THE traditional ruler of the Uwheru kingdom, HRM Simpson Obruche, has reiterated his commitment to the unity, growth and development of the Uwheru Kingdom, even as he vowed to protect the sanctity and integrity of the throne and the customs and traditions of the community.
Speaking at his palace when he received a delegation of some branches of the Uwheru Development Union (UDU) of Warri, Benin, Ughelli and Bayelsa Branch 2, who paid him a courtesy visit at Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government Area, the monarch disclosed his commitment to the unity, development and progress of the kingdom.
He vowed to ensure that the principles of accountability, fairness, and other good practices were entrenched in the kingdom and practised by everyone, saying that Uwheru would go places.
The monarch noted that the Uwheru kingdom remains a very ancient kingdom in Urhobo land and indeed the country has been at the forefront of many historical developments in the past.
While relating the origin of the UDU and the different nomenclature that it has been called, he played glowing tributes to some departed heroes of the Kingdom, who he said served passionately, patriotically, selflessly and contributed greatly to the Uwheru Kingdom and laid a model of how best to contribute to one’s community.
Some of the heroes he mentioned include Udufovwe, Udu, Ikperiba, Koleso Edeguare Gedu, Numa Sisio of Odja, J. J. Salami, Solomon Eyube, Frederick Okoro, Patrick Adade, and others. The traditional ruler then called for a minute silence in honour of the departed heroes.
He also commended the visiting branches for their deep interest and contributions to the Uwheru Kingdom.
He asked them to be good ambassadors of the Kingdom and advocates of peace, unity and progress in Uwheru, just as he admonished them not to be hesitant in finding out the true state of things and issues in the Kingdom, as it would help them in reaching informed decisions.
He said, “Every Uwheru person should see his fellow Uwheru as one, and all must endeavour to cooperate and speak with one voice for the Kingdom to move forward.’’
He urged the Uwheru indigenes in the Diaspora to uphold the spirit of patriotism, progressiveness, unity and responsibility that they are known for. He went on to clarify certain developments in the Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the visitors, the spokesman, Mr Peter Okpakpa, said the visit by the branches was to congratulate the Odion r’Ode on the official presentation of the Staff of Office by the Delta State Government and thank him for the positive developments that have been witnessed since he ascended the throne.
The spokesman added that the visit was also to allow them to get first-hand information on some recent developments in the Kingdom.
Also, present to receive the visitors were Queen Victoria Obruche; Chief Ogarivi Utso, Chief Phillip Okpidiama, Chief John Obrutse, Mr Samson Idodo, Chief Daniel Muoboghare, Chief John Itiotio, Chief Steve Obrutse, Kenneth Young-Emretiyoma, and Chief Akeni Akwetafia.
Others are Chief James Ovwe and Chief Famous Uyovbikerhi. Others are Chief Clement Emonena Esekose, Chief James Ogege, Mr. Ishemishere Otobo, Olorogun (Prince) Egrebayire Obruche, Andrew Ukpeku, Ojohwo Ekrike and Happy Mukoro.
Members of the visiting UDU include Mr Ososoh Yisah Goodluck Chairman, Warri; Mr Orode Lucky, Secretary, Ughelli; Mr Lucky Osiobe, Chairman, Benin; Chief Ojarerido Edwin, Chairman, Bayelsa 2 and Chief David Obruche.
Others are Chief Edubah, Mr.Peter Okpakpa, Chief Andrew Akpedeye, Chief Mrs Roseline Ajene, Mrs Roseline Yisah, and Mrs Bridget Edubah.
