Our personality this week is the fourth and current Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), who celebrated his 18th year on the throne on Monday. He was officially crowned on 29 July, 2006.
The palace of the Orodje, on the day of the coronation anniversary wore a new look to the warm reception of dignitaries from far and near, who trooped in to celebrate and honour a man of honour and integrity; a royalty of uncommon character, whose words and pronouncements are highly honoured and respected in Okpe Kingdom and beyond.
Aside of dignitaries who came in to celebrate and pay homage to the Orodje on the day of the coronation anniversary, worthy of mention were the warm felicitations from his friends, subjects and admirers. Among them was the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who described him as a renowned elder statesman and bridge builder whose reign has brought great benefits to Okpe kingdom and humanity.
Gov Oborevwori praised him for bringing the kingdom’s citizens together and making it a tranquil and investment-friendly place to live in since he took over the ancient throne of his forebears. He commended thea respected royal father for his unwavering support for his administration’s M.O.R.E. agenda.
In his words, Governor Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I felicitate His Royal Majesty, Maj.-Gen.a Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), CFR, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, on the occasion of his 18th coronation anniversary.
Omogu, I join the good people of Okpe Kingdom and Deltans ina celebrating you, a great monarch, whose passion for the growth anda development of his kingdom, Urhobo nation, and Delta State remains unmatched.
“In the last 18 years on the throne, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, has kept up his brilliant and influential leadership by motivating the Okpe people, Urhobos, and the Delta Traditional Institution to achievea greater things. I must congratulate you on your wisdom in preserving and upholding the customs and culture of the Okpe people through encouraging communal life, harmony, socio-culturala collaboration, and peaceful coexistence amongst the Urhobo people and other ethnic groups in the state.”
He prayed for continued good health, longevity and wisdom for him in handling the activities of the Delta Statea Traditional Rulers Council and Okpe Kingdom.
Not left out in identifying with the Orodje during the coronation anniversary was Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, who said, “Your Majesty, the past 18 years on the throne of our forefathers, exemplified remarkable leadership and dedication to the welfare of the Okpe Kingdom. Your reign has been characterized by a deep commitment to the preservation of our cultural heritage, alongside a progressive vision for development that has brought significant improvements in education, and infrastructure within our community. Your Majesty’s ability to unite and inspire our people stands as a testament to your wisdom and compassion.
He added, “Under your guidance, the Okpe Kingdom has not only maintained its rich traditions but has also embraced modern advancements to better the lives of its citizens”.
Also, the Honourable Commissioner representing Delta State in the National Population Commission, Hon Mrs Blessyn Brume-Ataguba described the Orodje as “a man of peace, bridge-builder and unassailable integrity, whose tenure had been of immense value to Okpe kingdom, the entire Urhobo land and Delta State.
She commended the monarch for making Okpe kingdom peaceful and investment-friendly since ascending the ancient throne. She also commended him for his unwavering support for the Federal Government and the National Population Commission, as well as rallying his subjects in that direction
“In the last 18 years on the throne, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, has provided exemplary and impactful leadership by living above board as a father and leader. As Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, he has been the rallying point and inspiration for the Okpe people in particular and Urhobos in general.a
“I must commend your dexterity in keeping and managing the culture and tradition of the Okpe and entire Urhobo people by promoting harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among thea Urhobo and other ethnic groups in the state,” the NPC Commissioner added, stressing that the Okpe monarch remains a symbol of unity and graceful demonstration of traditional dignity in the affairs of the state.
For those who may not know much about the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and why his 18 years on the throne is worthy ofa celebration, permit me at this moment to give you a brief about him.
The Orodje is a Monarch with intimidating credentials and unblemished reputation, a detribalised patriotic Nigerian and elder statesman who has consistently conducted himself as a highly reserved and visionary king. He is a Royal Father with aristocratic dignity,a a retired star General of the Nigerian Army, served in various capacities within and outside the country before ascending the throne of his forefathers in July, 2006, as Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.
His coronation as Orodje of Okpe Kingdom was highly impressive, well attended by prominent Nigerians and very senior officers of his primary professional constituency, the Nigerian Army where he excelled and retired as a Major General. He is one of the few royal fathers you don’t get to see regularly in public functions because he truly understands the dignity expected of traditional rulers in their interface with the public.
Born on December 4,1946 at Opuraja, Okpe Kingdom, Delta State, he attended Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta State; Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; Young Officers’ Course, Nigerian Military Training College, Jaji; Infantry Officers’ Basic and Airborne Course, Fort Bennington, USA; Battalion Support Weapons Course, India; Command and Staff College, Jaji; Senior Command Course, College of Combat, India.
He also attended University of Lagos, Nigerian Law School, Military Police Officers’ Advanced Course,’ USA; Army Military Police School, Fort MacLean, USA; Judge Advocate-General’s School, USA; National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos.
He was Company Commander, Nigerian Battalion, No. 5, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, 1979-80; Commander, Nigerian Army Military Police, 1985-86; Provost Battalion Commander, Nigerian Army Military Police, 1986-87; Director, Nigerian Army Legal Services, 1987-91; Commander, Seventh Nigeria Brigade, ECOMOG.
He was also Chief of Staff, ECOMOG, 1993; Director Operations, Nigerian Army, 1993- 1995; Provost-Marshall, Nigerian Army, Chief of Operations, 1995-96; General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, 1996-98; General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, 1998-99; Field Commander, ECOMOG, March 1999; Senior Partner, MF Partnership.
The Orodje was a member of Provisional Ruling Council; Nigerian Bar Association, International Society for Military • Law and Law of war, International Adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
He has also been honoured in many ways, among which is Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 1988. He has been decorated with
Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Silver Jubilee Medal; United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Medal; ECOMOG Medal, Honour Graduate at the USA Army Military Police School, Fort MacLean, USA; Distinguished Allied Graduate at the Judge Advocate Generals School, US Army, Charlottesville, USA. He is a Fellow, Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary Club International.
