By Egufe Yafugborhi & Perez Brisibe

UGHELLI—THE Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli, yesterday, visited  the Akugbene Mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area, Pere S. P. Luke Kalanama VIII and the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo, in Ughelli North Local Government Area, both of Delta State, in furtherance of his resolve to foster peaceful coexistence between the Itsekiri nation and neighbouring communities.

The visit to the Ijaw monarch is the first since the Ijaw and Itsekiri conflict which claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent citizens with property worth millions of naira destroyed on both sides.

Appealing for peace among all ethnic groups in the state, the Olu urged monarchs to continue to sustain the current peace in the state with a charge on youths to be patient and tolerant of their neighbours.

He said: “During my coronation, I promised to build bridges of love, peace and harmony between the Itsekiri nation and its neighbours. This is a display of such show of love.

“My visit to Akugbene was an epoch event as no Itsekiri king had ever been there before. I am personally happy that I am making history.

“We may have differences but we must understand our difference. Anything that concerns you should concern me. By the time our subjects see us display such brotherly love, they will emulate us.”

Describing the visit as historic, the Pere of Akugbene Kingdom likened the Olu’s visit to the 1982 visit of the Oba of Benin to the kingdom.

He said: “Some people did not believe you would come, considering our past, but today you are here.”

The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, in his address, said: “Ughelli has made history today because this is the first time the Olu of Warri is visiting us.  I believe that this show of love will continue unabated in order to keep both kingdoms closer than ever.”