….Akpomudje Crowned 14th Ohworode Of Olomu At Igboze Sacred Ground
By Ovie Okpare
The ancient Olomu Kingdom in Delta State was on Saturday agog with colour, culture and royalty as dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to witness the historic coronation of His Royal Majesty, Albert Akpomudje, SAN, Eyanvwien-Alaka I, as the 14th Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom.
The new monarch, who had been the Otota (Traditional Prime Minister) of the kingdom until the event, was crowned by the kingmakers at the Eyanvwien Hall inside the Igboze Sacred Royal Ground in Otorere-Olomu, the traditional headquarters of the kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Arriving in a long motorcade to the cheers of indigenes and guests, Akpomudje proceeded to the sacred ground where chiefs and kingmakers, barefooted in traditional symbolism, had already assembled.
At exactly 9:56 a.m., Olorogun Philip Korobor Atuduhor, the Okpako r’Illorogun (Oldest Chief of Olomu Kingdom), performed the formal crowning of the monarch from the Eyanvwien Ruling House.
The Anglican Archbishop of Bendel Province, His Grace, Dr. Cyril Odotemu, led the royal consecration, after which 21 cannon salutes thundered across the sacred ground to announce the emergence of the new Ohworode.
The motorcade then proceeded to the headquarters of the Eyanvwien Ruling House in Oviri-Olomu, where 14 additional cannon shots were fired. Celebrations continued through Odje Hall and the Akpomudje family compound in Akperhe-Olomu before culminating at the palace, which overflowed with subjects and dignitaries.
Eyanvwien-Alaka 1 was later escorted to his palace where mammoth crowd of dignitaries, guests and subjects were waiting for celebrations.
The ceremony was graced by traditional rulers from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta States including His Royal Majesties, King Obukohwo Monday Whiskey, PhD, Udurhie 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom; King of Abua Kingdom Rivers State; Eruvwedede III, the Ovie of Evwreni; Oyise I, the Ovie of Uwheru; Ogiogio II, the Pere of Ngbilebiri-Mein, Kiagbodo and Pere of Egbema Clan, Bayelsa state.
Other prominent personalities at the ceremony were; Pa Sam Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard Newspapers and maternally from Olomu; Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone; founder of Arik Airline, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide; Renowned Nigerian architect, Olorogun Morrison Olori, Obaseki of Ughelli Kingdom; Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Peter Asagba and Chief (Dr.) Charles Edosomwan, the Obasuyi of Benin Kingdom.
Others were; Chief Thompson Okpoko, SAN; Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN; Kunle Edun, SAN; business tycoons – Engr. Alfred Okoigun, founder of Arco Group, Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air; High Chief Johnbull Ejovi, Arc. Charles Majorho, Chief Simeon Ohwofa; Olorogun Uloho; serving and retired Judges.
Also in attendance are members of the Nigerian Bar Association – Effurun, Warri and Udu branches, former Delta Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Otomevwo; the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Professor Duke Okoro and Chairman of Ughelli North, Olorogun Jaro Egbo.
Alumni of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, Edo College Old Boys Association, University of Lagos Alumni, Forum for Local Government Nurses, among others, also graced the occasion.
The historic occasion coincided with the birthday of the new monarch who is the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Body of Benchers, as well as the worldwide President of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association.
The Ohworode is also the chancellor of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Ughelli and one of the finest legal luminary in Nigeria.
In his first official speech, 14th Ohworode thanked the people of Olomu for choosing him as king, vowing that he will serve them faithfully.
“I will first thank them for deeming it fit to make me king. I am very grateful to them. And I want to pledge that I will serve them faithfully. I am going to be a servant-leader. And I will pray for progress,” he declared.
In their respective goodwill messages, Senator Dafinone, Engr Okoigun and Ilegbodu congratulated the monarch, expressing confidence that he would bring his wealth of experience to lead and turnaround the kingdom for better.
The event also brought renewed calls from traditional rulers for constitutional roles to be assigned to monarchs in the country.
“The insecurity situation in the country will be better addressed if there is constitutional duty assigned to royal fathers,” Publicity Secretary of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Udurhie, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, stated.
Speaking on the coronation, Udurhie I described the new monarch as “as an asset” that will bring solutions to challenges faced by the Urhobo nation.
Also speaking, Bishop Odutemu described the coronation as divinely significant for both the church and the kingdom, stating, “this is an opportunity not just for him as a person, but for the Church and the learned cadre of men of the society to pilot the affairs of the Kingdom. So, it’s a great opportunity.”
He noted that Alaka-Eyanwien I was the third Anglican to be king of Olomu Kingdom, expressing gratitude to the people and assuring of continued prayers for the growth of the kingdom.
Guests were thrilled to live musical performances and energetic dances by several groups, including popular Urhobo gospel art, Tsio-Tsio, the royal Ema dancers, and the Ikpolo dancers of Olomu.
