(right) HRM Nduka Ozegbe, Okpala-Uku of Umuseti during the selection process of the Okpala-Uku of Utagba-Uno, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Elders involvement in peace building process would ensure a progressive society where there is respect for constituted authority, the new Utagba-Uno Progress Forum of Utagba-Uno, HRM Nduka Ozegbe has said.
HRM Ozegbe who emerged at the weekend as the eldest amongst the Okpala-Ukus of the seven quarters of Utagba-Uno in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State in a unique selection process witnessed by eldest Chiefs (Onotu-Ukus) of the seven quarters, the Okwa (Oldest) age grade, among others stated that there was no alternative to peaceful co-existence.
“Elders should teach the younger ones the importance of peaceful co-existence and respect for the laws of the land,” the Okpala-Uku said, adding, “when our youths know the importance of peaceful co-existence and respect elders and the laws of the land, there will be unity and there will be progress.”
Chairman of Utagba-Uno Progress Forum (UPF), Chief Stephen Ebinum who witnessed the event, observed that “it was an age-long process of selecting the Okpala-Uku of Utagba-Uno, all the Okpala-Ukus of the seven quarters (Etua, Ikilibi, Isumpe, Umusadege, Umusam, Umusedeli and Umuseti) gathered to say who their most Senior is and they know that you cannot play politics with age, because, the eldest have roles to play for the society and the gods could be angry with you if you false-fully claim to be the eldest, it is a peaceful selection process and we thank God for His blessings on our people.”
“Utagba-Uno met at the town hall where all the Okpala-Ukus of the seven quarters, the Onotu-Ukus and Okwas in accordance with Utagba-Uno practice of gerontocracy, declared unanimously in accordance with Utagba-Uno established tradition that HRM Okpala-Uku Nduka Ozegbe of Umuseti quarter is the oldest among the Okpala-Ukus of the seven quarters of Utagba Uno,” he said, adding, “accordingly, he will be formerly installed as the Okpala-Uku of Utagba-Uno clan after the conclusion of rites of passage on November 7, 2015 for his predecessor, HRM Okpala Uku Ajieh Ogwezzy who recently, joined our ancestors.”
Chief Ebinum congratulated the new Okpala Uku and disclosed that the burial rites for the former Okpala Uku would be concluded on November 7
