BY ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
November 5th, 2019 will remain significant in the life of the people of Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State as the new aged monarch, His Royal Majesty, Obi Christopher Uzu Diji, Obi of Onicha-Olona received Staff of Office from the Delta State Government.
Presenting the Staff of Office, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor, Delta State who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, commended the people for following and respecting the time honoured process of succession to the throne. He however, appealed to the people to accord the royal father the respect and understanding needed to facilitate his duties for proper administration of the community.
“My dear people of Onicha-Olona, we are here to rejoice with you on this great occasion of the presentation of Staff of Office to His Riyal Majesty Obi Christopher Uzu Diji. No effort will be spared in the security of all communities as peace is a springboard for development”.
This was the assurances given today, by the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr. ) Ifeanyi Okowa at the presentation ceremony, as the pristine town of Onicha-Olona went agog in celebration with the government recognition of the monarch of the community.
www.spadeng.com gathered that there was no king in the kingdom for the past 25 years and this is the first time Onicha-Olona traditional ruler is being presented Staff of Office by any government.
The Governor appealed to the Monarch of Onicha-Olona to discharge his responsibilities based on tenet of transparency, accountability and probity at all-time and above to carry the people along and ensure equity and fairness to all. “According to him; “As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not in words or action, give cause to your subjects to doubt your ability to 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,” Okowa stated.
The Governor also used the occasion to solicit collaborative partnership from all Deltans take advantage of the various policies and programmes of the state government to improve on their production capacities, noting that Onicha-Olona was well known for its abundant agricultural production.
The Governor who thanked the people of Onicha-Olona for their continued support for the State government, commended their various self- help efforts and assured that all legitimate requests made will be channeled to the appropriate agencies of government for necessary attention.
Earlier, the President General of Onicha-Olona Development Union (ODU), Mr. Okey Aligbe thanked the State Government for protective steps taken to restore the Kingship tussle that lasted over 25 years; emphasizing that the Staff of Office presentation has brought peace and unity to the town.
He appreciated Governor Okowa for appointing indigenes of the town into key political positions, and also the rehabilitation of Issele-Uku / Onicha-Olona road, renovation of primary and secondary schools and the intervention of the Rural Development Agency to restore electricity to the town among others.
The President General of Onicha-Olona Development Union also appealed to the State Government to establish a higher institution in the town, and to rehabilitate the Onicha-Olona/ Obomkpa roads, reticulation of water pipelines to service the town, and perimeter fencing of schools in the town for school safety.