Evwreni community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has commenced the process of appointment and installation of a new Odion Rode following the demise of Obakowho Amrophe, the 15th Odion Rode of the kingdom.
Arising from the meeting of Okpahwa community of Evwreni kingdom in a communication issued by the acting Odion Rode, Utuedor Utih, a five-man committee has been agreed to screen any interested persons from Okpahwa community for the stool to be supervised by the Ukoro society.
The Okpahwa community also resolved to set up a five-man committee to liaise with the family of the demised Odion Rode for a befitting burial of the traditional ruler.
The meeting which was attended by representatives from the four sub-quarters of Okpahwa community, namely Ogbudu, Uwotie, Ekrameha, Uruekpo and those from diaspora also resolved that the people should sustain the Evwreni tradition as laid down by by the founding fathers.
The acting Odion Rode, while speaking through the former President-General of the Evwreni Clan Improvement Union, Major John Ovwufeli (rtd) and Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, stated that the dwindling Odion institution by the founder of Evwreni kingdom must be re-invigorated and strengthened.
On his part, Major Ovwufeti (rtd) noted that the title of the Odion Rode has too long be subjected to second class position in the community adding that it must be waken up by joint efforts.
He pointed out that the Okpawha community must go their own way in the pursuit of the aspiration to a logical conclusion.
In his speech, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha reiterated unity, as the only way to achieving success in life.
He stated that Okpawha community should not subject themselves to or play a second chance game in their own founded kingdom.
Also speaking, Olorogun Samuel Adjogbe, a former Executive Director, Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sued for peace and unity always.
He warned against the taking of laws into their hands, in anything they do and encouraged everyone to follow the path of the law in the installation of the new Odion Rode.
According to him, Evwreni people before now were well known to be peace loving, which has been threatened by some persons who claimed to have the monopoly of leadership in the kingdom.
Olorogun Adjogbe enjoined the people to go about their daily lives and businesses quietly, pointing out that they should be vigilant at all times.
He also challenged the elders to always tell the truth to the upcoming generations as truth is the bedrock on which justice and peace can stand the test of time in the society.
The meeting was attended by mainly the Okpawha community indigenes from within and outside, including the Senior Special Assistant (Political) to the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Fidelis Adjogbe, Chief Johnson Owanre, the Okpako of Okpawha community, Chief Peter Omosowhofa, Pa Sam Ayube, women, youths and a host of others.
It will be recalled that following the constant attacks on Okpawha community, the community had cried to the Delta State Government for an autonomous kingdom.
