…shuns protest from Enahoro family

By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—THE Onojie of Uromi, HRH Zaiki Edenojie II, yesterday, conferred the title of Adolor of Uromi on  the former Minister of Works, Chief Mike Onolememen, despite protests from the family of late Chief Anthony Enahoro.

While the family insisted that the title of Adolor was hereditary, therefore, it would be wrong to confer it on Onolemenmen, the Onojie, who conferred the title on Onolememen at his palace, disagreed with the family, saying that the title was not hereditary but an honourary one which he (Onojie) can bestow on any one who merits it.

But the Enahoro family, through an advertorial by Peter Enahoro, had advised the former minister against accepting the title of Adolor of Uromi, which, according to him, was a hereditary title bestowed on the late nationalist, Chief Anthony Enahoro.

According to the statement, “The Enahoro family respectfully and most emphatically appeals to those invited to the Easter Monday event not to inadvertently give support to the ceremony.

“I continue to urge all who, by text messages and emails, have pledged their support, that it is our intention to counter this initiative with a peaceful resolution. We know also that there are political elements in the issue whose approval is predicated on their belief that only by erasing the memory of Chief Anthony Enahoro can their own legacy enjoy a lease in Uromi.”

However, HRH Edenojie II, who cleared the air during the conferment of the title on Onolememen, explained: “Adolor title is not hereditary, it is an honorary title and this is the second time we are giving that title to somebody after Chief Anthony Enahoro.

“As the Onojie, I have the power to bestow it to anybody who merits it. It is at the discretion of the Onojie and palace chiefs, that is what we call the Uromi in Council. Because of the personality of late Enahoro, it was difficult for us to give it to somebody since then. But today,  we have found somebody who can fit into the shoes, somebody who merits the title of Adolor.

“We decided to give it to Onolemenen because he bears the same attributes as Chief Enahoro. He has contributed immensely to the growth of Uromi and we urge him to continue. This title is in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Uromi and Nigeria as a whole.”

Onolenmene, who expressed joy for the honour done him, thanked the Onojie for the confidence reposed in him and promised to continue to do his best for Uromi community and Nigeria.