The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has formally elevated the leadership of the Idoma community in the state, with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, turbaning Chief Ambrose Onah as the new Sarkin Idoma Sokoto.
The installation places Onah within Sokoto’s traditional leadership structure and gives him responsibility for sustaining relations between the Idoma community and the Sultanate Council.
Representing the Sultan at the ceremony, the Ciroman Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, conveyed the Sultan’s assurance of continued support for traditional leaders representing resident communities in Sokoto.
He said the Sultanate valued the contributions of people from different communities and expected the new Sarkin Idoma to preserve the cordial relationship between the Idoma community and the traditional institution.
“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 also cited his longstanding association with members of the Idoma community, including former Senate President David Mark, as an example of the relationships that have developed between the community and the Sultanate.
According to him, the new title would provide Onah greater opportunity to engage with the Sultanate Council and other traditional rulers, describing himself as a link between the Sarkin Idoma and the council.
The coronation also formally recognised Chief Bartholomew Eluma as the Alapa K’Idoma Sokoto, making him the deputy to the newly installed Sarkin Idoma.
At the ceremony, Malam Sambo Na Malam Ilo prayed for wisdom and protection for Onah and urged him to provide effective leadership to his subjects.
He also called on Eluma to support the Sarkin Idoma in the discharge of his responsibilities and contribute to the success of the new administration.
Onah, who was born on October 1, 1960, in Olayega village, Opokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, began his education at LGEA Primary School, St Peter’s Ugbokolo, Edumoga, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1977.
He later attended Midland College, Jos, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination in 1985, before proceeding to earn a Diploma in Public Accounting and Auditing from an institution affiliated with the Polytechnic of Sokoto State in 2005.
His public service career began in the Federal Civil Service on July 3, 1986, as a clerical officer at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja. He was later transferred to Sokoto in 1990, where he worked in the auditing department of the Ministry of Police Affairs.
After 35 years in federal service, Onah retired and subsequently became chairman of the Edumoga Community in Sokoto, a position he held for 16 years. He also served as an elder, adviser and Alapa of Idoma in Sokoto before his elevation to the position of Sarkin Idoma.
