Ohimegye Opanda At 82: Celebrating An Enduring Legacy

His Royal Highness, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha Chiefdom and President of the Toto Local Government Traditional Council in Nasarawa State, recently celebrated his 82nd birthday on 4 January. A seasoned administrator and revered traditional ruler, the royal father has dedicated decades to serving humanity, governance, and the preservation of traditional values.

Born on 4 January 1944, Ohimegye Abdullahi is the great-great-grandson of the legendary Ohimegye Negedu, founder of the Opanda dynasty. He is the 28th monarch of the chiefdom and has now reigned for over three decades, making him the longest-serving Ohimegye in the chiefdom’s history. Appointed on 21 June 1995 as a second-class chief, he received his staff of office from Col. Mohammed Mana. Today, he is recognised as a first-class chief and remains the oldest traditional ruler in Nasarawa State.

Soft-spoken, calm, and unassuming, Ohimegye Abdullahi is not one to indulge in public flamboyance. He speaks sparingly, shuns unnecessary ceremonies, and avoids undue attention. He is among the very few traditional rulers in the state, and indeed in the country, to have attained the age of eighty on the throne.

The royal father embodies dignity, simplicity, and grace. Through his actions, he has restored respect for the traditional institution in Opanda, Nasarawa State, and beyond. He firmly believes that when the Native Authority system fails to maintain integrity, the people lose trust. As a result, it is uncommon to see him visit government houses or ministries without a valid reason. Content with what God has given him, he lives humbly, free from excessive material pursuits. For Ohimegye, leadership is about serving others, not self-interest.

His journey started early. At the age of four, he was introduced to Islamic teachings before beginning at Elementary School, Umaisha, in 1952. An exceptionally bright pupil, he consistently ranked first in his class. In his final year, he was top among 28 pupils. Teachers described him as “keen and intelligent,” “very fair,” and “very good indeed.” He served as head boy, marking his first formal leadership role.

Alongside Umar Abubakar, Ohimegye was one of only two pupils to pass the Middle School entrance examination. He attended Middle School in Suleja and later went on to Government Secondary School, Abuja. There, he shared classrooms with notable figures, including the late Mamman Vatsa, former Minister of Sports Buba Ahmed, Zamani Lekwot (later Military Governor of Rivers State), the late Emir of Azara, HRH Musa Azara, and Usman Sabo Ago. He was also appointed House Prefect of Keffi House.

Driven by a strong desire for knowledge, Ohimegye attended the Advanced Teachers’ College and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his NCE and degree. His academic journey culminated in completing a Master’s Degree at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, along with other specialised courses undertaken during his civil service career.

His working career started in 1968 with the United Africa Company (UAC) as a Trainee Supervisor. He rose to become the Area Manager for the Northern Region. In 1977, he left UAC to serve as Secretary of the Plateau Investment Company and later as General Manager of the Plateau Supply Company. He also held positions in various ministries as Secretary, Permanent Secretary, and Director-General.

A man of principle, Ohimegye resigned from government service in 1979 over concerns related to integrity and returned to UAC. In 1994, he was appointed Commissioner for Health in Plateau State by Col. Mohammed Mana, a role he held until his selection as Ohimegye of Opanda in 1995. Thirty years later, he continues to reign gracefully at 82. He has remained a father figure to all ethnic groups in the chiefdom.

Ohimegye has served on numerous committees, including as Amirul Hajj in 1985, Chairman of various state committees, and Board Member of Kaduna Polytechnic. His record demonstrates unwavering dedication to public service.

The esteemed monarch has remained deeply dedicated to development and has consistently promoted tolerance, religious harmony, and patriotism. His disciplined upbringing, instilled by his late father, Alhaji Abdullahi Yerima Dangara, shaped his integrity and fostered a profound fear of God.

As we celebrate Ohimegye’s 82nd year, the return of relative peace to Toto is heartwarming. The crisis, which could have been avoided through dialogue, must come to an end. With peace in Toto, a new beginning becomes possible.

Perhaps the greatest birthday gift the people of Toto can offer their royal father is a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence. May Allah grant you endless good health, strength, and wisdom. Agaaba-Iddu!!

 –Tukura, a veteran journalist, writes from Lafia.