The traditional ruler of Igbide in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Patrick Okpomor (Agre 1), has been presented with his staff of office by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Monday Onyeme, who represented the state governor, presented the staff of office to the traditional ruler.
Gov. Oborevwori said the monarch’s ascension to the throne as a day of celebration, unity, and friendship for the people of Igbide Kingdom.
The governor described Igbide Kingdom as a land rich in culture, tradition, and resilient with two distinct ruling houses and nine autonomous communities.
He asserted that “the ceremony marks a combination of a sacred process as the new monarch of Igbide Kingdom ascends the throne, the peaceful transition is a testament of the strength and unity of the Igbide people.”
He added that the credentials of the monarch speak volumes about his readiness to lead.
Gov. Oborevwori asserted that as an old boy of James Welch Grammar School, an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, and the prestigious University of Aberdeen in Scotland, United Kingdom, the king brings home a wealth of knowledge and global exposure in leadership to the kingdom.
“Your experience as an ex-banker and a consultant on global security, particularly in the challenging North-East of Nigeria, underscores your capacity to navigate complex issues with wisdom and success,” he said.
The governor affirmed that he has confidence in the ability of the traditional ruler to restore peace, unity, and development to Igbide Kingdom.
He appealed to the council of chiefs, the men, women, and youths of the community to rally behind the new monarch, noting that leadership thrives on collective support.
He, however, urged those who contested for the throne to accept the olive branch extended to them and put aside all grievances and differences and work together to build a better Igbide Kingdom.
Earlier on, a renowned journalist, Mamode Akugha, in his speech on behalf of the community, said that “I am using this opportunity to solicit the cooperation of all members of Igbide Traditional Council, Ogbedios, Iletus, the women and youths in the task ahead as I urge them to work individually, and collectively with the new monarch”.
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He added that Igbide Kingdom has keyed into the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration and commended the governor for the successful completion of the Igbide/Olomoro Road, which has been a major hindrance to the economic development of the community.
He also drew the attention of the governor to some of the vital developmental needs of the kingdom, stating that Igbide is annually devastated by ravaging floods and erosion.
Akugha disclosed that farmlands are submerged, houses flooded, while annual harvests are lost, and appealed to the state government to provide palliative measures by dredging the Urie Lake in the kingdom.
“When dredged, a shoreline protection should be constructed, while the sand dredged is used to back-fill the area. If this is done, it will reclaim a large expanse of land for the development of a new area in the community,” he stated.
Present at the occasion were traditional rulers from neighbouring communities, captains of industry, clergymen, political bigwigs, and community leaders from outside Isoko land.
