By Felix Ekwu
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has paid glowing tribute to the late monarch of Mosogar Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area, HRM, Samson Okirhioboh Imoyin-Omene, Udurhie 1.
Okowa today Friday at the grand reception of the 21 days rites of passage of the first-ever King of the Kingdom held at the Palace Ground in Mosogar described the monarch as a humble leader who cared for the growth and development of his Kingdom.
According to the governor, “The late Udurhie was truly a very humble man who was so much concerned about the development of his kingdom.
“Truly, his humility was such that attracted everyone who came close to him and that’s what is expected of us, especially when we find ourselves in positions of power.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, we condole with the family and the entire kingdom on the passing of their beloved father and king.
“From what I have seen here today, the people of Mosogar truly loved their king and it is our prayer that his soul will continue to rest in peace.”
Okowa also in his speech at the ceremony said that the state government may terminate the contract for electricity supply in Mosogar Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area over contractor’s non-performance.
The governor who stated this in response to an earlier appeal made by the Otota of Mosogar Kingdom (traditional prime minister), Chief Ighoyota Amori, expressed discontent with the performance of the contract.
He said he was disturbed to hear that the project had continued to suffer unnecessary delays on account of the ineptitude of the contractor saying the state government would take steps to terminate and re-award the electricity project to a more competent contractor.
The governor assured the community people of government’s support for the rehabilitation of its internal roads.
“Let me say that I am disappointed to hear that the project has continued to suffer delays after my approval.
“If after one year plus and the project is still not delivered then it truly deserves to be terminated.
“Let me assure you that we will deal with the issue,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Amori said, “This epoch-making event is quite unique in all ramifications as it symbolizes the end of an era in Mosogar Kingdom and marks the beginning of the preparation into the future of the kingdom and the enthronement of a new era in Mosogar Kingdom.
“Mosogar Kingdom has the history of a long walk to freedom, though the journey was not a tortuous one like the one Nelson Mandela experienced during his fight for freedom in South Africa. But, it was a very tedious and complex one which culminated in the creation of Mosogar Kingdom (Clan) in the year 2006 which metamorphosed into the crowning of the first-ever king of Mosogar Kingdom in the year 2007 following the presentation of Staff of Office to the king by H.E Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who was ably represented by then Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Chief B.S.C Elue.”
On the development of Mosogar Kingdom, Amori said, “With all sense of modesty and appreciation, I like to state that Mosogar Kingdom has continued to witness tremendous developments over the years such as networks of roads, schools, hospitals and political appointments in successive administrations.
“Perhaps, it would be expedient to mention some of the great achievements which the kingdom has experienced through the benevolent heart and goodwill towards Mosogar Kingdom by His Excellency, Sem. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa. Some of these developmental projects include the construction of Abinoko/Akwodo Road, Ovie Palace Road, Sam Ogbakpah Bypass and other networks of roads awarded and executed by your administration.”
Like the proverbial Oliver Twist, the Otota of Kingdom further appealed to the state government to terminate and re-award the contract for the 2.5MVA Transformer to energise the Mosogar electricity network.
Earlier, a requiem Mass was held at St. Malachi Catholic Church, Sapele, during which Reverend Father Martins Okoro from Ascension Catholic Church, Akekpa in Ughelli in his homily admonished all to be conscious of life after death by striving towards holiness.
The funeral was attended by former governors of the state, Chief James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ochor Christopher Ochor, who is an in-law to the kingdom, some members of the National and State House of Assembly, among other dignitaries.
