The transformative journey to crowning a new king (Pere) of Ngbilebiri-mein kingdom in Bututu Local Government Area of Delta State was full of complex intrigues, trials, dramatic u-turns, and obscure traditional contradictions.
A genuine attempt to traditionally and socially bury the late king who died some six years ago was stiffly countered by seen and unseen forces that were very difficult to proffer solution. This negative scenario of traditional drama lingered on unperturbed suffocating the entire Kingdom.
The need to move ahead the Kingdom was imperative and a priority to all sons and daughters.
The traditional council several times under this period synergized with different Stakeholders to prepare an elaborate burial for our late King(Pere). As a result of some seemingly irreconcilable issues, the burial arrangements could not be realised.
In order not for the Kingdom to go into extinction, the process of selecting, screening and confirmation of a new King was kick- started. Eventually, the Ogiogio Royal Ruling House presented Prince Samuel Akpomiemie Fuludu as their candidate. He was subsequently screened and confirmed by the Traditional Council of Kingmakers who are the voice of the ancestors as expressly enshrined in line with Traditional Rulers And Chieftaincy Edict of 1979.
Prince S.A. Fuludu became Pere- Elect last year. It was the hope of the Traditional Council that after a befitting burial of the late King, he will be crowned and install as the new King.
Be as it may, things never went as planned.
Today’s event of crowning him was necessitated primarily to end the existing Administrative gap in the Traditional Circle. In line with the gazette as applicable to Delta State, the existing ten(10) Kingmakers(with three yet to replaced) to wit : High Chief Andrew Sigana Akpasele ( Regent) and Tonkepa, High Chief James Omgbo Egberibo ( Olotu), High Chief Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin ( Buloukere-owei & Sec-ln- Council), High Chief Stephen Dauyebo Kitua( Ozifare- owei), High Chief Samuel Peter Forteta ( Ezomo), High Chief David Enakpodiyerin Ovwowhoebre (Obinetebe-owei), High Chief Nathaniel Wareokeke Timoko( Abosoro-owei), High Chief Alfred Oghenejabo Egbutsa ( Esomowene-owei), High Chief ( Dr./Senator) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (OFR,CON) the Bebeare-owei and High Chief Stephen Oweipade Tusemone ( Egbelegbelebine- owei) unanimously endorsed the decision to Crown him.
By the success of today’s outing, HRM Prince Samuel Akpomiemie Fuludu has broken the jinx in the Ogiogio Royal Ruling House because after the first Ogiogio, no other person has ascended the throne. The late King(Pere), HRM Samuel Hitler Perekeme ( RFMIL) was crowned in 1981 and Staff office in 1983. He ruled peacefully for thirty- six(36) years. He joined his ancestors on 16th of September,2017. We do hope that HRM Prince Samuel Akpomiemie Fuludu will rule for a longer period.
In attendance at the ceremony today was Hon. Chief Ebikeme Anthony Clark,who ably represented his father and Dr. Alfred Mulade and Mr. Paul Clark, Kiagbodo Community Chairman represented the Ogiogio Royal Ruling House.
The new King in his maiden speech thanked all sons and daughters for making the event a success. He therefore use the occasion to preach love, Unity, selfless Service with the fear of God. He prayed God to give him wisdom and rare knowledge to rule the people of Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom.
To God be the glory!
-BY HON. CHIEF YERIN EKPEDIBO YERIN (FCIM, NES) THE SECRETARY-IN-COUNCIL
