BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has warned that his administration will not tolerate any illegal traditional stool in any part of the State. He advised that any community that wants a king must follow due process, which includes selection by its people.
Governor Okowa, gave the warning yesterday during the official presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo 11, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that, the presentation of staff of office to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom is in compliance with the statute. According to him, government will not dabble into the selection of traditional rulers, it is statutory for the State government to present staff of office to a traditional ruler after due installation and enthronement by his people.
Governor Okowa while congratulating the new Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, charged him to be meticulous in using divine wisdom in handling the affairs of the kingdom and also to be creative in leading the kingdom to greater heights to enable him sustain the achievements of his predecessors.
“I appeal to you to discharge all your responsibilities in transparent manner by being fair and just. You are the father of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all and sundry. I sincercely appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people”. Gov. Okowa stated.
The governor reiterate that, government will continue to support traditional institutions through the provision of conducive environment for their leadership to thrive. He noted that this will galvanize traditional rulers to moblise their subjects to support government policies and programmes.
Governor Okowa while imploring the people of Ogwashi-Uku to give maximum support to their royal father to enable him create opportunities for socio-economic activities to thrive for the benefit of the kingdom, urged them to support the efforts of his administration by contributing their quota in the sustenance of peace, unity and harmonious co-existence in the State.
The Chairman Aniocha South Local Government, Hon. (Chief) Isaac Anwuzia, who noted that traditional institution is key to the peaceful administration of communities and ease of governance, assured that the Aniocha South traditional rulers committee and the people are ready to support the new Obi.
In his address, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo 11, said he would work expeditiously during his reign to promote education, agriculture, cottage industries, infrastructure as well as culture and unity in the kingdom.
According to him, all efffort would be directed at mending fences in the kingdom. He said all parties irrespective of their differences in terms of ideology, background and current affiliations would be heard while their petitions will be fairly dealt with.
Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo 11, assured the people that he will not let them down, but would earn their trust through a systematic process of inclusion, engagement and implementation. He added that, he will seek to convert the youth from being passive recipients of dispensed benefits into active agents of change.