By CHARLES KUMOLU

NEARLY a decade after the demise of its last Ovie, His Royal Highness  Asakpakeregha, Onoriji 11, the Owevwe Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government has concluded plans for the installation a new traditional ruler.

Following  the 2004 death of  Asakpakeregha and the period of  interregnum, the Ekru- Ivie Edion, unanimously selected his heir apparent, Prince Osegbe Joseph Arhiakpore, as the Ovie-elect.

It was gathered that the Ovie-elect would be the 14 Ovie since the institution of the Ovieship began in the Kingdom.

Speaking on preparations for the installation, Chairman of the Installation Committee, Olorogun Benedict Asaboro said  all the years that the people had been without an Ovie had been  traumatic, considering the fact that all other Kingdoms around lived under the guidance of their Ovies.

” We are very happy that at the end of a rather long interregnum, our Ovie will soon be installed. Everywhere you go, the atmosphere is electric, the people are happy, and grateful to God. Honestly, we cannot wait for too long. It has been our earnest wish because if you look at other kingdoms around, they are all living under the guidance and direction of their Ovies. We want a similar thing here and God has been good to us,” he said.

Also speaking on  the royal title for the new king,  Asaboro said: “When the staff of office is given, it would be unveiled at that moment. Some of these things must be done and handled carefully because of their sensitive nature.

Ours is to fully mobilise our people, which we have done, from Otokutu to Opherin, from Owevwe to Gana, from Esaniko to Agbaide and the rest communities. We are ready, happy and grateful”.

On the possible date of installation, he said it is still being kept under wraps, adding that  all the seven communities have been visited and duly informed.