Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, on Thursday, presented Staff of Office to the Igbogidi l, of Irri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Simon Wajutome Odhomo.
At the occasion, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, called on traditional rulers to serve as the rallying point for peace and development in the communities.
He noted that, royal fathers are not only the custodian of age-long customs and tradition, but the only unsevered link with the past.
He said, “The ceremony of today demonstrates the respect that this government has for the traditional institution.
“Our royal fathers remain the link between the government and the grassroots in the mobilization towards understanding, participating and supporting government policies and programmes.
“It is the realization of this that informed our avowed commitment to the enhancement of the status of the traditional institution in the State; since the inception of this administration, we have not relented in our efforts in this regard and will continue to give the institution all the honour it rightly deserves.”
Governor Oborevwori called on royal fathers to consult their people in all decisions that affect their communities.
“It is important, Your Royal Majesty, to consult your people in all your decisions that affect the community, allow the interest of the community to inform your actions.
“I also implore the people of Irri to accord the Odion-Ologbo, the respect and honour that befit his status.
“This administration is taking a holistic view of the sustainable development of the entire State; surely, Irri will not be left out.
“I urge you and other royal fathers in the State, to continue to mobilize your people towards self help, which would enhance their well-being.
“At a time like this, communities should not be looking only up to government for solutions to the myriad of problems of sustainable development, because the resources available to government are not limitless while other pressing needs and demands from numerous sectors also require the attention and action of government,” Governor Oborevwori stated.
The Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Ovoke Warri, while pledging the council’s support for the MORE agenda of the state government, enjoined the people of Irri to embrace peace and remain united for even development in the clan.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Irri Clan while commended the governor for his continued support for the growth and development of the State,
Also, fielding questions from newsmen, High Chief Enahoro Etah, the Iyesele of Oyede Kingdom, expressed delight with the development, saying that the struggle for who take the throne for the past two years has ended peacefully with the rightful owner.
“He advised all sons and daughters of Irri to embrace peace and work with the King.
Chief Dr. Matthew Offeh, the Eni of Irri Kingdom, said, “by the grace of God, this is a new dawn in Irri.”
Chief Offeh, called on companies operating in the community to live up to their social responsibilities.
Chief Tunde Smooth, at the occasion, said that Irri community expressed gratitude to God, because, peace has returned to Irri Kingdom.
He enjoined the people of the kingdom to work in unity and support the new king.
Bashorun Askia Ogieh, said; “it is a memorable day in the history of Irri Kingdom, the town is in a very joyous and festive mood as a result of the installation of Odio-Ologbo of Irri, which shows the level of acceptance by the people of Irri”.
