The fragile peace that once pervaded the Aboh Kingdom, located on the downstream side of the River Niger in the Ndokwa East Council Area of Delta State, has given way to a congenial atmosphere following the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Dr Gregory Nnamdi Oputa III, as the 20th Obi of the kingdom.
Monarchs or their representatives from various kingdoms, including the Oba of Benin, the Asagba of Asaba, the Olu of Warri, the Obi of Ogwashi Uku, and others from Umuolu, Ibrede, Ashaka, Egbudu Akan, Abala, Igbuku, Adonte, and several others, witnessed the colourful event. The ceremony also attracted top government officials, captains of industry, a bevy of ladies, youths, and cultural groups.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, urged the people to accord the Obi their total and unqualified support and loyalty to enable him to focus on providing qualitative and selfless leadership for the kingdom.
Oborevwori appealed to the people and His Royal Majesty to face the challenge of not only maintaining but also improving upon the high standards and lofty ideals that the Aboh Kingdom is known for.
“As a traditional ruler, especially under a democratic dispensation, it is crucial that I stress the need for you to follow the path of dialogue and consensus in all your dealings with your subjects and in all the community’s relationships with all tiers and levels of government.
“It is my sincere hope that Your Majesty will strive to maintain the sanctity of this exalted office and lead your people to greater prosperity while upholding the tenets of justice, fair play, and equity.
“I am indeed glad to identify with and share the joy of this wonderful and endearing occasion of the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Oputa III, the Obi of Aboh.
“The personalities here at this occasion—captains of industry, notable traditional and community leaders, top legislative and government functionaries, friends, and well-wishers of Aboh Kingdom from far and near—bear testimony to the significance, honour, and grandeur of this momentous and historic occasion.”
“Perhaps it could not have been otherwise. Your Royal Majesty is inheriting the enviable peace, harmony, and love, which are some of the enduring legacies left behind by your predecessor, Obi Imegwu. His peaceful disposition extended beyond the frontiers of Aboh Kingdom, as he became the rallying point of royalty in Ndoshimili and beyond.
Continuing, the governor said, “I urge you, the people of Aboh Kingdom, to accept the challenge of making the reign of Obi Oputa III one of the most successful in the annals of kingship not only in Aboh, Ndoshimili, or Delta State but the country in general.
“I urge you, as a matter of tradition and the long history of your genial bent, to accord the Obi your total and unqualified support and loyalty to enable him to focus better on providing qualitative and selfless leadership for the kingdom.
“I thank you for the kind words you offered about the administration and the modest efforts we are making to develop every part of the state. I also thank you most sincerely for your patience and orderly conduct of your affairs.”
Addressing calls by riverine communities for the River Niger to be dredged to mitigate flooding, the governor stated, “The issue of dredging the River Niger is a longstanding one. It would be best handled by the Federal Government, as many states will be affected.”
Earlier, the Iyasele (Prime Minister) of Aboh Kingdom, High Chief Charles Odili, highlighted the new monarch’s ambition to restore the lost glory of the kingdom. He also called for the full cooperation of the Aboh Traditional Council to support this arduous task.
“To those who contested and lost, I wish to extend my olive branch to you. Come and join us to build the kingdom,” the Prime Minister said.
High Chief Odili used the occasion to draw the attention of the state government to the various challenges facing the area, including the annual flooding and erosion menace, which submerge farms, cause water levels to reach ceiling and roof heights, and result in the loss of annual harvests.
The people appealed for the dredging of the River Niger. “If dredged and shoreline protection is constructed with the sand backfilled, it will reclaim several kilometres of land for the development of a brand-new town,” he said.
“If you dredge the Niger, you have given us almost everything. There’s so much water in Aboh, but there is no water to drink. It is so ironic. The Niger water is undrinkable, and the borehole water is laden with iron. In fact, the borehole water turns brown like coffee thirty minutes after fetching.”
They also called for the rehabilitation of the only link road from Ashaka to Aboh, which is prone to annual flooding.
According to the Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Council, Hon. Vincent Osilonya, in his address, the presentation of the Staff of Office has put to rest the tussle for the Aboh Royal Stool. He urged the people to unite and rally around their king.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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