By Eseoghene Emuke
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Monday charged traditional rulers in the state to support government efforts by promoting peace in their various kingdoms.
Okowa gave the charge while presenting Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1 as the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom at Jesse Town, the traditional headquarters of Idjerhe Kingdom in the Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
Udurhie 1 had earlier been selected and appointed as the traditional ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom by kingmakers from the ruling houses.
Okowa, represented by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, particularly charged the new monarch to use his revered position to champion peace and development of his people.
The governor also called on Udurhie 1, a former newspaper editor, to unite all aggrieved persons in the kingdom so as to engender progress and unity for which the Idjerhe people have longed been known in the state.
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Okowa accompanied by top politicians in the state including the chairman of Delta Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, assured that his administration would continue to partner the new monarch for the development of the area.
He, however, charged the people of the kingdom to accord the royal father all the needed support for a peaceful and successful reign on the throne of his forefathers.
The governor congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, urging him to bring to bear his robust experience as a top journalist in the country in the administration of the ancient Idjerhe Kingdom.
In his welcome address, Ovie of Idjerhe, HRM, King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1, commended Governor Okowa and members of the State Executive Council for affirming his recommendation by the Idjerhe Traditional Council as the new traditional ruler of the kingdom.
The address read on behalf of the monarch by a former House of Representatives representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Chief Halims Agoda, thanked the governor for the development efforts and appointment of his subjects into his cabinet.
The monarch called on the state and federal governments to site a research and degree-awarding institution in the kingdom in honour and commemoration of the October 18, 1998 pipeline explosion which claimed hundreds of lives in the kingdom.
The Staff of Office presentation which was greeted by jubilation by thousands of subjects and dignitaries from all walks of life was attended by the revered Orodje of Okpe, Chief John Nani, Ass. Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Chief Vincent Oyibode, Delta NUJ Chairman, Comrade Micheal Ikeagwu and host of others.
