By Egufe Yafugborhi

WARRI—GBARAMATU Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, home to embattled ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, yesterday, crowned Williams Ogoba as its 26th Pere.

Ogoba, of the Oboro Ruling House of Benekruku, who succeeds Chief Godwin  Bebenimibo, Gbaran III, the 25th Pere who passed on 26 months ago, during which Chief P.  Heavens served as regent, was crowned as HRM Oboro II, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

The tension that had engulfed the kingdom over Tompolo’s lingering face-off with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was overshadowed by wild celebration among subjects who moved from the various Gbaramatu communities to the Palace Square at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, where the installation took place.

The coronation started yesterday morning at Oporoza, with several rites culminating in his escort to the Gbaraun Egbesu Shrine, where he undertook more secret rites before the new monarch was presented to a large gathering of his subjects at the Royal Square.

“I present to you the 26th Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro II,” Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Bebenowei (Chief Mobilizer) of Gbaramatu announced to a thunderous ovation from the crowd gathered to honour the monarch.

Gbenekama added, “We must at the success of another royal transition praise the immeasurable leadership of our dear son and pride of the Ijaw nation, Chief Ekpemukpolo (Tompolo) whose selfless sacrifices and contributions to the common good of the people underscores the peaceful selection and coronation we are witnessing today.”

Addressing his subjects in his palace where massive upgrade is on course, the new monarch, speaking in Ijaw, preached peace across the kingdom and with neighbours far and near. The monarch withdrew momentarily to return to the Gbaraun Egbesu Shrine were the rites continued.