; the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (Rtd); and traditional rulers from Jukun, Nupe and Igala kingdoms in Taraba, Niger and Kogi states respectively.
Presenting the Staff of Office, Governor Sule urged the new Aren Eggon to discharge his responsibilities with justice, fairness and the fear of God in the interest of peace, unity and development of Eggon Nation and Nasarawa State.
According to the governor, traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in governance, serving as custodians of cultural heritage, promoters of peace and mediators in conflict resolution.
He noted that his administration has integrated traditional institutions into the machinery of governance through active engagement in governmental affairs at all levels, a move he said has contributed significantly to peace, stability and harmonious coexistence across the state.
Governor Sule described the appointment of Justice Ubangari Alaku as a reflection of his proven integrity, wisdom and leadership qualities, expressing confidence that peace and progress would continue to thrive under his reign.
He also called on the new monarch to use his position to promote stability and ensure respect for democratic processes ahead of the Nasarawa North bye-election scheduled for June 20.
The governor highlighted several development projects executed by his administration in Nasarawa Eggon and the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, including the Nasarawa Eggon Modern Market, the Alizaga Hill–Wuyo–Wamba Road, and the Nasarawa Eggon–Arugbadu road linking communities in Lafia Local Government Area, among other urban and rural infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, said the selection of Justice Alaku followed the passing of the late Aren Eggon, Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo.
He commended Governor Sule for renovating traditional rulers’ palaces across the state and called on citizens to continue supporting traditional institutions in promoting peace and unity.
Earlier, the Chairman of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Barrister Aliyu Ibn Aliyu, said the installation of the new Aren Eggon would strengthen unity among the Eggon people and their neighbours. He appreciated the governor for approving and presenting the Staff of Office to the monarch.
In his acceptance remarks, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku (Rtd), a former Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, thanked Governor Sule for approving his selection and formally installing him as the paramount ruler of Eggon Nation.
He pledged to rule with justice, fairness and the fear of God, while appealing for the support and cooperation of Eggon sons and daughters, stakeholders and residents of the state.
“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. Let us embrace dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict, and service over self-interest,” he said.
Justice Ubangari Alaku ascended the revered stool of Aren Eggon on May 5, 2023, following the death of the late Aren Eggon, Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo, on July 12, 2022.
The last presentation of a Staff of Office to an Aren Eggon took place in 1983 when the late Dr. Bala Abaine Angbazo received the instrument of authority from the then Governor of old Plateau State, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar.
The well-attended ceremony featured rich cultural displays and traditional dances, showcasing the heritage and unity of the Eggon people.