Dignitaries celebrate AVM Monday Morgan as Akii of Kwararafa at Abuja reception

Family members, friends, traditional rulers, politicians and military officers on Wednesday gathered in Abuja to celebrate former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Monday R. Morgan (Rtd), following his conferment as the Akii of the Kwararafa Kingdom.”

The reception was organised in honour of the retired senior military officer after the Wukari Traditional Council, led by the Aku Uka of Wukari, His Majesty Manu Ishaku Adda Ali, conferred on him the revered traditional title of Akii, meaning “The Shield of Kwararafa.”

Speaking at the reception, one of the hosts of the dinner and anchor of the event, Dr. Odatse-Peters Kelvin, said the Kwararafa Empire predates Nigeria’s independence and has its roots across the country’s 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that Air Vice Marshal Morgan was coronated on July 1, 2026, in Wukari, the spiritual headquarters of the Kwararafa Empire, where the Aku Uka, regarded as the spiritual leader and head of the empire, charged him to work towards promoting unity and development across the Kwararafa Kingdom.

Dr. Kelvin further noted that the title of Akii, meaning “The Shield of the Kwararafa Empire,” is the second-highest traditional title within the Kwararafa Empire, underscoring its significance and the confidence reposed in the recipient.

Speaking at the reception, Chief Harris Paul Ogbole, SAN, congratulated Air Vice Marshal Morgan on the honour, describing the title as a fitting recognition of his years of dedicated service to Nigeria and humanity.

He also commended the Aku Uka of Wukari and the Wukari Traditional Council for recognising distinguished sons of the kingdom, saying the gesture would encourage others to remain committed to service and integrity.

The Benue State governorship candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Hon. Mathew Ochigbo, said the honour was well deserved, describing Morgan as a disciplined leader whose contributions to national security and national development have remained outstanding.

Ochigbo thanked the Aku Uka for preserving the rich traditions of the Kwararafa Kingdom through the recognition of deserving personalities, adding that the conferment reflected the monarch’s commitment to honouring excellence.

Also speaking, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant in Benue State, Dr Peter Adejoh, congratulated the retired Air Vice Marshal, saying the title was a testament to his integrity, patriotism and commitment to service.

He praised the Aku Uka and the Wukari Traditional Council for finding Morgan worthy of the honour, noting that traditional institutions continue to play an important role in promoting values and rewarding exemplary leadership.

Representing the Senator for Nasarawa West, Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, Sule Audu also felicitated the honouree and expressed appreciation to the Aku Uka for bestowing the title on Morgan.

He said the recognition reflected the traditional ruler’s appreciation for selfless service and urged the recipient to continue serving humanity with the same dedication that earned him the prestigious title.

Responding, Air Vice Marshal Monday R. Morgan (Rtd) expressed gratitude to the Aku Uka of Wukari, the Wukari Traditional Council and all those who attended the reception in his honour.

He described the title as a great privilege and responsibility, pledging to continue promoting peace, unity and development in the Kwararafa Kingdom and Nigeria.

“I sincerely appreciate His Majesty, the Aku Uka of Wukari, and the entire Traditional Council for this honour. I also thank my family, friends and colleagues for their unwavering support and for celebrating with me today. This recognition will inspire me to do even more in service to humanity,” he said.

The colourful reception featured goodwill messages, cultural performances and the presentation of gifts as guests celebrated the retired military officer’s distinguished career and his elevation as Akii of the Kwararafa Kingdom.