By Emojevwe Akpojotor/Nelson Agbajor
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Monday presented the official Staff Of Office to His Royal Majesty Obokuwho Arthur Monday Whiskey, Udurhie The First, The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the State, with a call on the people to bury their differences and work with the new Traditional Ruler for the sustainable development and peace of the Kingdom.
History was made as the people of the kingdom gathered in large numbers at the Idjerhe Grammar School field to celebrate their new king as he receives his staff of office from the Delta State government.
Governor Okowa represented by his Deputy Deacon Kingsley Otuaro performed the ceremony.
He appealed to the new King to be kind to all, urging him to be fair and just; being the father of his subjects.
The governor pointed out that as the custodian of the tradition of the people of Idjerhe Kingdom, he must uphold the sanctity of their customs.
While congratulating the monarch, the governor noted that history has been made as the people of Idjerhe Kingdom will experience a new dawn in the traditional administration of the kingdom.
He reassured the state government’s support and commitment towards moving Idjerhe Kingdom forward urging the Idjerhe youths to shun cultism and other social vices.
The governor noted that the Idjerhe kingdom strategically occupy a boundary point with the legendary Benin Kingdom necessitating the new Royal Father to pursue peace with their neighbours even in Edo State.
Earlier in his speech read by former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Halims Agoda, HRM Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhrie The First appreciated Governor Okowa for the numerous appointments given to Idjerhe people, noting that Idjerhe Kingdom was in dire need of a higher institution of learning, cottage hospital and a skill acquisition centre to boost vocational Education for the teeming youths.
While appealing to the Federal Government to Establish a specialized higher Institution in the Kingdom in memory of victims of the October 17 Jesse fire Explosion, Udurhie The First thanked Governor Okowa for the honour and promised to bring his wealth of experience and knowledge to bear in the affairs of the kingdom.
Speaking with journalists at his palace shortly after the ceremony, the new King of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM, Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, The Udurhie 1 of Idjerhe Kingdom, said that he will run an open door policy and consult the people on issues that will move the kingdom forward.
The monarch noted that in few months time, he will call for a conference of all Idjerhe sons and daughters with five representatives from each community with the aim of discussing issues that will bring growth and development to Idjerhe Kingdom especially to send signals to any Idjerhe youth who is involved in cultism.
HRM, Monday Whiskey asserted that his administration will ensure that investors are attracted to the kingdom and Idjerhe will be among the scheme of affairs in Nigeria.
As a journalist by profession, King Monday Whiskey, said that journalism is his primary constituency and as such, there is an open door for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council and other media practitioners in the country.
He added that his administration will have a good synergy with the media.
The new Idjerhe monarch until his ascension to the throne was a Senior Journalist and a former South-South Editor of the National Daily Newspaper.
