Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for respect for the traditional institution, describing monarchs as symbols of Africa’s pride.
He made the call on Saturday at Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area, while commissioning an Ultra-Modern Palace of the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, Ogunrimerime, Ukori 1.
The Governor said respect for traditional rulers was important and a biblical injunction, adding, “We must respect the traditional stools. The monarchs are the symbols of our pride.”
He congratulated the Ovie for the edifice and thanked the people of Agbon for erecting such a monumental palace for their king.
Okowa observed that the structure would stand the test of time and could be a tourism centre in the state.
“We are proud of the king, we are proud of Agbon Kingdom,” he said, assuring that his administration would continue to execute developmental projects in the area.
Earlier in his remarks, former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, said the manner with which the project was delivered depicted the leadership style of Governor Okowa.
He said “there are some people who are in politics and belong to the extreme; our Governor is not one of those.
“Okowa works for all; we thank him and all those who contributed to the building of this palace.
“This is indeed a stamp of the authority of the Ovie on the kingdom and it is worthy of emulation; we thank you (the Ovie) for your selfless efforts at seeing that this palace was delivered.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Emmanuel Efeizomor II, commended the people of Agbon Kingdom for their unity and cooperation.
He stated that at a time when some subjects derived joy in burning down palaces across the country, “Agbon people came together to erect a befitting structure for their king.”
Efeizomor, who is the Obi of Owa Kingdom, observed that with the cooperation and peaceful disposition of the people of Agbon, the kingdom would witness accelerated development.
Welcoming the guests, the Ovie, Ukori I, recalled that his first pronouncement immediately after coronation in 2013 was the constitution of a building committee for the palace, adding that it was his insistence on selflessness that made the delivery of the project possible
OKOWA Vs EFCC: Ex-Governor’s One-time Spokesperson Writes On The Facts, The...