BENIN CITY – The Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli I, has described Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State as a close brother and reliable friend.
Speaking during a ‘Thank You’ visit for the role played by the Governor during his coronation ceremonies, the Olu of Warri who was in the Government House, Benin City with a retinue of Senior Palace Chiefs said: “we are coming on a thank you visit to all the people that stood by us during the burial of our demised monarch, and of course, during my coronation. You were one of those who stood by us in the time of our needs. You sent substance to support us and you were there physically on my coronation day. When we were going through the ancient route to the Itsekiri, you were there on my side and that gave me a lot of joy to know that I have somebody who believe in us and is supporting us.
“I have been going around thanking all the people that participated in my coronation and you are one of them. You are the closest brother we have here in Edo State and you have proven to be a very reliable brother and friend, and so we have come to say thank you.
“Also, to bless you and pray that God who is the ultimate supporter of anybody in need will continue to support you. That your journey in life will be very smooth and whatever you lay your hands to do will succeed and God will bless your state. Even when you are out of the state, you will continue to prosper because of the good mind you have towards people.
“Benin is the second home of the Itsekiris. There are lots of Itsekiris here, our brothers and sisters are here and our children are also here. So, I plead that you take them as your own people too. They feel very homely here and I would love that to be sustained. Whatever you can do to encourage their being here as part of you, don’t hesitate and whatever you feel we can do to support you, one way or the other, as our own person that you are, please don’t hesitate. We are there for you even as you have been there for us.”
In his response, Governor Oshiomhole said he was humbled by the visit of the Royal father, adding that it shows uncommon humility on the part of the monarch.
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said, “Your Royal Majesty, I am most humbled and honored by your visit. When I was informed of your intention to pay us a visit, I was very excited. But first, let me again congratulate you for what God has done in your life in helping you to occupy the exalted stool of the Olu of Warri and all of us who know you are excited about this and we are praying to God Almighty to bless you with good health, to bring more blessings to Warri land and to Itsekiri people and to you your Royal Majesty to continue to cement the bond of unity between the people of Warri and the people of Edo, particularly the people of Benin Kingdom.
“As you have noticed, a lot of our very senior Benin Chiefs were at your installation because we are one. We are one and the same. Coming all the way from Warri to pay me a thank you visit, I am not only humbled, it shows uncommon humility. If you had asked me over, any day, within minutes, I would be at your palace because you are our father and coming to participate at the installation is, for me, a natural duty”.
Oshiomhole continued, “I have a lot of brothers and sisters who are very close friends in your kingdom. So your royal majesty, we are all in prayers that God will help you to preside over the affairs of your kingdom, and to uplift the people under your reign and to create more opportunities for the younger ones and to continue to bond our people together as one people with one common history. We are very proud of the relationship that have existed between the people of Warri kingdom and the people of Benin Kingdom.
“Once again, on behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I welcome you to our state, I welcome you to my office and I congratulate you on your installation as the Olu of Warri and I pray that we will work very closely.”
