BY SAM DUVWODE
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has called on traditional rulers in the state to exercise great care in conferring chieftaincy titles and ensuring that only individuals of proven integrity are honoured.
Governor Oborevwori made the call yesterday while presenting the official Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III, the Obi of Egbudu Akah, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Gov. Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, appealed to all traditional rulers in the state to adopt dialogue and transparent honesty in their engagements with the people.
The governor while congratulating Obi Augustine Okolie III, of EgbuduAkah on his ascension to the throne, implored the royal father to diligently promote the welfare, peace and development of his community through his words and deeds.
According to him, “I implore our revered Royal father, Obi Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III, to diligently promote the welfare, peace and development of this community through all his words and deeds. As a traditional ruler under a democratic administration, I emphasize the importance of pursuing dialogue and consensus in your interactions with your subjects and in the community’s relationships with all levels of government. I extend this appeal to all traditional rulers in the state to adopt dialogue and transparent honesty in their engagements.”
“I trust that His Royal Majesty will uphold the sanctity of his esteemed office, guiding his people toward greater prosperity while championing justice, fairness and equity. As the custodian of your people’s traditions, I draw your attention to your role as the prescribed authority in your community. In this capacity, you must exercise great care in conferring chieftaincy titles, ensuring that only individuals of proven integrity are honoured.”
“ You are inheriting the legendary peace, harmony and development that are among the enduring legacies of your predecessor, Obi Agbogidi Olo-Ome Okolie I, who joined his ancestors after decades of impactful leadership.”
“I sincerely hope the community will rise to the occasion, making the reign of Obi Augustine Nzemeke Ezeagwuna Okolie III one of the most successful in the history of leadership, not just in Egbudu Akah or Delta State but across the nation. I encourage you, in keeping with your warm and hospitable traditions, to offer the Obi your full and unwavering support and loyalty to enable him to provide focused, selfless leadership.”
“Egbudu Akah community is primarily agrarian. Residents cultivate crops such as oil palm, rubber, yam and cassava, contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural output. Fishing is also a key vocation for some, given the area’s proximity to water bodies.”
“These occupations reflect the community’s deep connection to the land and its resources, fostering both sustenance and economic growth. Beyond agriculture, the people are known for their artisanship. I, therefore, urge you to take advantage of various government policies and programmes to improve and promote your traditional occupations.”
Governor Oborevwori assured the EgbuduAkah people that their legitimate requests, which includes the 2,000 hectares of land acquired by the government, the poor state of roads connecting EgbuduAkah to other communities, rehabilitation of the secondary school and provision of potable water, will be forwarded to relevant agencies for action.
