By Egufe Yafugborhi
GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State says the time has  come for Deltans, irrespective of differences, to embrace peace in the task of building a sound future for the state.

Okowa spoke, yesterday, at the Aghofen Palace, Warri, Delta State in his first appearance after the 5th phased conferment of chieftaincy titles on various persons by His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu Warri, prelude to his first coronation anniversary next month.

•His Royal
Majesty Ogiame
Ikenwoli

The governor, while addressing the gathering, said, “We know we have had challenges, but it is now clearer to everyone that there is no alternative to peace in enabling us strive to move forward and develop both as a state and as a people.”

Those who joined the ranks of Warri Kingdom chiefs include renown lawyer and Secretary, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Edward Ekpoko, who was conferred with the title of Toruweju of Warri, just as Sen. Daisy Danjuma, wife of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, a daughter of the kingdom, received the title, Agura Iwere of Warri.

Oil industry top player and Chairman, Lee Engineering and Construction Company, Dr. Leemon Ikpea of Edo State, who got the title, Odowagbon of Warri, is the first non-Itsekiri  to be conferred with a title under Ogiame Ikenwole.

Other recipients were Chief Tunde Okoturoh, conferred with Ugo of Warri Kingdom, alias Ugo Ni Were, and Chief Fred Edegbele, who became Ikenuwa of Warri Kingdom.

The Olu of Warri, before his charge to the new chiefs, acknowledged the call for peace by Okowa, saying it corroborated his post-coronation message to his subjects and communal neighbors to embrace peace at all times.

“I am happy that this is coming from the mouth of the governor. That is what I have been preaching and today out neighbors are living more cordial with us. Uvwie chiefs and some of our Ijaw brothers are here to celebrate with us today. They will not come if we don’t all want peace,”the monarch stated.

To the latest chiefs, Ikenwole  said: “Your installation is a call to service. Don’t hesitate to share your wealth of experience and other meaningful opportunities at your disposal in advancing the progress of this kingdom”.

On hand to witness the occasion were Gen. Theophilus Danjuma; a  former NDDC boss, Timi Alaibe; PDP candidate in the just concluded Edo governorship election, Pst Osagie Ize-Iyamu; and a  former foreign affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi.

Others include National Secretary, APC, Sen. Osita Izunaso; Nollywood icon, Emeka Ike; Bolaji Ogundele of The Nation newspapers; Prof. Nesin Omatseye; television icon, Chief Julie Coker; a former Bendel State military administrator, Brig. Gen. Tunde Ogbeha; the Enogie of Uromi and Capt. Hosa Okunbor.