By Onome Oghenetega
The Ovie of Igbide Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Edward Obukeni I, is dead.
It was gathered that the Isoko monarch reportedly joined his ancestors end of January.
The revered Isoko monarch’s death came barely a month after His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, 20th Olu of Warri also joined his ancestors.
He was said to have been briefly sick before his passage.
Obukeni I died at 81.
The Isoko monarch’s demise was officially announced on Wednesday by the Igbide Kingdom in a statement.
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The statement signed by the Oletu-Ekpo of Igbide, Chief Godspower Okpohro, said the monarch would sorely miss by the people of the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has condoled with the people of Igbide over the death of the traditional ruler.
Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, commiserated with the royal family of Igbide kingdom.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Obukeni royal family, the people of Igbide kingdom, the government and people of Isoko South Local Government Area and the entire Isoko nation on the passing of the renowned traditional ruler.
“The late monarch’s 47 years reign, which made him one of the longest serving monarchs in the state, recorded remarkable infrastructural development in his domain.
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“He will be remembered for his contributions to the peace, unity and development of his kingdom and the entire Delta,” Okowa stated.
He urged the family of the royal father, friends, associates and the people of Igbide to take solace in the knowledge that the monarch lived an exemplary life which deserved to be honoured.
The governor prayed Almighty God to comfort those mourning the departed and grant his soul rest.
