Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State has given reasons why his administration would continue to encourage and support the traditional institution in the state.
Oborevwori stated that the continuous encouragement given to the traditional institution was hinged on the conviction that the traditional institution remained one of the enduring bedrock of the cherished customs of the people.
Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, made the disclosure on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Sunday Ubaka Ogboli, Obi of Issele-Mkpetime in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Oborevwori said his administration under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, would continue to respect the royal institutions, emphasizing that apart from being the custodian of the tradition and customs of the people, the traditional institution was the closest administration to the people at the grassroots.
He said, “From the ecstatic and infectious joy on the faces of all and sundry here at Issele-Mkpitime, I am convinced that this is truly a special day in the annals of this community.
“I thank you all for the unanimity of purpose that informed this auspicious occasion.
“I sincerely hope and pray that the palpable spirit of love and unity behind this colourful and brotherly atmosphere here, will continue to grow and deepen, to ensure the rapid development of this peaceful community.
“We are in a democratic setting, but we have always protected and encouraged the continuous existence and flourishing of our traditional systems of administration at all levels, especially the grassroots.
“We do this, convinced that the traditional institution in our society remains one of the enduring bedrocks of our cherished customs.
“This understanding explains the great respect that the People’s Democratic Party-led administration in the State, continues to accord our royal fathers. On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commend the people of Issele-Mkpitime for the peaceful manner they handled the succession process for the Obi of this community. May this peace and love among you continue to endure to the glory of God.
“It is the expectation of the government and people of Delta State that the people of Issele-Mkpitime will rally round the Obi to make him succeed in his new assignment.
“I appeal to you all to give the Obi the respect, honour and co-operation he requires to carry out the duties, which the tradition and customs of the community bestow on him.
“It is important to note that the degree of esteem a traditional ruler enjoys, is a reflection of the respect his people accord him.”
The Governor urged the king to discharge his responsibilities to the people with love, honesty, fairness and transparency, giving utmost attention to issues of security in the locality, by working closely with security agencies.
“Your Royal Majesty, I implore you to discharge your responsibilities to your people with love, honesty, transparency, fairness and above all, the fear of God. I urge you to be fair, just and equitable in your actions and governance, to make your reign peaceful and positively touch the lives of your people, who need sustainable development in this community.
“Let me also urge you to give priority attention to matters of security in this community. Please work closely with law enforcement agencies and the local government council to ensure security of lives and property in your domain. Indeed, peace and security remain the first priority and objective for existence in any organized society,’ he added.
He commended the people for their peaceful disposition, cooperation and staunch support for his administration.
The Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Bazim Chinye in his address, urged the traditional ruler to uphold the values and norms, and the principles of fair play in the discharge of his duties.
Chinye congratulated the people of Issele-Mkpetime for the conservation of their cherished tradition and commended Governor Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir Onyeme, for approving the presentation of the Staff of Office to the traditional ruler.
“Permit me at this point in time, to appeal to our Traditional rulers for whose sake we are here gathered today and indeed all Royal fathers being custodians of the values and norms of our society to continue to uphold the principle of Justice and fair play in the discharge of their duties to the people.
“It is in this regard that the Government looks upon the traditional Institutions as indispensable partner for grassroots development. To this end, may I cease this opportunity to say that it is our utmost desire to have stability in the Obiship stool of the remaining two prominent Communities (Issele-Azagba and Idumuje-Ugboko) in our Local Government Area for reasons of Sustainable peace and development.
“I therefore extend my hands of fellowship to all critical Stake Holders to embrace the genuine efforts that would be made in this regard.
“As we felicitate with the good people of Issele-Mkpitime in celebrating the conservation of their cherished traditional institution, we pray that the reign of His Royal Majesty, Obi Sunday Ubaka Ogboli would usher in unprecedented peace and prosperity of the Community, Hon. Chinye said.
Earlier in an address, the President-General of Issele-Mkpetime Federated Union, Mr Oge Okwuka appealed to the people to rally round the king, describing the Obi as a man of impeccable character, an epitome of tradition and culture.
Okwuka appealed to the state government for developmental project.
“May I also use this opportunity on behalf of the people of Issele-Mkpitime to appreciate the government of Delta State for its pro-activeness in making this day a reality.
“Your Excellency, let me also on behalf of the people of Issele-Mkpitime congratulate and appreciate you, greatly, for the proactive implementation of your more agenda for over a year ago and to compassionately appeal that you use your good office to help the people of Issele-Mkpitime in the following ways thus:
“Perimeter fencing of the only secondary school we have in this community, the Okalete Secondary School, Issele-Mkpitime.
“The fencing of the school will go a long way in the protection of life and property as well as stop further encroachment into the land belonging to the school.
“Secondly, your Excellency, we also appeal for the construction of Issele-Mkpitime -Idumu-Ogo road, Issele-Mkpitime-Atuma road and Issele-Mkpitime – Otulu road, Okwuka said, noting the roads to be important link roads to the Community.
Present at the occasion were the Majority Leader and member representing Aniocha North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Rt.Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Member of the Delta State Adversary Council, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Sir Christopher Osakwe, the Vice Chairman and other top officials of the Aniocha North Local Government, the Chairman and members of Aniocha North Local Government Traditional Rulers Committee as well as illustrious Sons and Daughters of Issele-Mkptime.
