IRRUA – The grand finale of the historic celebration of the 50th Coronation Anniversary of the Ogirrua of Irrua and Okaijesan of Esanland, HRH Alhaji William Momodu held on Saturday at Eguare Primary School, Irrua, Edo State, with dignitaries from all walks of life gracing the celebration.
The colourful ceremony was also used to confer chieftaincy titles on some deserving personalities, including Amb. Chief, Martin Uhumoibhi, immediate past Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, Dr. Igene Christopher, among others.
Awards of honour were presented to some personalities such as, current senator representing Edo Central, Senator (Engr) Clifford Odia, Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Prof. Sylvernus Okoigbenin, Promoter of Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State, Prof. Sunny Eromosele Eboh, among others.
Other dignitaries such as the former foreign affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, the mother of former governor of Edo State, Hajiya Aishetu Oshiomhole, Auditor General of the Federation, Mr. Adolphus Aghughu, were present at occasion.
The celebrant, Ogirrua of Irrua Okaijesan of Esanland, HRH William Momodu JP CON, expressed immense gratitude to Allah and his ancestors for making it possible him to attain the milestone of 50 years on the throne.
He appreciated the efforts of the government and people of Edo State in ensuring that peace prevail in the land, and thanked guests and all that contributed to the success of his 50th Coronation Anniversary.
“Though we are yet to arrive at our desired destination, I however thank God that we have gone far from where we started, as infrastructural and business development from both government and private sectors are evident in Irrua land today; the latest being the accreditation of Mudiame University.
“I call on investors and entrepreneurs in and outside Edo State and Nigeria to come to Irrua and invest in Agriculture, Ceramics, Agro Allied products as required raw materials and other inputs, as well as human resources are in ample supply in Irrua land.
” I want to make a special appeal to all well meaning Irrua, Esan and Edo sons and daughters all over the world to be helpers to the younger and upcoming ones in whatever way they can, as a lit candle that light up other candles loses nothing, but ends up making the room lighter”, the royal father admonished.
The chairman of the occasion, Senator Clifford Ordia congratulated the monarch for the rare feat of attaining fifty years on the throne, and thanked Irrua sons and daughters, and other Esan people for coming out enmasse to celebrate the great king.
The lawmaker prayed God to continue to strengthen and grant him wisdom to continue to rule over his people, so that more progress and development would come to the land.
Others in their remarks, including Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Prof. Sylvernus Okoigbenin, Promoter of Mudiame University, Irrua, Edo State, Prof. Sunny Eromosele Eboh, described the King as a lover of peace and wellbeing of his people, and wished him long life and more peaceful reign.
Highpoint of the one week celebration was the cutting of the 50th Coronation Anniversary cake by the celebrant, Ogirrua of Irrua and Okaijesan of Esanland, HRH William Momodu amidst cheers.
