THE Okpala-Uku of Ushie, Ndokwa East Local Governmnet Area of Delta State, HRH Godwill Emili, has said that peaceful co-existence would lead to speedy development of the country.
Speaking at his formal installation as the Okpala-Uku of Ushie, HRH Emili stated that without peace, no meaningful development can take place.
He assured the people of Ushie of better days ahead and thanked them for the opportunity to ascend the throne of his forefathers as the Okpala-Uku.
The Spokesperson of the Community, Chief Chuks Ozuem, in an address, said, the coronation of the Okpala-Uku was in line with the “age-long customs and tradition of the people.
“Our great community has demonstrated love for our rich traditional heritage by keeping to all ancient observable ties with our ancestors in helping to enthrone a new Okpala-Uku who is both the administrative head and custodian of all our traditions, customs and belief here in Ushie Community.
“One interesting aspect of the reign of HRH Emeli is that the ascension was not contested, no crisis and the Highness is well educated, exposed and enjoys good leadership qualities and have lived in far away United States of America as a career administrator.
“It is our prayers that the days of our Okpala-Uku on the throne will bring good fortunes to the community in terms of all round development. ”
Immediate younger brother of the Okpala-Uku, Elder Emmanuel Emeli, said, “I am very very excited that in the history of Ushie, this is the very first time that we are having an Okpala-Uku from my family.
“I am confident that with his reach, he will attract development to Ushie and ensure that there is love for one another and peaceful co-existence in Ushie and with our neighbours.
“He has also made it clear that he is the Okpala-Uku of Ushie, not the Okpala-Uku of my kindred.”
One of the children of the Okpala-Uku, Dr. (Mrs) Joan Chinyere Emeli-Komolafe, said that it was a thing of joy to see her father ascend the throne of their forefathers as the Okpala-Uku, asserting, “my father is from Ushie while my mother is from Utchi.
“My father worked with City of New York and retired in the year 2000; after his retirement, HRM Emeli relocated to Abuja from where he shuttles to Ushie, contributing to the development of the community before he finally settled in Ushie and we are witnessing his coronation today, just few days to Christmas as the Okpala-Uku.
“To say that we are happy is an understatement, we are celebrating the goodness of God on my parents, my mother is here and my elder sister, the eldest child of my parents, Mrs Racheal Nwanyiuzor Amao is here with members of my family, our friends and well wishers to witness this great ceremony.”
Also, Mr Felix Opute, President-General of Ushie Community, observed that the coronation of the Okpala-Uku signaled a new dawn of positive activities in the community.
