By Victor AhiumaYoung

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has commended the disposition to peace and harmonious existence by the immediate past chairman of DSTRC and the Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, as he marked the 65th coronation anniversary.

This came as the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, DSTRC, and Orodje of Okpe, Major-General Felix Mujakpuero (Rtd), Orhue I, and the Bishop of Ika Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ekpenisi, praised Dr. Efeizomor II for his contribution to the development of society.

They spoke at a praise/worship ceremony to mark the 65th coronation anniversary of Dr. Efeizomor II as the Obi of Owa, held at the royal palace, Owa Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area, LGA, of Delta State.

Speaking, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, extolled the leadership qualities of the Obi and congratulated him on what he called “a great milestone to be on the throne for 65 years and counting.” Dr. Efeizomor II is a renowned statesman whose disposition to peace and harmonious existence has contributed tremendously to the development of society.

In his remarks, Rt. Rev. Ekpenisi tasked leaders at all levels to encourage and exhibit transparency, honesty, emotional balance, and accountability in all circumstances. The Anglican Bishop, in the exhortation titled “Leadership Skills Required for the Generation We Are In,” posited that leadership should not only be visionary and technology-based but also all-embracing, sustainable, forward-looking, and focused on finding solutions to the multi-dimensional challenges facing mankind.

The chairman of the DSTRC, who chaired the occasion, remarked that the Obi of Owa had left an indelible footprint in the sands of time, adding that his passion for education, youth, and socio-economic development of society was unrivaled.

In a citation, Prof. Eric Eboh x-rayed the historical background of the monarch, who ascended the throne as the 17th Obi of Owa Kingdom on the 6th day of September 1959, saying that his reign had brought unprecedented growth and development to Owa kingdom. Prof. Eboh described him as an author, a prolific writer, and consummate scholar and leader.

Responding, Dr. Efeizomor II appreciated God for making it possible for him to celebrate 65 years on the throne of his forebears with sound health and mind. He explained that God gives power and that He alone can grant a man the grace to succeed in positions of leadership and commended various speakers for the kind words they said about him, just as he expressed appreciation to all his friends and colleagues who came from all over the country to grace the occasion.

The ceremony featured praise and worship by the choir, intercessory prayers for the Monarch and members of the Royal family, cutting of the anniversary cake, and display of cultural dances.

Prominent monarchs from across the country, including the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the King of Eleme in Rivers State, and the Amayanabor of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State, Prof. Edmund Dakuoru, as well as the Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State, Igwe, Prof. Nnaemeka Achebe, attended the ceremony.

Also in attendance were the first Vice Chairman of DSTRC and Pere of Akugbene Mein, Pere SP Luke Kalanama VIII, the 2nd Vice Chairman and Obi of Ubulu-Unor Kingdom, Agbogidi Henry Kikachukwu I (Ph.D.), and a cross-section of Traditional Rulers from across the state.