Udu Stands Still As Monarch Receives Staff Of Office

Okorohohi Michael

Udu was agog on Friday when thousands of Udu people from far and near, guests from all over Delta state and beyond, friends and loved ones gathered at Otor-Udu, headquarters of Udu local government area, to witness the presentation of staff of office to the new Udu monarch, HRM (Engr) Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo, JP, KP, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom by the governor of Delta state, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori charged traditional rulers to uphold the tenets of traditional institutions in their respective domains, noting that traditional rulers occupy a significant place of honour among their people.

The governor acknowledged the new Udu monarch had been a successful industrialist and businessman, urging him to deploy his wealth of experience to serve the people.

Governor Oborevwori also appreciated the Udu people for their massive turnout at the event, urging them to continue to support the new monarch with the same zeal and energy to be able to deliver on set goals for the peace, progress and development of Udu Kingdom.

Earlier in their respective addresses, President General of the Union of Udu Communities, Evang Andrew Dokie and Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, expressed delight with the prompt response of the governor to Udu’s request for presentation of the instrument of authority to their King, noting that the governor had demonstrated increased concern for the welfare and development of Udu, particularly as it concerns approval for the reconstruction of the main Udu road from Ovwian to ECN junction.

 The presentation of the staff to His Majesty was the climax of the ceremony as the crowd erupted into a great frenzy of excitement and jubilation with all Udu chiefs, led by the Otota of Udu kingdom, Chief Sam Odibo, members of the Udu Traditional Council (the body of King makers) and the rest of Uthe du chiefs filing out to greet the new King the traditional way.

The colourful ceremony was attended by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former governor of Delta state, Rt Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive, member of the House of Representatives, Hon Arthur Akpowowo, Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Prince Kanemala Penawou, Delta commissioner for local government and chieftancy affairs, Hon Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Abuja, among many others.

Others include a heavy presence of traditional rulers from all over the state, led by HRM Gen Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, who is Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, and HRM Emmanuel Sideso, the Ovie of Uvwie and Chairman Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, among others.

In a brief remark, HRM (Engr) Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to serving his people, hence he accepted the call from the people for him to be King.

He assured the Udu people that he was going to deploy his contacts and connections to attract the best to the land.

Chairman of the planning committee for the event, Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue, in brief remarks, thanked the Udu people for the massive turnout, which went beyond expectations, noting that the total compliance with the one-day holiday declared in Udu for the event was commendable.

He also appreciated eminent Udu sons and daughters, friends and well-wishers from far and near, who came in their number, particularly those who supported the event in cash and kind, urging all to continue with the same spirit so Udu could attain greater achievements under the new King.