Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, urged traditional rulers in the State to maintain and improve on the sanctity of their royal office.
This, the governor said they should do by leading their subjects to greater prosperity “in an atmosphere of peace, love and cultural respect between the throne and the people.”
According to the governor, “The traditional institution remains a priceless legacy in any African society and they should give priority attention to matters of security in their various domains, work with the security agencies and the local government councils”.
Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, gave the charge at Otorere-Agbon, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State while presenting the staff and instruments of office to the newly installed Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, His Majesty, Macaulay Ovbagbedia Popo, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, on the occasion of his formal coronation.
While noting that the event marked the confirmation of the various traditional rites and processes that commemorate the ascension to the throne of Owhorode of the historic kingdom, the governor expressed delight over the peace and love that prevailed throughout the processes saying they were hallmarks of the confidence reposed in him by the people of Olomu.
He then charged the new monarch to exude transparency and uphold the virtue of justice, fair play, and equity in all his dealings with his subjects as well as in everything he does and every decision he takes, at all times.
“I implore you to place the interest of the majority of your people and the fear of God above all considerations”, the governor exhorted.
He spoke further, “Ensure that you encourage the free flow of communication, dialogue and consultations in all segments of your kingdom as the government will continue to rely on traditional rulers as a reliable medium to communicate to the people
“The traditional institution remains a priceless legacy in any African society and they should give priority attention to matters of security in their various domains, work with the security agencies and the local government councils”.
In his address, the new Ohworode of the Olomu kingdom, HRM Macaulay Ovbagbedia, Uhurie-Osadjere II, disclosed that the occasion marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the Olomu people
“There is much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain if only we galvanize our collective efforts towards building the United Kingdom of our dream”, he said.
The President-General of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun Moses Taiga, had earlier in a welcome address described the event as a historic occasion in the kingdom just as he expressed the heartfelt appreciation of the community to the State Government “for the unwavering support and commitment to the development of our kingdom.”
He remarked that the presence of the governor at the coronation ceremony “is a testament to the recognition of the importance of our traditional institution and the significant role it plays in the social-economic fabric of the state”.
“We have several demands, the establishment of a vocational academy to equip our people in the areas of carpentry, electrical work and tiling work and the establishment of technical institutes in Olomu Kingdom.
He used the opportunity of the occasion to present the pressing demands of the community to the State Government including a call for the dredging of the Okpare River to facilitate trade and transportation of agricultural products, other goods and services by the people.
Also, he appealed to the state and federal governments to quickly address the security and socio-economic challenges posed by the activities of herdsmen in Olomu.
