By Matthew Tukura
UMAISHA, NASARAWA STATE — Today, the ancient kingdom of Opanda-Umaisha stands still to honor a titan of administration and a custodian of heritage. His Royal Highness, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the Ohimegye of Opanda-Umaisha and President of the Toto Local Government Traditional Council, marks his 82nd birthday—a milestone that celebrates over three decades of stability, integrity, and fatherly leadership.
Born into royalty on January 4, 1944, Alhaji Abdullahi is the great-great-grandson of the legendary Ohimegye Negedu, the founder of the Opanda dynasty. As the 28th monarch to ascend the throne, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Ohimegye in the history of the chiefdom and the oldest first-class traditional ruler in Nasarawa State.
A Journey of Excellence: From Classroom to Palace
The story of Ohimegye Abdullahi is one of consistent excellence. From his early days at Elementary School, Umaisha, where he consistently ranked first in his class, to his time at the prestigious Government Secondary School, Abuja, his leadership qualities were evident. He shared classrooms with notable figures such as the late Mamman Vatsa and former Minister Buba Ahmed, serving as a house prefect and a model student.
His thirst for knowledge led him to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and eventually to the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Administration.
A Principled Administrator
Before ascending the throne on June 21, 1995, Alhaji Abdullahi carved out a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. He rose to the position of Area Manager for the Northern Region at the United Africa Company (UAC) and served the Plateau State government in various high-ranking capacities, including Permanent Secretary and Commissioner for Health.
Known for his uncompromising integrity, the Ohimegye once resigned from a government position when he felt the processes conflicted with his personal values—a rarity in public service. Justice C.A.R. Momoh once described him as a man with “the tenderness of a lamb but with the heart of a lion.”
A Champion of Unity and Development
Throughout his 30-year reign, the Ohimegye has been a glue for the diverse ethnic groups within Toto Local Government. His palace has remained an inclusive sanctuary for Egbira, Bassa, Gade, Gbagyi, and Hausa peoples alike.
His commitment to inclusivity is documented in his traditional titles; he has honored Bassa, Gbagyi, and Hausa leaders with prestigious roles within the chiefdom, ensuring that every group feels a sense of belonging.
Beyond social cohesion, the Ohimegye has been a tireless advocate for economic revival. He has long championed the resuscitation of the Umaisha River Port, arguing that its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would decongest Abuja’s roads and transform the regional economy.
A Message for the Nation
Even at 82, the Royal Father remains a vocal advocate for national peace. His philosophy is rooted in three pillars:
- On Ethnicity: “God who created us has destined that certain tribes have to live together… We must therefore tolerate one another.”
- On Religion: “Our faith is between us and our Creator… morality and sanity must prevail.”
- On Patriotism: “Nigeria is our country… It is the duty of every Nigerian to be decent, tolerant, and upright.”
The Ultimate Birthday Gift: Peace
As celebrations commence, the most significant backdrop is the return of relative peace to the Toto region. In a recent town hall meeting on December 29, 2025, the Ohimegye urged all stakeholders to maintain this harmony.
For the people of Opanda and Toto Local Government, the 82nd birthday of Alhaji Usman Abdullahi is more than a personal milestone; it is a celebration of a leader who has spent his life building bridges where others saw divides.
As the drums sound in Umaisha today, the refrain remains the same: Agaaba-Iddu! May your reign continue in health and wisdom.
Plateau News Online 