Ben Dunno, Warri
Six years after the demise of the last Orosuen of Okere Urhobo kingdom of Warri, in Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, presented staff of office to the new monarch His Royal Majesty, Prof. Paul Oghenero Okumagba, Idama II.
This historic event witnessed by prominent royal fathers from across the state, as well as important dignities in both public and private sectors within and outside the state, laid to rest the many years of power tussle and acrimony among the ruling houses in the kingdom.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okowa, charged the new monarch to use his well respected academic and traditional authorities to promote peace in the oil city of Warri.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, while presenting the staff of office, admonished the people of Okere Urhobo to put their differences behind and work together with the Orosuen for sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom.
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According to him, “The Orosuen is one of you and it is a win-win situation for all the people of Okere Urhobo, Warri.
“Government is no doubt aware of some pockets of dissenting voices in the processes leading to today’s ceremony, but, I sincerely urge you to give him your fullest support and cooperation for the sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom”.
“Your Royal Majesty, 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 custom.
“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 them along.”
While congratulating the monarch on his selection and subsequent recognition as the Orosuen, Governor Okowa pointed out that Okere Urhobo Kingdom being in the heartland of the city of Warri, the monarch should use his position to foster sustained peace in the commercial nerve centre.
Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Dr. Micheal Tidi represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ann Iniovosa, urge the people of Okere Urhobo to work in unity and speak with one voice to bring development to the land.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Otota (Traditional Prime Minister) of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Chief Wilson Eboh, assured the governor that the reign of their royal father will be peaceful and will bring the needed development to the people.
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Eboh appealed to the governor to consider the construction of Ejemudaro road where the Orosuen’s palace is situated, Apala road linking Giwa-Amu, as well as other roads in the kingdom for even development.
The event which was attended by several traditional rulers across the state including the Orodje of Okpe, Orhue 1; the vice chairman of State Traditional Rulers Council, Pere of Akugbene-Mien Kingdom, HRM SP Luke, Kalama 111 and the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Abe 1, also had top government functionaries and prominent Christian leaders in attendance.
It would be recalled that the indigenes of Okere Urhobo kingdom especially individuals from the ruling houses had been polarized along personal and selfish interest of a replacement to the throne shortly after the demise of the the late traditional ruler, HRM, Benjamin Okumagba.