AKUGBENE—LEADERS and stakeholders of Kalafiogbene federated communities, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, visited the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM S.P Luke-Kalanama VII, at his palace in Akugbene, weekend, to unequivocally dissociate the communities from the creation of a make-believe Kerebiri kingdom in the monarchy.

Representatives of the four quarters, including the Ananaowei, Akpos Musa, former chairman Delta State Muslim Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Alhaji Yusuf Eregbene, chairman, Kalafiogbene community Anthony Egere and president, Izon-Ebe Oil and Gas Producing Communities, Pastor Moses Edougha were among the leaders that undertook the trip to re-affirm their confidence in HRM Luke-Kalanama and his rulership.

Others were the Senior Assistant to Delta State Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Duaregha Simon, Hon. Lawrence Timibor and chairman, Elohim City Community Tamaraupreye Philip.

They said: “We are leaders and stakeholders of Kalafiogbene federated communities; our visit to your traditional stool this moment is to reaffirm our confidence in the traditional stool and your rulership.

“We recognized the ancient Kingdom of Akugbene-Mein, and its existence that has spanned centuries. Our visit has become necessary considering the falsehood and cheap blackmails making the rounds that Kalafiogbene was part of purported Kerebiri Mein Kingdom orchestrated by Godspower Oporomo and his foot soldiers, such as Justice D. Narebor (retd) and a host of others. “This is a point we have made clear in several newspaper publications. We want your RM to disbelieve the propaganda fashioned by mischief makers to put embargo or dismembered us from the Akugbene-Mein Kingdom to achieve cheap political points.”

The leaders declared:   “We realize the key role Akugbene as a kingdom has played in the development of our communities, Kalafiogbene. We want to state that Akugbene- Mein Kingdom is where we belong, and we are loyal to your kingship. We want you to disbelieve and disregard all the rumors, they are empty blackmails. Kalafiogbene has never betrayed or disappointed Akugbene- Mein Kingdom from time immemorial and will never do so.

“This is the reason why you see this mammoth crowd tripping into your palace this hour of the day to reaffirm our strong position that Kalafiogbene people are children of Kalanama. We are solidly behind you to succeed in your reign on your throne, and that your throne has effectively contributed to the emerging development in the Kingdom.”

Responding, HRM Kalanama Vlll thanked members of both communities for their visit and enjoined them to propagate the message of peace in the length and breadth of the kingdom.

He emphasized the need for communities in the kingdom to live together in love and unity as no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of instability.

HRM Kalanama Vlll also urged sons and daughters of the Akugbene- Mein Kingdom to lend their unflinching support to the Senator (Dr) Okowa-led administration in the state.