Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The late HRH Ityowua James Adzape Igino, 1932 to 2010 , Ter Kwande, was not just a traditional ruler. He was one of the finest products of Tivland and Northern Nigeria.
Before ascending the Ter Kwande throne, he had already distinguished himself academically at the prestigious Barewa College, where his name was posted as the best graduating student of his set; a rare honour for any Tiv son of that era.
Professionally, he served with distinction in the Works Department of the Tiv Native Authority, taking over from the legendary Chief Benjamin Ako Dzungwe. These were the visionary men who helped design and shape major Tiv towns such as Gboko, Adikpo and Katsina-Ala. He later worked with FEDECO and also contested for the House of Representatives. Ter Kwande was a man of intellect, dignity, service and honour.
In 2009, a grand event was organized in Adikpo to celebrate his 77th birthday and legacy. The occasion featured the presentation of a biography in his honour , with Prof. D. V. Uza as book presenter and Prof. Akise Ada as reviewer. Distinguished personalities from across Nigeria attended. Senators, top Tiv politicians and respected leaders graced the occasion. Governor Gabriel Suswam, who was out of the country at the time, sent his deputy to represent him.
On that day too, the Ter Kwande chose to honour distinguished sons of Kwande with traditional titles. Among them were Late Marquis Hemba, Late Rt. Hon. Gbalamen Simon Kwaggbula, Chief Emmanuel Viashima Anghar, Terlumun Jonathan Akputu, Chief Patrick Enyigoro, Senator Enyiola Omisore and Chief Ternenge John Akperashi.
At the time, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa was serving as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He had already become one of the most influential figures in the Federal Government.
Interestingly, the organizing committee could not successfully deliver an invitation to him before the event. But on the very day of the celebration, he heard through public announcements that the Ter Kwande was being honoured and others were receiving traditional titles at Adikpo.
What did MKA do? He invited himself.
Not out of pride, but out of deep respect for the Ter Kwande stool and the institution of traditional leadership. Despite his national stature and demanding office, he considered it improper for such a historic event to hold without his presence.
When he arrived, he openly stated that he came because of the immense honour and regard he had for HRH James Adzape Igino and the Kwande traditional institution.
During the book launch of the biography written by three young authors, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa made the single highest contribution to the book launch. In fact, only he and Engr. S. C. Ghasarah substantially launched the book that day.
This is significant. Traditional rulers across Benue often struggle to get political leaders and elites to honour invitations to palace meetings and cultural events. Invitations are sent repeatedly, with endless follow-ups. Yet here was one of the most powerful ministers in Nigeria voluntarily attending a traditional event simply because he respected the stool and the man occupying it. That is leadership rooted in culture, humility and identity.
Today, as Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa seeks the governorship of Benue State under the PDP for the 2027 elections, he presents himself as a leader who understands the place of our traditional institutions, our cultural heritage and our senior statesmen and women.
MKA believes that traditional rulers are not ornaments of ceremony. They are custodians of our history, morality, unity and communal stability. Under his leadership, Benue’s traditional institutions will be treated with dignity, consultation and honour. Respect for tradition is respect for the people themselves.