…As Obi Efeizomor 11 Appreciates God For 65 Years On The Throne
THE Bishop of Ika Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ekpenisi has tasked leaders at all levels to encourage and exhibit transparency, honesty, emotional balance and accountability in every situation and in all circumstances.
Right Reverend Ekpenisi made the remark in an exhortation at a praise/worship ceremony to mark the 65th coronation anniversary of the immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Obi of Owa, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor 11, which held at the Royal Palace, Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Área.
The Anglican Bishop, in the exhortation titled ‘’Leadership Skills Required For The Generation We Are In’’, posited that leadership should not only be visionary and technology-based, but also all-embracing, sustainable, forward looking and focused on finding solutions to the multi-dimensional challenges facing mankind.
The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori represented by his Deputy, Sir. Monday Onyeme, extolled the leadership qualities of the celebrant and congratulated him on what he called ‘’a great milestone to be on the throne for 65 years and counting.‘’
Governor Oborevwori described Dr Efeizomor 11 as a renowned statesman whose disposition to peace and harmonious existence had contributed tremendously to the development of the society.
The Chairman of the Delta state Traditional Rulers council and Orodje of Okpe, Major-General Felix Mujakpuero (rtd), Orhue 1, who chaired the occasion, remarked that the Obi of Owa had left indelible foot print in the sands of time, adding that his passion for education, youth and socio- economic development of the society was unrivalled .
In a citation, Prof Eric Eboh x-ayed the historical background of the monarch, who ascended the throne as the 17th Obi of Owa Kingdom on the 6th day of September, 1959 saying that his reign had brought unprecedented growth and development to Owa kingdom. He described him as an author, a prolific writer and consummate scholar and leader.
Responding, the celebrant appreciated God for making it possible for him to celebrate 65 years on the throne of his forebears with sound health and mind.
He explained that God gives power and that He alone can grant a man the grace to succeed in positions of leadership and commended various speakers for the kind words they said about him just as he expressed appreciation to all his friends and colleagues who came from all over the country to grace the occasion.
The ceremony featured praise and worship by the choir, intercessory prayers for the Monarch and members of the Royal family, cutting of the anniversary cake and display of cultural dances.
Prominent traditional rulers from across the country, including the Olu of Warri ,Ogiamen Atuwatse 111 , the King of Eleme, in Rivers state and the Amayanabor of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State, Profesor Edmund Dakuoru as well as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Professor Nnaemeka Achebe attended the ceremony.
Also in attendance were the first Vice Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Pere of Akugbene mien, Pere SP Luke Kalanama V111, the 2nd Vice Chairman and Obi of Ubulu – Unor kingdom, Agbogidi Henry Kikachukwu 1 (Phd) and a cross section of traditional rulers from across the state.
As part of the two – day celebration, prominent chiefs and members of the Obi – in – Council paid traditional homage to the king to the admiration of visitors and residents of the kingdom.
