INDIGENES of Otolokpo kingdom in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the state government to, as a matter of urgency, open up the Otolokpo – Ute Elugwu -Egbudu Akan-Ejeme road.
The people made the appeal during the celebration of the recent maiden edition of Unity Carnival in Otolokpo kingdom.
They revealed that the road which was started from Boji Boji Owa by the previous administration is nearing completion to Otolokpo while from Otolokpo to Ute Elugwu, which used to be a motorable earth road, has turned to a dilapidated bush path.
According to them, movements between Otolokpo and several communities on that corridor have been hampered for over a decade, adding that on completion, motorists from Agbor and its environs can easily access Kwale and other communities in Ndokwa ethnic nationality instead of embarking on an Israelite journey.
Speaking at the event, the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa described the carnival as a historic milestone in the state and first of its kind in Ika ethnic nationality.
Okowa said the three day carnival which the organisers said they derived the inspiration from the annual Calabar Carnival in Cross River State would set the stage for cultural renaissance in Ika Nation and beyond.
The former governor appreciated the leadership of the President-General, Otolokpo Development Union (ODU), AIG David Igbodo (retd) and his executive members for introducing the carnival even as he called for collaborative efforts to sustain the success recorded.
“Let’s continue to support the Otolokpo Development Union executive in this amazing initiative. I urge the Obi of Otolokpo, the executive of ODU and community members to sustain this. I pledge my support for its continuity and I know next year’s edition will be better than this,” Okowa said.
Okowa, who was visibly delighted by the captivating cultural performances at the event, commended the organisers and the various cultural troupes for exemplifying the essence of old Ika culture and traditions.
While expressing optimism about its sustainability, Senator Okowa said that the carnival will breathe a new life into the rich traditions that define the nationality and pledged his support to make the carnival an annual event.
While speaking, Igbodo stressed the need for a closer relationship with the government to address the community’s needs, saying that he was impressed with the way and manner Otolokpo patriots rallied round to own the project within such a short period of its conception.
He urged the indigenes living in the diaspora to stay connected with their roots and ensure constant relationship with the community, dispelling the notion of fleeing from supernatural threats.
Igbodo, announced that the carnival has been institutionalised to become an annual event that will restore peace and unity in the community and seek support of all to make it a reality.
Speaking to newsmen, the Obi of Otolokpo Kingdom, Agbogidi Collins Alioma Ezenwali commended the commitment of indigenes of the community in ensuring the restoration of its dying culture and tradition.
Chairman of the Carnival, Mr Jude Osafiele, commended the President-General, his team and the entire Otolokpo people for their support while one of the organisers and Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Higher Education, Dr, Anthony Nwaokolobia, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the fiesta.
