By Ochuko Akuopha 

THE serene Idumuje-Ugboko community, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, was agog as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko kingdom, Delta State, HRM Chukwunomso Nwoko IV, celebrated his ninth anniversary on throne and first year staff of office presentation.

The carnival-like ceremony which took place at the palace of the traditional ruler, featured presentation of awards to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the State Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN for the role they played and are still playing in the development of the community.

Also honoured with awards, Director General of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; Saturday Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Onochie Anibeze; Chairman of Channels Television, Dr. John Momoh;  Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Emmanuel Chinye and others.

Similarly at the event, Obi Nwoko conferred the chieftaincy title of Okosisi Ne Ye Ndu of Idumuje-Ugboko on the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.

Recall that Nwoko IV was coronated and ascended throne in February 2017, but was presented staff of office by the State government on 17 February 2025, following eight years of intense disagreements in the community by contending factions.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, congratulated the monarch on the dual milestones.

 ”We are gathered here to celebrate two significant milestones in the life of a leader: nine years of dedicated service on the ancestral throne of his forefathers, and the one-year anniversary of the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwunomso Nwoko”, he said.

While noting that traditional rulers were the custodians of values and the heartbeat of local communities, he said:

“Your Majesty, your journey over the last nine years and particularly this past year with the official seal of the State is a testament to your resilience and your commitment to the peace of your people.”

Describing Idumuje-Ugboko as a land of great potential, known for its rich agricultural heritage and intellectual contributions to our State, said: ‘Under your reign, I urge the people to unite behind the throne.   This is because progress is a collective marathon, not a solo sprint.

 “My dear people of Idumuje Ugboko, a  King is only as strong as the support of his people. I call on all stakeholders, youths, elders, and the diaspora to embrace the path of reconciliation and progress. Let the past remain a teacher, and let the future be defined by the development we bring to this kingdom together.

“ Your Majesty, as you celebrate today, know that this administration remains a partner in your progress. We will continue to work with the Aniocha North Local Government to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.

 “As you continue your reign, it is my prayer that the Almighty God grants you the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David, and the longevity of your ancestors.”

Earlier, the monarch, in an address presented by the President General of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union, Christian Chiazor, expressed appreciation to the governor for his presence at the ceremony.

He noted that the presentation of the staff of office opened a door of great significance in the annals of the history of the community.

He said “the government proclamation on that day, backdating that recognition to 2017 February, eight years earlier date when the community enthroned their traditional ruler, conveyed its belief in the primacy of the customs and tradition of Idumuje-Ugboko in the life of governance of the community. You will no doubt, agree with me that such recognition calls for celebration.

“This occasion will also accord us the opportunity of your presence to make you feel the peace and security of our environment and the warmth and friendliness of our people”.

He said the occasion “also accord us the opportunity to draw your attention to our palace, the administrative headquarter of our monarch. It is a masterpiece built more than a century ago. Unique and exquisitely beautiful, but it is antiquated and has been designated a tourist site by the Tourism Board.

“While preserving those attributes that recommended its designation by the Tourism Board, the community intends to upgrade the palace to make it more befitting for the community and the monarch.”

He said the upgrade which would include a perimeter fencing round of the palace, stone laying of the foreground, a decent hall for the monarch’s official meetings and others, had been estimated to cost up to N260 million to execute.