WARRI – About two years after the demise of the monarch of Idjerhe kingdom in Ethiope West council area of Delta state, HRM Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe 1, who died in November 2018, an Ovie-elect has finally emerged.
He is HRM. Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhie l, of Idjerhe Kingdom.
Since the demise of the late king, who reigned for 12years, there has been a tussle for the traditional stool.
Addressing newsmen, shortly after the ceremony, the Ovie-elect called on the state government, as well as sons and daughters of the kingdom, globally to join hands to move the kingdom to greater heights.
He noted that throughout the period of wait, he depended on God who has the final say and he finally “spoke”.
“I feel delighted. For the past two years, it has not been easy. This I the second largest kingdom in Urhobo land and as a result of that, we want to pursue every other thing as if there is no tomorrow.
“We want to pursue education, economic empowerment, political empowerment like never before. We have the people and the population, so we also think that we should have the development.
“This government of Governor Ofeanyi Okowa has developed this kingdom. We are, just like Oliver Twist, asking for more. We still have many roads that need government’s attention.
“We have oil companies here and we are urging them to come around and do their social responsibility. We want to see sons and daughters of Idjerhe come home. Let them come home and develop our kingdom. We want all and the government to join hands with the royal institution and to transform this kingdom.
“From the very beginning, I did know that there is no good position whether traditional or political that you don’t have to go through some difficulties. But I believe that God has the final say. I depended on him and finally he has spoken to us that he is the only one that makes king. He has done that and I am grateful to him”.
The pen pusher of over three decades experience now crowned king ,has worked with several media organisations in Nigeria and was one time media consultant for the Delta State Oil Producing Development Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) and coordinator of Media Affairs, Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON).
Dignitaries present at the occasion included Executive Director of Finance and Administration DESOPADEC, Hon. Chief John Nani, former House of Reps member, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Halims Agoda.
Other members of the Idjerhe Council of Chiefs that were present include Chief Adjarho Oyibo, Chief Matthew Aghomi,
Chief Stephen Ikevwun, Chief William Atete, Chief Godwin Ofishe, Chief Emmanuel Umukoro, Chief Samuel Okoro and Chief John Edafeburun.
