It was celebration galore for people of Owahwa kingdom, one of the recently split kingdoms of Ughievwen clan, as they coroneted their first king, HRH Dafe Bukeroro Kogbodi, Ode I, Ovie of Owahwa Kingdom.
The king has the mandate to develop the kingdom rapidly, just as he conferred chieftaincy titles on 17 indigenes of the kingdom.
Those conferred with the chieftaincy titles included Olorogun Bernard Jamaho as adjerese, Kenneth Gbagi Ame, Olorogun Philip Kpokpoide Etuwevwa, Olorogun Odabo Gbekuhor Arhuere-Urhobo, Olorogun Moses Semiteje Omoviroro, Olorogun Anthony Osiode Gole Ekpu-Igho, Olorogun Doctor Shaguolo Iyasere, Olorogun Ekiunu Shaguolo Agbeta-Egbiru and Olorogun Michael Badiama Jokor Afure. Others were Olorogun Augustine Urherebrume Ochuko-Ovie, Olorogun Patrick Oghenekaro Otarunu, Olorugun Christmas Fole Ejogwa, Olorogun Dickson Awharievwie Ataphruneru, Ologun Oghi Ohwobevughe Omo-Owhorabofo, Olorogun Wilson Ohogbere Urhukpe, Olorogun Samson Awhareburhon Kokekoke, Olorogun John Edeki Nukwoye Ogberiaren of Owahwa kingdom.
In his maiden speech, the monarch thanked the people of the kingdom for deeming him fit to be the first king of the kingdom. He promised to use the stool to bring development to the kingdom.
According to him, “the kingdom has been neglected for a very long time, now that I have been installed as a king, I will try my best to liaise with all aggrieved parties to ensure that even development comes to the kingdom.”
He appealed to the local and state government to recognize him as the traditional ruler of the kingdom by presenting him with a staff of office.
Earlier the president general in his speech on behalf of the kingmakers and the people of Owahwa kingdom, Rev. Gordon Akpoforayen stated that the declaration of the kingdom was a unanimous decision supported by all its sons and daughters and inspired by the plan to find solution to the numerous socio-cultural, economic and infrastructural problems confronting the kingdom.
He said, “Owahwa is now an autonomous kingdom of her own to be headed by HRH Ode I, Ovie of Owahwa kingdom. The former Federated Organization of Owahwa Community now ceases to exist and would be replaced by Owahwa Union with immediate effect.
“I appeal for everyone’s support and contributions to move the kingdom forward. No doubt, in unity and love, we shall make great progress in our kingdom. The light of great blessings is now shining in Owahwa land. It should be noted that history and future generations will never forget us for taking this positive step to promote Owahwa kingdom in all senses.”
Olorogun Wilson Ohogbere, the Urhukpe of Owahwa kingdom in a chat with newsmen stated that the coronation of the new king marks a new beginning for the people.
He advised the new king to embrace everyone because the declaration is binding on all sons and daughters of the kingdom.
Olorogun Matthew Ofioguma, Otota of Uhurie kingdom who led the delegation of Uhurie to the coronation ceremony on behalf of HRH Thomas Okotete, Okutu I, in his speech stated, “When you are afraid of soldiers or their likes, you cannot be a king or rule a kingdom of your own.”
While praying for long life and prosperity for the king, Ofioguma added that they were sent by HRH Okutu I, Thomas Okotete, Ovie of Uhurie to attend the coronation and expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the new king.
Surce: Daily Independent