By Onome Oghenetega
The traditional ruler of Obotebe Kingdom in Burutu Council Area of Delta State, HRM, Emmanuel Warewini Arikawei, King Etopo, says his reign will provide exemplary leadership to his people and attract development to the kingdom.
He said his reign will ensure sustained peace in Obotebe Kingdom and neigbouring kingdoms in the state and Bayelsa State.
King Etopo stressed that to live to his words he has decided to donate his monthly entitlements as a King for the building of a befitting palace and development of his Kingdom.
The monarch flanked by his counterpart from Ogbolubiri, HRM, Pere Johnbull Polokowei made the pledge in Obotebe Town, traditional headquarters of Obotebe Kingdom during the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some sons and daughters of the Kingdom.
He promised to make the kingdom as one of the fastest growing kingdoms in the area of development, using his wealth of experience and connections.
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The royal father, however, lamented about the annual flooding in the community, saying that the situation has attained an alarming state.
“Heavy duty machines for dredging and excavation shall arrive Obotebe town to commence dredging and link the community with neighboring communities in order to give place face-lift and fast track development as well as ease the pains that comes with annual flooding”, King Arikawei said.
The traditional ruler commended Government’s efforts to curb the menace of annual flooding and its attendance challenges, urging all hands to be on deck as Government can’t do it all.
King Etopo while conferring the chieftaincy titles to the beneficiaries warned against misconducts and vices capable of bringing the Kingdom to disrepute and charged all to be a worthy ambassadors and peacemakers from the Kingdom with pride.
The monarch added, “My reign as King shall be a bonus and not otherwise. I shall always and above all promote and encourage activities that will place the kingdom on the paths of progress, peace and unity.
“My salary as king, I will not touch but shall be used in addition with other contributions Use to build a Royal palace for the King. It is for the Obotebe people.”
Among those conferred with chieftaincy titles were; Princess Beauty Perekeme, Barr. Bekere Fuludu, Mr. Samuel Eneghan and Mr. Orlando Ayebide and Mr. Johnson Sebiribo
