Dignitaries from all walks of life on Wednesday, stormed the ancient town of Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, to witness the grand final of a week-long annual Gbaran-Egbesu Ibolomobo-ere and Amaseikumor festival celebrated by the people.
The highly decorated serene riverine environment and the display of the rich cultural heritage of the people, were sights to behold, particularly by first-time visitors who sailed through the Escravos River to a smooth berth in Oporoza, a distant town from the oil city of Warri.
Despite the palpable sense of apprehension, especially coming on the heels of the recent unfortunate incident in the Nollywood industry, the personalities who came from far and near and across all segments of the society, were full of smiles and laughter as they exchanged banters.
The personable Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, the legendary High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and members of the Council of Chiefs, were on hand to receive prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, to the kingdom and the historic event.
A son of the soil and number three citizen of Delta State, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, was in his element in coordinating top government functionaries, colleagues and friends who accompanied him to Oporoza for the traditional event.
They include Speakers of Anambra and Bayelsa States Houses of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze and Rt Hon Abraham Ingobere, some members of the Delta State Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Civil Commissioners, Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata; some members of the board of DESOPADEC, amongst others.
Several displays of arts and crafts of the people, including traditional warlike competitions and performances, masquerade dances, and musical entertainment, characterized the event.
Those who spoke said it was a wonderful experience to participate in the 2024 Amaseikumor festival, celebrated annually by the Ijaws of the Gbaramatu kingdom.
They stated that the unique display of the culture and traditional heritage by the people had left a good impression and memories about the kingdom and commended the organizers of the event for providing them with such a great opportunity.
Meantime, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has expressed profound gratitude to all who were in Oporoza on Wednesday for the grand finale of the 2024 annual Amaseikumor festival.
Rt Hon Guwor stated that the festival is marked annually to celebrate not only the tradition and culture of the people but also the achievements and accomplishments in the kingdom.
The Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, explained that despite the distance to the coastal community, the calibre of personalities at the event was mind-blowing.
While thanking God for the successful hosting of this year’s traditional festival of the people, Rt Hon Guwor said the attendees left with positive testimonies.
He congratulated HRM Oboro Gbaraun II,
Aketekpe, Agadagba, Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom and other leaders of the kingdom for the wonderful outing and prayed to God for greater peace and development in the locality.
“I was so overwhelmed seeing great men and women from far and near besieging our kingdom for the cultural festival of my people.
“The list is endless but I must specifically thank my colleague Speakers, Members of National and State Houses of Assembly, Ministers, Commissioners and traditional rulers for honouring us.
“Gbaramatu kingdom is a peaceful community and shall continue to celebrate achievements and accomplishments in the kingdom.
“We shall continue to work for peace, security, unity of purpose and understanding from government, and other department partners,” Guwor stated.
