Traditional rulers of Urhobo extraction have pledged to collaborate more closely with the people of ancient Aboh kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State to foster greater socio – cultural and economic cooperation as well as accelerated development of their various kingdoms.
The Ovie of Agbarha – Warri kingdom, Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi 11 made the declaration when he led five prominent Urhobo monarchs on a solidarity visit to the traditional ruler of Aboh kingdom, Obi Dr Gregory Nnamdi Oputa 111 in his palace at Aboh.
The Agbarha – Warri monarch said the visit was an expression of love and show of support for the Aboh traditional ruler who he described as one of their own.
Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi 11 recalled the historical antecedents and significant position of Aboh as a foremost ancient kingdom to interface with earliest European expeditions, insisting that the entire people of Aboh Kingdom were blessed and favored to have Dr Gregory Nnamdi Oputa 111 as their King .
He urged sons and daughters of Aboh Kingdom to close ranks and work as a team under the spiritual head and guidance of His Majesty, Dr Gregory Oputa 111 to achieve accelerated development of the kingdom.
Speaking in the same vein, the traditional Ruler of the great Idjerhe Kingdom and spokesperson of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Fórum, King Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1 remarked that the visit was historical and significant as it would promote unity, mutual thrust, understanding and cooperation among Delta monarchs inspite of their cultural diversity as a people.
He further maintained that the visit would help to concreatise the age-long cultural affinity between the Urhobos and the people of Aboh, as well as open a new vista of economic growth and development in the various kingdoms.
The Obi of Aboh kingdom, Dr Gregory Nnamdi Oputa 111 appreciated the monarchs for the solidarity visit, adding that the open display of spirit of comradiere had further re – invigorated and emboldened his symbol of authority as chief custodian of the couture and tradition of Aboh kingdom.
He expressed optimism that the visit would usher in more collaboration and cooperation among the traditional rulers particularly lin the areas of socio – economic growth and integration as well as fast track infrastructural development to augment the developmental strides of government at all levels.
In an interview, the Ajuwa of Aboh Kingdom and Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Chief Tony Amechi and the Igboba of Aboh kingdom, Chief Tony Uti described the visit as historically reminiscent of the days of the reign of Obi Oputa 11 over 30 years ago, adding that the visit would be a turning point in the anals of the historical evolution of the kingdom.
The monarchs, who visited the Aboh king include the Ovie of Agbara – Warri Kingdom, HRM Kingsley Emakpor Orereh, Igbi 11, the Ovie of Arhavwarein Kingdom and Vice Chairmen, Urhobo Traditional Rulers Fórum, Solomon Akporhiere Onojeta Okukeren 111.
Others are the Ovie of Agbarho – Otor Kingdom and Secretary Urhobo Traditional Rulers Fórum, Amb Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle, Okorefe 1 and the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom and Spokesperson, Urhobo Traditional Rulers Fórum ,Obukowho M. A. Whiskey, Udurhie 1.
Also present at the ceremony were the traditional ruler of Abala kingdom, Fredrick Egbunkonye 11, the Odiologbo of Onogbokor kingdom, Isaac by Ajawobu, and the traditional ruler of Igbuku kingdom, Dr Isaac Erube Uvo , members of the Obi – in- council and the Aboh Traditional Council
The royal visit featured cultural dance performances by various cultural dance groups from Urhobo land and from within Aboh kingdom.
