Okowa Mourns Monarchs Of Agbarha-Warri, Olomu
ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commiserated with the people of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area, and Olomu in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State over the transition of their traditional rulers
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said Delta had lost two of its great monarchs.
He stated that the late traditional ruler of Agbarha–Warri kingdom, London Aforkerhi Itu, Ememoh II, was a courageous leader and one committed to the development of his kingdom.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Ememoh Royal family, the people of Agbarha-Warri, the authorities and people of Warri South Local Government Area and the entire Urhobo nation on the passing of the renowned monarch.
“The late monarch’s 25 years reign recorded remarkable infrastructural development in his domain.
“He will be remembered for his contributions to the peace, unity and development of his kingdom and the entire Delta,” Okowa stated.
He urged the family of the deceased royal father, friends, associates and Agbarha-Warri Kingdom to take solace in the knowledge that the monarch lived an exemplary life deserving honour and celebration.
The Governor while condoling with the Olomu Royal family, the Olomu Kingdom and Urhobo nation on the passing of the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, who died at 106, he said the late monarch, a Royal Cannon was renowned to be the oldest monarch in the world. He joined his ancestors shortly after celebrating his 106th birth anniversary.
He remarked that since ascending the ancient throne of his forebears, the reign of the monarch, who is also the Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers, had been very beneficial to his kingdom in particular and Urhobo people.
According to the governor, the Olomu monarch had in the past 35 years on the throne contributed immensely to the growth and development of his kingdom and the Urhobo people, and deserves to be celebrated on this special occasion of his birth anniversary.
He remarked that the late monarch was loved by his people and beyond, joined the royal family, Olomu Kingdom at home and in the diaspora and the entire Urhobo nation in celebrating the life and times of the centenarian monarch.
He described him as a bridge-builder, quintessential elder statesman and royal cannon who lived his life in serving his people.
He said “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a great king and world’s oldest monarch, His Royal Majesty, Richard Layieguen, Ovie Ogoni-Oghoro I, OON, the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom.
“He was a great patriot and leader whose demise leaves a huge leadership vacuum in the Kingdom and among the Urhobos whom he served as Chairman, Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers.
“Under his 35 years of reign, the Olomu Kingdom and Urhobo nation recorded massive development and lived peacefully with all neighbours.
“His contributions to the growth and development of Olomu Kingdom, Urhobo nation, Delta and Nigeria will remain very visible in generations to come,’’ he said.
The governor prayed to God to accept the souls of the late monarchs and grant fortitude to the family to bear the loss.
