By Ovie Okpare
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the 14th Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom and chairman of the Body of Benchers, His Majesty Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Eyavwie-Alaka 1, to bring his wealth of experience and justice to the revered ancient throne of the Olomu people.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Friday at Otorere-Olomu, the traditional headquarters of Olomu people in Delta State, during the presentation of a staff of office to the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom at a well-attended colourful ceremony with dignitaries drawn from across Nigeria.
The governor led dignitaries, including the Orodje of Okpe, His Royal Majesty Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), Orhue I; Archbishop of Bendel Province of Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Ughelli, Archbishop Cyril Odutemu; Senator Ede Dafinone; Chief Judges of Delta, Bayelsa and Edo States – Hon. Justice Theresa Diai, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye and Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa.
Legal luminaries, including Chief Thompson Okpoko, SAN; Chief Efe Akpofure, SAN; former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowie Broderick Bozimo; influential businessman, Olorogun Johnbull Ejovi; member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francise Waive; former President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga; former NDDC MD, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo and members of NBA from across the country were also present.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said his administration has high regard for the Olomu monarch, considering his impeccable professional credentials, where he had risen to the peak of the legal profession in Nigeria.
He praised Ohworode of Olomu for his personal accomplishment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman, Body of Benchers, stressing that the royal father remained a source of pride to the people of Olomu and Delta State.
The governor urged the people of Olomu to support their monarch as he moves to translate personal achievements into mobilising for community development and sustained peace.
Oborevwori noted that his administration would continue to partner with the traditional institution to ensure peace and development across the state.
While noting that the presentation of the Staff of Office was “both symbolic and significant”, Oborevwori stated, “it reinforces the vital link between government and traditional institutions, a partnership that remains central to peace, stability and development across our State.”
“Your record of service as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Chairman of the Body of Benchers is a source of pride, not only to Olomu Kingdom but to Delta State as a whole; your experience, discipline and sense of justice will undoubtedly strengthen the institution of the throne and advance the cause of your people.
“I acknowledge the contributions of distinguished sons and daughters of Olomu Kingdom who continue to serve Delta State with dedication; their role in governance and development will continue to be recognised and encouraged.
“Your Majesty, your commitment to peace, unity, and constructive engagement is both timely and commendable because, development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace and stability. I therefore urge all stakeholders to support your leadership in sustaining harmony across the kingdom.
“As a government, we will continue to partner closely with traditional institutions, because we recognise their critical role in grassroots governance and community mobilisation”, the governor added.
The governor, while congratulating Eyavwie-Alaka 1 for his coronation and presentation of staff office, prayed for a peaceful reign and longevity on the throne of his forebears.
In his remark, His Majesty Eyavwie-Alaka 1 lamented the lingering electricity outage in some parts of the kingdom and appealed to the state government to resolve the issue and reconnect all parts of the kingdom to the national grid.
Ohworode described his ascension to the throne as “a journey ordained by destiny”, stressing that he would carry the responsibility entrusted to him by the Olomu people with pride and assured of uniting and sustaining development in the kingdom.
“We earnestly appeal for the reconnection of electricity to our communities. The prolonged absence of power has significantly affected economic activities and the well-being of our people.
“It is deeply concerning that there is no government hospital in the entire Olomu Kingdom. We respectfully request the establishment of at least one standard government hospital to cater to the healthcare needs of our people,” he added.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for his administration’s support and appointment of Olomu sons and daughters into his government.
In his welcoming address, Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Dr. Lucky Avweromre, described the enthronement of Eyavwie-Alaka 1 as a pride to Urhobo people and Nigerians, praising his contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria.
Avweromre commended Governor Oborevwori for the approval and presentation of the Staff of Office, noting that such signals a “new and promising era that would be characterised by growth, unity and prosperity not only to Olomu Kingdom of Delta State but also to Nigeria based on His Majesty’s wealth of knowledge, profound influence and experience.”
Also speaking, the President-General of Olomu Kugbere Development Union, the apex socio-cultural umbrella of Olomu people, Olorogun Folorunsho Abudu, described the emergence of the 14th Ohworode of Olomu as the birth of a new dawn.
Abudu noted that the Olomu people will give all necessary support and loyalty to the traditional ruler and prayed for a peaceful reign.
He pledged the continued support of the people of the kingdom for the Oborevwori-led administration.
