Eje Ankpa and the making of a street king

By Nathan Oguche Emmanuel

The conferment of chieftaincy titles has become ubiquitous among traditional rulers in Nigerian societies today, serving as a means for these rulers to assert and exercise their power on behalf of the gods. From the palaces of Emirs in Northern Nigeria, through the royal abode of Ata Igala in North Central Nigeria, to the royal palaces of Igwes in the Eastern parts of the country, and the fortress of Ooni in the Western region, the conferment of chieftaincy titles is typically based on a variety of factors and criteria, including personal merit, wealth, philanthropy, professional accomplishment, community support, and the ability to connect with influential people to attract development to their communities. Regardless of the reasons, title holders are people of honor and integrity who are respected and revered in society.

Since October 7, 2023, when HRH Abubakar Ahmed Ahmadu Yakubu, a young, energetic, and visionary leader, was given the staff of authority to sit on the throne of his fathers as the Ejeh Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, he has been deeply committed to sustaining the pedigree of the throne. He aims to attract genuine development to his Kingdom and make it a model of peace and prosperity. The conferment of chieftaincy titles is one way he leverages his network to attract real development to his kingdom, by celebrating those whose contributions are evident and whose integrity is untainted.

Recently, on June 21, 2024, the palace of the King, located in the heart of the ancient city of Ankpa in the Kogi East Senatorial District, North Central Nigeria, was abuzz with excitement, cultural splendour and witnessed an influx of people from all walks of life and from various parts of the country. They gathered to witness Abdullahi O. Haruna, popularly known as Haruspice, being conferred with the chieftaincy title of Oma Eju Ejeh, with the salutation, Ga’aku.

The event was significant in many ways. For some people, the coronation was more than just an honour bestowed upon Haruspice; it was a vibrant display of Igala tradition and unity, a resplendent showcase that reaffirmed the enduring strength and beauty of Igala customs. From the colourful attire to the rhythmic drumming and traditional dances, every element of the event testified to the deep-rooted Igala cultural heritage. The presence of prominent sons and daughters of the Igala Kingdom, alongside friends and associates of the honouree, underscored the communal bond defining the Igala people, marking a moment of collective pride and celebration.

For many others, the honour bestowed upon Chief Haruna—a skilled public relations strategist known for his effective information management, writing, poetry, youth activism, peer health education, leadership mentoring, professional photography, and social media influence—is more than just a recognition of past achievements. Chief Haruna practices a rare form of journalism known as “solutions journalism,” which doesn’t simply catalogue society’s woes and failures. Instead, his writing finds hope in despair, solutions in challenges, and victory in defeat. This honor signifies a promise of a flourishing future for a man who, though still on his life’s journey, has already achieved numerous milestones that hint at greatness.

As he stood before the assembly of dignitaries and well-wishers, draped in the regalia of his new title, Haruspice Abdullahi’s eyes reflected both pride and humility. “This title is not just for me,” he told his friends and admirers. “It is for all those who believe in the power of dreams and the strength of perseverance. It is a reminder that our past does not define us, but rather, it is our vision and our actions that shape our future.”

When one reflects on Chief Haruna’s early journey, it becomes clear that beyond the grandeur of his coronation, the splendor of his royal attire, the lively sounds of rhythmic, melodious talking drums filling the air, and the presence of distinguished guests, there are untold stories that shaped his character. These stories reveal that he began his reign right from the streets, where he fostered his entrepreneurial skills.

In one of his inspiring pieces, the pen master once recounted the story of his past, chronicling how he moved from grace to grace, stating, ‘One thing I have come to learn about life in my few years of existence is the importance of creating a niche for oneself. In this life, no one will help you create your identity, not even the wealth of your parents. Who you become is entirely your responsibility; nothing guarantees sustenance more than your personal effort, supported of course by God!”

As a young man, every phase of his life is marked by an unquenchable zeal to break through barriers. According to him, “I have never let a moment pass me by. I remember even as a boy—barely 10 years old—I would sneak out of the house and follow older guys to the present Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Gaskiya Zaria, to fetch water for students.”

He continued: “While other boys went to the boys’ hostel, I chose the girls’ hostel because girls were naturally generous with money. I was making money as a child and saving it. Life gave me a harsh blow when my dad tracked me down at the school and caught me fetching water. He didn’t just end my hustling journey; he left some lasting marks on my young body, for he couldn’t understand why his son should be running errands for money at a tender age.”

However, by the time young Haruspice and his parents moved to Abuja in the early 1990s, he had already become the proud owner of a wheelbarrow. While his peers adhered to the dictates of time, he joined older individuals in carrying goods for people at the market. He was an exceptional wheelbarrow pusher, finding refuge in Karu market in present-day Abuja where he saved money every five market days.

While his dad disapproved of him making money at such a young age, his mother encouraged him to balance his time between studying his books and pursuing what gave him pleasure.

As he recalls, “I achieved a personal victory when Dad once asked me for money. That day marked my first instance of paternal approval for my youthful hustle. I gained my teenage independence from my dad in 1993.”

Since then, Abdullahi Haruna has been like a bulldozer, overcoming all obstacles that have come his way. He seizes every opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. His journey underscores the belief that success is not a destination but an ongoing pursuit. Whether through entrepreneurial ventures or community projects or consultancy, Haruspice consistently demonstrates his ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

The tale of how Haruspice reigned and conquered the street is beautifully knotted with the lives of those he has influenced. Friends, mentors, and even competitors recognize his blend of charisma and determination. “Haruspice has always been a force of nature,” says a longtime associate. “He sees potential where others see problems, and his enthusiasm is contagious.”

In a country where authentic leadership can be rare, Haruspice’s rise serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that with determination, courage, and a commitment to service and personal development, one can ascend from humble beginnings to the heights of leadership, forging a legacy that will inspire generations to come.