Udu Monarch, Okporua I Gets Staff of Office

Udu Kingdom in Delta State was a spectacle of colour, culture and celebration on Friday, as prominent dignitaries, business moguls, and traditional rulers converged on Otor-Udu for the grand presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Okporua I, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom.

The historic event, held at the royal palace in Otor-Udu, transformed the usually calm community into a hub of festivity.

Commercial activities were shut down, while marriages, burials and social ceremonies were suspended across the kingdom in honour of the formal recognition by the Delta State Government.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, was his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who led an impressive government delegation that included political leaders, royal fathers, and captains of industry from across the Niger Delta.

The occasion drew a constellation of royal fathers, led by the Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue I — Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, the Pere of Akugbene Mein, HRM Kalanama XIII; the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Abe I; the Ovie of Ughelli, HRM Oharisi I; the Ovie of Idjerhe, HRM Udurhie I; the Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh, HRM Monbene III; and the Okobaro of Ughievwen, HRM Owhawha II, among others.

Political and business elites equally graced the royal celebration. Among them were former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; members of the Delta State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowhowho; Member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Waive; and veteran politician, Chief Ighoyota Amori.

The business community was not left out, with industry giants such as Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolowei of Niger Delta; Olorogun John Oguma; and Olorogun Egbetamah, a son of the soil, in attendance.

Delivering the Governor’s message, Onyeme conveyed Oborevwori’s heartfelt congratulations to the monarch, describing his enthronement as “more than tradition, but a reaffirmation of our heritage and a celebration of unity, peace and progress.”

He urged the Ovie to lead with fairness, sustain peace, and promote inclusive development in the kingdom.

In a display of cultural pride, Udu sons and daughters, chiefs and residents thronged the palace in colourful traditional attires to pay homage to their king. The vibrant music, traditional dances and royal fanfare reflected the unity and reverence of the people for their monarch.

On the sidelines, dignitaries and guests expressed prayers for a peaceful and prosperous reign.

Hon. Francis Waive, representing Udu, Ughelli North and Ughelli South at the National Assembly, said: “We are excited and rejoice with our king. We wish him a peaceful reign and encourage all Udu people to support His Majesty so as to attract meaningful development to Udu Kingdom.”

Senator Ede Dafinone in a goodwill message expressed confidence that Okporua I’s reign would bring “renewed hope, progress and stability to Udu Kingdom.”

Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Hon. Vincent Oyibode, reaffirmed the council’s support for the monarch, assuring that Udu remains a dependable partner in advancing the state government’s MORE Agenda.