…King Oporomo commends Gov. Oborevwori for inclusive governance

…Urges justice advocates to intervene in Kerebiri-Mein demand for recognition

…Dr. Ekiyor, Mrs. Orode, others honoured with chieftaincy titles

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BOMADI—The people of Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, yesterday, celebrated the 9th anniversary of the kingdom alongside the coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Barr. Godspower Tam Oporomo, Tara-Eza I, as the Pere of the kingdom, amid colourful Ijaw cultural displays and renewed calls for justice and liberation from oppression.

The two-day celebration commenced with an annual thanksgiving service held at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Playground, Bomadi, where prayers were offered for the kingdom, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State and Nigeria. Clergymen drawn from various blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) officiated at the service.

The event attracted sons and daughters of the kingdom from across the globe, traditional rulers from neighbouring kingdoms, political leaders and other dignitaries. It also featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation and neighbouring ethnic groups.

In his address, the Pere of Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom, HRM Oporomo, expressed gratitude to God for the resilience and survival of the kingdom despite years of challenges. He commended his people for their patience, steadfastness and peaceful disposition in the face of alleged oppression and denial of their rights.

The monarch expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail and that the kingdom would attain greater heights.

“On this day, December 30, 2025, the entire Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom commemorates the ninth anniversary of the kingdom and the eighth anniversary of my enthronement and coronation as Pere, as we continue to await government recognition and the formal presentation of the staff of office,” he said.

He traced the historical roots of Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom to the ancient Mein clan, with headquarters at Ogobiri in present-day Bayelsa State, noting that the kingdom comprises ten contiguous communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to him, the delay in government recognition of the Kerebiri-Mein traditional stool is largely due to political interference from a sister kingdom.

“Over the years, we have made several verbal and written representations to the Delta State Government. All necessary documents and evidence establishing Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom as a legitimately constituted entity have also been presented before the court of law, yet justice remains elusive,” the monarch stated.

He added, “We cannot allow injustice to continue indefinitely. Justice delayed is justice denied. We call on all lovers of justice in Ijawland to intervene in this matter.”

King Oporomo therefore appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to fast-track the process of granting official recognition to the Kerebiri-Mein traditional stool.

The monarch also commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as inclusive governance and remarkable developmental strides across Delta State, praising the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.

“The governor’s achievements in road construction and flyover bridges in Warri, Ughelli and other parts of the state to ease traffic congestion are commendable,” he said.

He further urged the governor to actualise the Bomadi Polytechnic project, whose bill was passed into law by the Delta State House of Assembly during the tenure of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The celebration climaxed with colourful displays of Ijaw cultural dances, masquerades and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom, as well as notable personalities from other kingdoms.

Among those honoured were Mrs. Mercy Orode, Mrs. Monica Ogodobiri, and former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, who was conferred with the title Izon Sei Dōūgha Owei of Kerebiri-Mein Kingdom, among others.

Responding, Dr. Ekiyor expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed his belief in the unity of the Ijaw nation. He expressed confidence that all outstanding issues affecting harmony between the Kerebiri-Mein and Akugbene-Mein kingdoms would be amicably resolved.

“I am convinced that at the appropriate time, Ijaw traditional institutions will come together to fashion a lasting solution to all pending issues between the Kerebiri-Mein and Akugbene-Mein kingdoms,” he said.