The new Obi of Ogwashi –Uku , His Royal Majesty , Obi Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo has recived his staff of office from the Delta state government with a pledge to make the unity and progress of the ancient the central focus of his reign.
The development is coming five weeks after his instllation as Obi .
His installation was preceded by his unanimous endorsement and presentation by the Umu Obi Obahai royal family of Ogwashi –Uku and the traditional ckalking and crowning ceremonies conducted by the Ikelike and Agidiehi kingmakers in Ogwashi-Uku .
The ascention of the Obi Okonjo , a finanacial management expert and CEO of Chevy Chase Consulting followed the passing of his father , His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.)Chukuka Okonjo at the age of 91.
Expressing his deep gratitude to the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his administration , Obi Okonjo described the staff of office as a call to service for the greater good of Ogwashi – Uku, Delta State and Nigeria.
“ I receive this instrument of office on behalf of my great people and I pledge to do my utmost to strengthen the bonds , binds the wounds and join hands together with all progressive groups and elements to further the interest of Ogwashi- Uku .”
The new Obi , attended Federal Government Collage , Enugu . He obtained his A Levels as an external student of the University of London before proceeding to the United State of America where he bagged two bachelor’s degrees in economics and History from the University of Maryland , Collage Park and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh , Scotland . He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Paris , France .
A transformational minded leader with a deep and abiding love for his people , His Royal Majesty , Obi Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo’s focus is to be a forward –looking and inclusive traditional ruler who will elevate his people by serving as a champion of translating progressive and practical ideas into action .
The new Obi has pledged to focus on the development of the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom. He has promised to reconcile all issues causing division within the people in the kingdom with a view to ensuring that Oguwahi Uku stops being divided.
He has also promised to work with the state government , local and international development agencies to bring much needed development which creates new growth opportunities and jobs within the kingdom , adding that work has commenced on the developmental blue print for the kingdom tagged Ogwshi-Uku 2030.
The Obi has pledged to identify infrastructural gaps within Ogwashi-Uku and work with the NDDC, state and local governments to ensure that the infrastructure in the kingdom is upgraded with the shortest possible time.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, while presenting the staff of office warned that his administration will not tolerate any illegal traditional ruler in the state.
He however restated that his government will not dabble into the traditional processes involved in the selection of a king in any part of the state.
Okowa who was represented by his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, spoke on Tuesday at Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area where he presented staff of office to the new Obi (King) of the kingdom, Ifechukwude Chukwuka Okonjo II.
It will be recalled that Governor Okowa last week approved Ifechukwude, younger brother to the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the new Obi .
The government added that the community has fulfilled all the traditional requirements for the coronation of Ifechukwude as king.
Presenting the staff of office, Okowa said any community desirous of a monarch must follow due processes of selection, adding that the ceremony was in compliance with the statute empowering the government.
He commended Ogwashi-Uku people for passing through all processes leading to the selection of their king while urging the monarch to discharge his responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair to all.
The governor also charged Ogwashi Uku people to give maximum support to the monarch to enable him create opportunities for socio-economic activities to thrive for the benefit of the kingdom.