HRM, Morris Ochuko Eyekpimi, Owhotemu 11, Orosuen of Okere Urhobo
By Ambrose Ologide, Warri
There was jubilation among the people of the ancient Urhobo Kingdom of Okere as Chief ( Hon ) Morris Ochuko Eyekpimi was installed as the Orosuen ( traditional ruler ) of the kingdom by the Otota ( traditional mouth piece ) of Okere Urhobo , High Chief (retired Brigadier General) Gold Eburu about 9am at the palace of the Orosuen along Edjemudarho Road off Cinema Site , Okumagba Avenue Warri on Friday 7th April , 2023.
The high ranking retired Nigerian Army General in his address shortly before the installation explained that the crowning of the new traditional ruler of Okere Urhobo Kingdom was done in due process and according to Delta State laws on the installation of a new King in the kingdom.
He disclosed that candidates ( four from Olodi and five from Ighogbadu ) from the ruling houses of the kingdom, except Oki Ruling House, applied for the exalted position and that of the lot the sixfooter good looking law maker in Warri South Local Government Council emerged the Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Kingdom after a thorough screening of the contestants .
The screening exercise included the state of health among other qualifications of the contestants.
The Otota of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, after his pronouncement of the winner of the contest , then traditionally and formally asked if the choice of the young law maker was accepted and the chiefs who included : the surviving king makers , contestants , chiefs and other Okere people thunderously answered in affirmative.
Pronto, he humbly requested that Chief ( Hon) Eyekpimi ( who hitherto bore the title of Oboriroro of Okere Urhobo) to seat on the exalted royal stool where he traditionally performed the installation rites in accordance to Okere Urhobo and Urhobo laws and customs to the jubilation of the king makers, other contestants, chiefs and other present at the historic event.
Eburu also christened the traditional ruler title as Owhotemu 11.
Eburu then formally announced that with the crowning of the new Orosuen, he ceased to be the regent of Okere Urhobo Kingdom.
The President of Okere Urhobo Development Movement , Comrade Brume Eyekpimi who spoke to newsmen shortly after the event noted that the installation of the new traditional ruler was a new dawn in the kingdom.
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