By Ovie Okpare
A senior journalist and former South-South editor of National Daily Newspapers, Prince Monday Obukowho Whiskey, has emerged the Ovie-elect of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State
This is coming almost two years after His Royal Majesty, Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe 1, joined his ancestors in 2018.
The monarch-elect, HRM Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhie l, was selected by kingmakers and installed as the new traditional ruler of the second largest Kingdom in Urhoboland on Monday after marathon of selection processes.
There had been crisis in the kingdom since HRM, Erhiekevwe 1, whose reign lasted for 12 years.
Udurhie 1, who had his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, is a current PhD student at the Delta State University, Abraka.
He became the second journalist and editor to have emerged traditional ruler in the state after His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwunnwike Charles Anyasi 111, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor Kingdom in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State, who was also a journalist with the defunct Concord Newspaper.
His emergence was greeted by jubilation across the over 40 communities that made up the present day Idjerhe Kingdom.
The new Idjerhe monarch was also one-time Special Adviser, Media, to the pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Development Areas Commission (DESOPADEC), High Chief Wellington Okrika.
Until his emergence as king, he was also the coordinator of Media Affairs, Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON).
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Speaking immediately after his installation, HRM Udurhie 1, promised to use his present position to unite all sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom as well as attract development to the ancient Urhobo kingdom.
According to him, “I feel delighted. For the past two years, it has not been easy. This is the second largest kingdom in Urhoboland and as a result of that, we want to pursue every other thing as if there is no tomorrow.
“We want to pursue education, economic empowerment, political empowerment like never before. We have the people and the population, so we also think that we should have the development.
“This government of Governor Ofeanyi Okowa has developed this kingdom. We are, just like Oliver Twist, asking for more. We still have many roads that need government’s attention.”
Among dignitaries at the traditional ceremony were Executive Director of Finance and Administration DESOPADEC, Hon. Chief John Nani, former House of Reps member, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Halims Agoda, traditional heads of various royal families that made up Idjerhe Kingdom
Other members of the Idjerhe Council of Chiefs that were present include Chief Adjarho Oyibo, Chief Matthew Aghomi, Chief Stephen Ikevwun, Chief William Atete, Chief Godwin Ofishe, Chief Emmanuel Umukoro, Chief Samuel Okoro and Chief John Edafeburun.
