Idjerhe Born Journalist Ascends Throne As Udurhie I, Receives Staff Of Office From Okowa
The Oasis Reporters
October 28, 2020
By Aloysius Okerieke, Warri
The People of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West L.G.A of Delta State went into rejoicing yesterday, October 26, when the State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa officially handed over the Staff of Office to HRM Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whisky Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in a well attended ceremony by the sons and daughters of the Kingdom with other top government functionaries who had come to grace the occasion.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro in his address thanked the Council of Chiefs who are the king makers , the people of Idjerhe Kingdom for their collective resolve to make a choice which he believes reflects the public opinion of the entire Kingdom.
The deputy governor further called on the people of Idjerhe Kingdom to ensure that there is peace so that development can thrive.
He equally advised HRM Obukohwo Monday Whisky Udurhie 1, the Ovie of ldjerhe Kingdom who has just ascended the throne of his forefathers as the custodian of the tradition of the people, to discharge his duties with fairness, using the principles of dialogue and consultation with modest disposition which has been found effective and strategic in general administration.
Barrister Otuaro the Delta State Deputy Governor noted in his statement that the state by this affirmative action of issuing a Staff of Office expects the monarch to continue to resonate peace and robust brotherhood as he carries on with the responsibilities of office, adding that he wishes Udurhie l, the new king of Idjerhe kingdom God’s guidance and a memorable reign.
While responding to the request made earlier for the kingdom by the Idjerhe Monarch , the Deputy Governor said: ” All your requests for example ,the one concerning a higher institution and the remembrance of the fire disaster victims will be channelled to the appropriate quarters for necessary action”.
HRM Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whisky, Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom earlier in his welcome address, read by RT. Hon. John Halims Agoda a former member of the House of Representatives thanked Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State , represented by his Deputy , Barrister Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, the Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ovie Omo -Agege , the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, RT.Hon. Chief Sheriff Oborevwori , the Executive Chairman , Ethiope West LGA , Hon. Solomon Golley ,all members of the Delta State Executive Council, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Royal Majesties present, distinguished chiefs, Community leaders, women and youths of the great Idjerhe Kingdom.
The Idjerhe monarch explained in his welcome address that he is indeed overwhelmed by the show of solidarity for the honor bestowed on him by the Delta State Government and the collective support of the entire people of Idjerhe Kingdom.
The monarch after appreciating Governor Okowa for the political appointments given to sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom, then asked the Governor to site a higher institution of learning in Idjerhe Kingdom, a Cottage Hospital, Skill Acquisition Centres, where youths can be trained in skill acquisition, a request for the Delta State Government to remember and celebrate the memories of those who perished in the 1998 Jesse Pipeline fire disaster that claimed uncountable number of lives.
The Royal father observed in his statement that Idjerhe Kingdom is a key player and host to a lot of Oil and Gas exploration activities ,adding that they are equally very important politically due to their numerical strength which guarantees huge voter population at local, State and Federal elections as the kingdom is the second largest in Urhobo land.
Hon Solomon Golley, Chairman Ethiope West who also spoke at the event thanked Barrister Kingsley Otuaro who represented Governor Okowa for making the occasion a reality.
Hon. Golley while calling on all former interest groups to sheath their swords in the overall interest and progress of the Kingdom, prayed God almighty to grant the reign of Udurhie l, greater achievements than his predecessors .
Also speking, Dr. Emmanuel Ufuophu Biri of the Department of Mass Communication , Delta State University, Abraka who took the citation revealed that HRM Udurhie I the renowned journalist and philanthropist of international repute was born in 1960, to the royal family of Odokpor.
He obtained his first school leaving certificate in 1973. In 1992 he got his Ordinary Level certificate .
Determined to carve a niche for himself in the ivory tower, he went further to study Mass Communication in Benin city at the School of Journalism and Management Studies, where he got his OND.
Amongst other academic laurels he is a senior member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ .
