By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa today presented the official Staff Of Office to His Royal Majesty (HRM) King Obokowho Arthur Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1, The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the State.
Presenting the Staff Of Office in a colourful ceremony held at the Idjerhe Grammar School, Gov Okowa who was represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, noted that he has no doubt that the institution of the Ovie has great significance for the people of Idjerhe and as such, they should all strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according His Royal Majesty, the respect he truly deserves.
“I urge you all to give him your fullest support and cooperation. The Ovie is one of you, I therefore, call on every son and daughter of Idjerhe to bury any differences and work together with the Ovie for the sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government area and indeed the State.” He added.
Appealing to the new King to be kind to all, Gov Okowa stated that “Your Royal Majesty, I appeal to you to discharge all your responsibilities by being fair and just. You are the father of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all and sundry. As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you uphold the sanctity of their customs. I sincerely appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people, so as to carry all your people along.”
While revealing that the Idjerhe kingdom is occupying a very strategic corner of the State sharing boundary with the legendary Benin Empire, Gov Okowa advised the Udurhie 1 of Idjerhe kingdom to at all times, live in peaceful co-existence and robust brotherhood with their neighbours.
“I have also listened to all your requests, especially the appeal for a specialized research and degree awarding institution in the kingdom in remembrance of the victims of the Idjerhe fire disaster of October 17, 1998. I assure you that all your requests will be channeled to the appropriate agencies of government for necessary attention.” He added.
Congratulating His Royal Majesty, King Obokowho Arthur Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1, on his appointment and recognition as the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, and praying God’s guidance, wisdom, good health and many years of peaceful and prosperous reign, Gov Okowa called on the sons and daughters of Idjerhe kingdom, to take advantage of the various programmes and policies of government, to improve and add value to their various capacities.
Earlier in his speech read by Hon. Halims Agodo, HRM Obukowho Whiskey, who appreciated Gov Okowa for the numerous appointments given to Idjerhe sons and daughters, noted that, just like Oliver Twist, asking for more, stated that the Idjerhe Kingdom was in fire need of more developmental projects in the areas of citing of higher institution of learning, cottage hospital, skill acquisition centre where thousands of their youths can learn and train in vocation.
The Udurhie 1 of Idjerhe Kingdom said it was not out of place to appeal and request the Federal Government to as a mark of respect and in remembrance of the Jesse Fire Disaster of October 17, 1998, where the Kingdom lost over 1000 souls to the pipeline explosion in Atiwor village, Jesse, to establish a specialized, research and degree awarding institution in the Kingdom.
He thanked Gov Okowa and Government of Delta State for the honour as he promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the traditional administration of his people geared towards promoting peace, unity and progress for the peace loving people of Idjerhe Kingdom.
The presentation of the Staff Of Office to the journalist of repute was greeted with joy and euphoria across the State. This is coming just about two years after the former King, His Royal Majesty, Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe 1, joined his ancestors in 2018. The reign of HRM, Erhiekevwe 1, lasted for over a decade.
Some of the dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of DESOPADEC, Hon. Chief John Nani, former House of Reps member, Hon. (Chief) Halims Agoda, traditional rulers from other parts of the State, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) amongst other notable personalities in the country.