By Felix Ekwu
The Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, Okumagba The Second is dead.
His Royal Majesty, Sir Emmanuel Ono Okumagba (JP), Okumgba The Second was crowned in the early hours of Monday, November 16, 2020, by kingmakers in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom led by the oldest Kingmaker, High Chief George Amurun (JP).
The Delta State government on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, confirmed his selection as the Orosuen (King) of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom in Warri and went ahead to present him a Staff of Office on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
The Otata Of Okere -Urhobo kingdom Warri, Chief Gold Eburu, a retired Brigadier-General made the formal announcement of the demise of Okumgba The Second during a press briefing today Sunday, July 17, 2022, at the Orosuen palace.
According to him, Okumagba The Second had travelled to join his ancestors adding that the final rites of passage would be announced later.
The Otata of Okere-Urhobo kingdom added that the council of Chiefs has directed that in line with the customs and traditions of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom no ceremonies such as burials, marriages and others would take place within the kingdom until after the celebrations of the final rites of the Okumagba The Second.
He appealed to all residents of the kingdom to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
The people of Okere -Urhobo Kingdom and a retinue of chiefs were in the palace of the departed king during the announcement.
The covering of the Royal stool of the Orosuen of Okere -Urhobo kingdom with black cloth was also a sign that the kingdom is mourning.
His Royal Majesty, Sir Emmanuel Ono Okumagba (JP), Okumgba The Second, succeeded former professor of Sociology at the Sociology Department of Delta State University, Abraka, HRM Prof. Paul Oghenero Okumagba, Idama II, who joined his ancestors in July 2019.
