Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on traditional Rulers in the state to exercise great care in conferring chieftaincy titles and ensuring that only individuals of proven integrity are honoured.
Governor Oborevwori made the call on Thursday while presenting the official Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III, as the Obi of Egbudu Akah, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy Sir Monday Onyeme, appealed to all traditional rulers in the State to adopt dialogue and transparent honesty in their engagements with the people.
The governor while congratulating His Royal Majesty, Augustine Okolie III, Obi of Egbudu Akah on his ascension to the throne, implored the royal father to diligently promote the welfare, peace and development of his community through his words and deeds.
According to him; "I implore our revered Royal Father, Obi Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III, to diligently promote the welfare, peace and development of this community through all his words and deeds. As a traditional ruler under a democratic administration, I emphasize the importance of pursuing dialogue and consensus in your interactions with your subjects and in the community’s relationships with all levels of government. I extend this appeal to all traditional rulers in the State to adopt dialogue and transparent honesty in their engagements."
"I trust that His Royal Majesty will uphold the sanctity of his esteemed office, guiding his people toward greater prosperity while championing justice, fairness and equity. As the custodian of your people’s traditions, I draw your attention to your role as the prescribed authority in your community. In this capacity, you must exercise great care in conferring chieftaincy titles, ensuring that only individuals of proven integrity are honoured."
"Your Royal Highness, Obi Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III, you are inheriting the legendary peace, harmony and development that are among the enduring legacies of your predecessor, Obi Agbogidi Olo-Ome Okolie I, who joined his ancestors after decades of impactful leadership."
"The progress and development this community enjoyed during his reign stem from his commitment to peaceful and harmonious coexistence, not only within Egbudu Akah but across communities in the former Aniocha Local Government Area."
Governor Oborevwori urged the people and His Royal Majesty to embrace the challenge of not only maintaining but elevating the high standards and noble ideals passed down by their ancestors.
He said; "I sincerely hope the community will rise to the occasion, making the reign of Obi Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III one of the most successful in the history of leadership, not just in Egbudu Akah or Delta State but across the nation. I encourage you, in keeping with your warm and hospitable traditions, to offer the Obi your full and unwavering support and loyalty to enable him to provide focused, selfless leadership."
The governor who commended the longstanding development consciousness of the Egbudu Akah people as evident in their numerous self-help projects, encouraged them to sustain those efforts, adding that government alone cannot meet all development needs of the various communities.
"Egbudu Akah community is primarily agrarian. Residents cultivate crops such as oil palm, rubber, yam and cassava, contributing significantly to the State’s agricultural output. Fishing is also a key vocation for some, given the area’s proximity to water bodies."
"These occupations reflect the community’s deep connection to the land and its resources, fostering both sustenance and economic growth. Beyond agriculture, the people are known for their craftsmanship. I, therefore, urge you to take advantage of various government policies and programmes to improve and promote your traditional occupations."
Governor Oborevwori assured the Egbudu Akah people that their legitimate requests which includes the 2,000 hectares of land acquired by the government, the poor state of roads connecting Egbudu Akah to other communities, the rehabilitation of the secondary school and the provision of potable water, will be forwarded to relevant agencies for action.
He urge the royal father to resist the temptation to resort to violence in resolving disputes, whether within the community or with other communities, organizations, or the government.
The Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike who noted that the presentation of staff of office marks a new chapter in the history of Egbudu Akah community, enjoined the people to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the community.
Earlier, in his welcome address read by Mr. Emeka Agulu, His Royal Majesty Obi Augustine Okolie 111, appreciated the Governor Oborevwori for holding traditional rulers in very high esteem. "This is no doubt a practical demonstration of your respect for the traditional institution and the reflection of democratic trends at the grassroot."
The royal father called on the state government to come to aid of Egbudu Akah people in the area of road, portable water as well as Primary Health Center and reconstruction of the Obi's palace.
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