Deputy Gov, Onyema presenting the Staff of Office to the new Owhorode of Olommu
By Freedom Okpubeku, Ughelli
The ancient Urhobo kingdom of Olomu was awash with celebration and great expectations by the residents Wednesday September 20, 2023 as their traditional ruler received the staff of office from the Delta State government which also charged him and other traditional rulers to make the issues of security a priority in their respective domains.
His Royal Majesty, Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom received the staff of office from the state governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Oborevwori, at the Olomu Grammar School, Otorere in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State after his coronation recently by the traditional council of the Olomu Kingdom following the demise of his predecessor, adjudged to be the world’s oldest monarch, who passed on at the age of 106 years.
Speaking, Governor Oborevwori congratulated the Ohworode on his successful ascension to the throne of his forefathers and praised the people of Olomu kingdom for their understanding and cooperation which, according to him, led to the success of the event.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said: “The event of today marks the confirmation of the various traditional rites and processes, which commemorate the ascension to the throne of the Ohworode of this kingdom.
“I am happy with the peace and love that prevailed and attended all the processes, because they are the hallmarks of the confidence reposed in him by the people of Olomu, including their friends, well-wishers and now, Delta State Government.” He remarked that the traditional institution will always be a rallying point for the people at the grassroots and a priceless legacy which had not yet got a credible alternative.
Governor Oborevwori assured that “government will continue to rely on traditional rulers as reliable media of reaching the people,” adding that his administration will continue to hold traditional institutions in high esteem in the scheme of things in the state.
The governor also charged the new monarch to be committed to the virtues of transparency, justice and truth in all his endeavours.
“I also urge you to be transparent while upholding at all times, the virtues of justice, fair play and equity in all your dealings with your subjects.
“In everything that you do and in every decision you take, I implore you to place the interest of the majority of your people and the fear of God, above all other considerations.
“Please, ensure that you encourage free flow of communication, dialogue and consultation with all segments of your kingdom,” he stated.
Also speaking, the chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Dr. Richard Kofi, pledged his commitment to the welfare of the people and the provision of the dividends of democracy.
On his part, the President-General of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun Moses Taiga who read a welcome address on behalf of the Olomu Kingdom, commended the state governor for the opportunity he has given to many sons of Olomu Kingdom to serve the state in the form of political appointments and awarding of contracts.
Olorogun Taiga, a former Chairman of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), then appealed to the governor to consider the early completion of the government hospital in Ovwor. He also solicited the governor’s assistance in building a befitting palace plus an official car for the Ohworode as well as a vocational centre in the kingdom.
He requested that “Oil-bearing communities in Olomu be given adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to Delta State and Nigeria.”
Olomu kingdom has about 15 towns including Agbon, Akperhe, Aloba, Ogoni, Okpe, Ophori, Okpavuerhe, Oguname, Okpare, Ovwodokpokpo, Oviri, Ovwor, Ophorigbala, Agbazo, and Umolo.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Olorogun Talib Tebite, Executive Director, DESOPADEC; Chief Ovie Agas, ex-SSG, Delta State; Olorogun John Oguma, CEO, Obakpor Engineering; Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Snr Political Adviser to the Delta State Governor; and Chief Goodie Ibru of the Ibru family.
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