Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has described the traditional ruler of Owa Kingdom in North-East Local Government Area of the state, Obi Emmanuel Efezomor, as a man of peace who had persevered in providing loving, compassionate and effective leadership to his people.
Oborevwori made the statement while felicitating with the monarch during the celebration of his 65th coronation anniversary held recently at the palace in Owa Oyibu, headquarters of Ika North-East Local Government Area.
The governor was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who led other government officials, just as politicians, business tycoons, women of substance, community leaders and Owa people trooped out to honour their monarch.
Oborevwori further said that the Obi of Owa kingdom who is the immediate past chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers’ Council remains a wonderful representation of harmony and peace who had made good use of his position of privilege to benefit both his people and the state as a whole.
The governor noted that Owa kingdom had experienced a significant and remarkable improvement in human capital and infrastructural development, as well as enduring peace under the reign of the monarch.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you, Your Royal Majesty, Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor II, on the occasion of your 65th coronation anniversary.
“Together with your subjects and the entire Delta Traditional Rulers’ Council, I humbly and with joy, thank God for your life. Under your reign, Owa kingdom has remained peaceful and prosperou, and your subjects have prospered in all spheres of life.
“Over the years, you have persisted in promoting peaceful coexistence in Owaland and among their neighbours by exercising your fatherly role and offering sagely advice.
“We value your leadership and wise efforts in establishing Delta State as a peaceful state among its people and kingdoms as immediate past chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers,” the governor said.
Chairman of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, Major-General Felix Mujakpuero also described the Obi of Owa kingdom as a legend in terms of his vast knowledge about the traditional institution and its lore.
“His reign is the only one of its kind having witnessed several transitions in government with attendant social political changes over this long period.
“His reign started during the period of the then western region of Nigeria to the creation of Midwest states, then the subsequent creation of Bendel State and the present Delta State.
“I do not know of any traditional ruler in the state with such a long history of reign graced by several social political transitions.
“Obi of Owa kingdom is indeed a legend in terms of his vast knowledge about the traditional institution and its lore. You will agree with me that it takes a man of rare genius to be able to navigate his way through the maze of intrigues that characterise the various level of government over this long years.
“Obi of Owa is indeed an enigma of our generation, he is a nation builder committed to the promotion of peace and development of the people of Owa, Delta State and indeed, the whole of Nigeria.
“He is a royal father whose passion for education, youth and socialeconomic development is unrivalled. He is reputed for his uncommon servant-leader disposition,” Mujakpuero said.
Mujakpuero further stressed how the Obi of Owa revived, mobilised and supported several community organisations of Ndi-Owa, including the Owa Patriotic Union, Owa Development Committee, Owa YouthAassociation and Boji-Boji Owa Community Development Committee. Nigerian Tribune gathered that he has authored several books and has given active support to the establishment of Calvary Polytechnic, Owa-Oyibo and he is the current visitor to the school.
The anniversary was attended by crème de la crème of the society, including traditional rulers from Onitsha, Anambra, Bayelsa, among others.
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