By Victor Bieni, Asaba
AGBOR/Nigeria: As the quest for who becomes the next Governor of Delta State after the expiration of Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration gathers momentum, the leadership of Delta North Traditional Rulers Council, led by Owa Monarch, Dr. E.O Efeizomor II JP, OON has enjoined a delegation of Ijaw Kings to ensure that the ethnic nationality put its house in order and come up with a Pan-Deltan candidate that needs no further advertisement.
Traditional rulers from Ijaw ethnic group, under the aegis of Delta State Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum made this disclosure on Saturday, 5th January, 2022 in a press release revealed the outcome of their meetings with the leadership of Delta North Traditional Rulers Council which was made available to some group of Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital.
Ijaw Traditional Rulers Council in their yesterday’s powerful delegation to Delta North Traditional Rulers Council, have asked for the support of Delta North monarchs in the 2023 governorship election in the state , insisting that the ethnic nationality should produce the next governor.
The traditional rulers led by their chairman, His Majesty, Elder Capt. King Joseph I. Timiyan JP, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha kingdom, and the first Vice Chairman, His Majesty S.P Luke Kalanama VIII, the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom urged the kings from Delta North Senatorial district to support a candidate of Ijaw extraction.
The Ijaw monarchs who made the appeal during a meeting at the palace of the Obi of Owa, in Owa Oyibu, in Ika North East local government area, noted that, “In spite of making huge sacrifices, huge contributions to the socio-economic development of the state and supporting other ethnic nationalities over the years, the Izons had not been allowed to produce a governor of the state”.
The statement by the leadership reads in parts: “In the present Delta state, the Ijaw massively supported Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Ibori both from Urhobo ethnic group, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Itsekiri and Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa- of Anioma ethnic nationality to emerge as Governors in Delta State”.
“In the spirit of fairness, equity and brotherhood, we appeal to Anioma and other ethnic nationalities in the state to support a candidate of Ijaw extraction for governorship to Ijaw ethnic nationality come 2023”
“The members of the Council in that powerful delegation of Ijaw Kings are: The leader of the delegation, HRM, King Timiyan, The secretary of the forum , His Majesty, Barr. P. S Erebulu, Aduo 111, the Pere of Kabowei kingdom ; His Majesty Dr. Charles Ayemi -Botu , Pere of Seimbiri kingdom; His Majesty M. Oromoni Mobene 11 , Pere of Ogbe – Ijaw; His Majesty Bosu Dio JP, Ayamabulou 1 , Ebenanaowei of Iduwini Kingdom and His Majesty , Hon. Justice Fiftabai JSC , CON Pere Esuku1, Ebenanaowei of Tuomo Kingdom”.
“Others Ijaw Monarchs in the delegation are: His Majesty, Johnbull Polokowei Apiarocoun Ongolo1, Pere of Ogbulugbene Mein Kingdom; His Majesty King Emmanuel Warewini Arikawei, Pere of Obotebr kingdom; His Majesty, Jackson Foubriowei Ancoalabiri, Ebenanaowei of Kumbowei Kingdom and His Majesty, Dr. Owoupele Danladi Foubiri Angulu 1, Ebenanaowei of Tarakiri kingdom”.
The former Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, and current Chairman, Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, The Obi of Owa, Dr. E O Efeizomor 11 JP OON during the delegation had thanked powerful delegation of Ijaw Kings for coming as he stated that, “the consultation visit was a mark of respect for the kings in Anioma land”.
He told the delegation that their demands , mission and vision were legitimate but cautioned against working for politicians who do not have respect for Royal Fathers, and the Traditional Institutions.
Obi Efeizomor called for greater synergy and cooporation among traditional rulers to strengthen bonds of unity among them .
The Owa Monarch told his visiting colleagues that the only way Delta North Traditional Rulers would support their aspiration was for them to get a candidate who has the character and quality of Governor Okowa.
He said most politicians will do anything to get political power, but soon after that , they turn their back on the electorates that voted them into power. He cautioned that such persons should not be elected to the position of authority.
The Owa Monarch speaking further, stated that Traditional Rulers should be their brothers keeper in order to command respect among our subjects and politicians.
In the words HRM, Obi Efeizomor as quoted in the press release: “My advice is for you to go home and put your house in order because a good product needs no advertisement”.
“We should be weary of politician who will abandon the traditional institutions as soon as he becomes governor”.
“We want a governor who will respect and support traditional rulers and the institution”.
“If we find a politician whole is like Governor Okowa and credible in Ijaw, we will look in that direction”.
It was also stated in the report that the Traditional Rulers from the nine, 9 Local Government Areas of Delta North as some of their representatives were present during the meeting that lasted for hours.
