Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, insists his administration will continue to encourage and support the traditional institution in the state.
Oborevwori stated that the continuous encouragement given to the traditional institution hinges on the conviction that it remains one of the enduring bedrocks of the cherished customs of the people.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, made the disclosure at the presentation of Staff of Office to the Obi of Issele-Mkpetime in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, Sunday Ubaka Ogboli.
He said his administration, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will continue to respect the royal institution, emphasising 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 hope and pray that the palpable spirit of love and unity behind this brotherly atmosphere 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.”
The governor urged the monarch to discharge his responsibilities to the people with love, honesty, fairness, transparency and give utmost attention to issues of security in the locality, by working closely with security agencies.
He commended the people for their peaceful disposition, cooperation and staunch support for his administration.
Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Emmanuel Bazim Chinye, in his address, urged the traditional ruler to uphold the values, 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 for approving the presentation of staff of office to the monarch.
Earlier in an address, the President-General of Issele-Mkpetime Federated Union, Mr. Oge Okwuka appealed to the people to rally round the monarch, describing the Obi as a man of impeccable character, an epitome of tradition and culture.
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