Respite as Obaseki settles over 20 yrs royal dispute

 

...installs Aidonogie, Umoru, South-Ibie Kingdom

...

a call to unite instead of divisive, says monarch

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has finally presented staff of office to the newly crowned Aidonogie of South-Ibie Kingdom, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Umoru Inusa Umoru, amid pomp and pageantries. 

The development has restored peace and tranquility to the community after over 25 years of legal tussle by two ruling families.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, held on October 25, 2024, at Oshiozekha Primary School, Iyakpi, South Ibie Kingdom,Etsako West Council, Edo State, Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday  Osaigbovo, said the State Government has no choice than to obey the Supreme Court judgment to install Umoru as the King of South Ibie Kingdom in line with the applicable traditions, customs, court decisions and statute.

Osaigbovo, said the Governor has respect for rule of law, “hence, the people of South Ibie has to obey the Supreme Court judgement.”

The dispute over the throne had dated back to more than two decades ago in 1997, when the office of the Aidonogie of South Ibie became vacant following the demise of Aidonogie of South Ibie – I.M.J Umoru.

The Aidonogie of South Ibie is the apex Traditional Ruler/Clan Head of South Ibie. In South Ibie, there is only one Ruling House–the Okhokho Ruling House.

The said Ruling House has two branches – the Oghiator and the Danesi Branches. Umoru is of the Oghiator Branch of the Ruling House. By age long tradition, the title of the Aidonogie of South Ibie is rotated among the two branches of the Ruling House.

The occasion which radiated show of love, support, and unpretentious acceptance from the people, had in attendance, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN Abdul Baba Saliu, Dr Lois Adams, Barrister Paschal Ugbome, Chairman Etsako West LGA, Muhtzu Marvelous.

Others are: Mike Oghlademhe, Dr. Awa Ibraheem, Otunba Olusola Adekanola,JP, while the father of the Day is The Ikelebe III, Otaru of Auchi, HRH, Aliru Momoh, HRM, D.Y.E Kanoba, Egiegbai II of Ekperi Clan, other monarchs,family members, community leaders, friends, well-wishers, among others.

The governor charged the monarch to use his good position to promote peace, tranquility and ensure participation of his subjects towards the progress of the community and policies of the government.

Obaseki also called on the monarch to ensure that he makes use of his God-given wisdom, talents, wealth to build bridges of understanding and for promotion of peace and harmony, reconciliation among the diverse groups in the communities.

“To the people of South-Ibie Kingdom, I urge you all to support your new head clan wholeheartedly and it is my fervent belief that together we can advance the development and growth of our dear state,” he urged

Earlier, Osarodion Ogie (Esq), Secretary to the State Government, Edo State, in a statement titled: "Traditional rulers and chiefs Edict, 1979," maintained that "Appointment of HRH, Umoru, FCA, JP as the Aidonogie (Clan Head) of South Ibir in Estako West Local Government Area, by Section 19(1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979 and by virtue of all other laws enabling it in tha the Executive Council of Edo State of Nigeria has approved the appointment of Umoru with effect from the date of Supreme Court Judgement.

Osaigbovo , in an address on the occasion of the presentation of staff of office to Umoru, said, “Today’s historic event is the climax of the series of traditional ceremonies to mark the ascension to the revered throne of Aidenogie  of South Ibie by Umoru after titanic fierce legal battles. 

“I join the peace-loving people of South Ibie Community to congratulate HRH on this land-mark event. 

"It is my sincere hope and desire that all hands will be on deck to bring about the much-needed progress and development to South Ibie Community in line with the vision, programme and policy of Edo State Government. 

“I implore the good and hardworking people of South Ibie Community to support end rally round the Clan Head to enable him effectively discharge his royal duties.

“Government will not tolerate any act that is capable of undermining the peace and tranquility in South Ibie Community. You should, therefore, be fair and firm in taking decisions affecting your subjects. You should also live peacefully with your neighbours. 

“Government alone cannot provide all the needed infrastructural development, therefore, collaborative effort is required to actualize the desired development.

Aidonogie promises peace, reconciliation, others

Umoru, in his appreciation, acceptance speech, acknowledged Obaseki, for his respect for the rule of law. 

"With a deep sense of humility, I accept with faith the mantle of leadership as The Aidonogie II of South-Ibie Kingdom, a traditional stool which has overtime been established as a patrilineal succession by the custodians of our culture.

"I therefore, wish to assure the good people of South-Ibie Kingdom, that I will serve with wisdom and integrity, and I shall be receptive to positive ideas, and more importantly, remain resolute in representing the tradition which our people have upheld with focus, strength and courage over the years.

"Having been at the centre of activities and processes that culminated in this occasion of today, I have learnt three great lessons, which are: A people united for a just cause cannot be invaded, Tradition and arrogance are incompatible bedfellows, and that (iii) Peace can only prevail when minds are objectively and sincerely united.

"The entire experience has given me the opportunity to once again, reflect on many aspects of life, our cherished values, world view and our indestructible bond, all of which collectively define our strength.

“As I urge you to sustain this spirit, I want to pledge that I will remain conscious of your contributions, and defend what you have fought for, which is a united South-Ibie Kingdom, and also ensure that never again shall we experience retrogression.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen let me pay a deserving tribute to my father, HRH Alhaji Inusa Moses Jatto Umoru, The Aidonogie I of South-Ibie Kingdom who passed away on November 26, 1997 after 45 years of peaceful reign. With all due modesty, I must admit that as his son and Crown Prince, I enjoyed and benefitted from his fatherly love and wisdom more than anyone else.

“His visionary leadership, courage and dedication to the protection of our cultural heritage, ensured that the legacy of several centuries were preserved.

“As I stand before you today, as The Aidonogie II of South-Ibie Kingdom, let me quickly remind us all that, it is a call to unite instead of being divisive. It is a time for mutual respect, recognizing that our wholeness as a people is supreme. 

“There is, therefore, the need for total cooperation at all levels in South - Ibie kingdom, to unanimously pursue development and progress of the entire kingdom. The new dispensation holds for us a brighter future. I shall remain the channel through which the power of God will continue to guide and protect the Kingdom and its people.

“I shall pay due attention to all matters of custom and tradition, focus on issues of security of our communities and the welfare and development for our people. I shall carry out reforms in palace administration, in order to be adequately responsive to our peoples’ yearning for justice, equity and stability.

“It is pertinent at this point, to express our deep concern, about the pervasive poverty at the grassroots and the astronomical rise in crime and juvenile delinquency in our society. The problem is both a consequence of and is aggravated by widespread youth unemployment.

“The solution would require well-articulated and structured youth development and empowerment programmes with active support of government at all levels.

As a turning point in South - Ibie Kingdom, Umoru turband the following persons for key positions to assist in the administration of the kingdom. They are: Ustazi Yunus Jafar Sadiq, the Chief Imam of South-Ibie kingdom, Chief Cyprian Akhalu, the village head of Ughiekha, Chief Igwemoh Abubakar, the village head of Iyerekhu, Chief Amidu kadiri Oyakhamho, the Chief Daudu 1 of South-Ibie kingdom, Alhaji Aminu Omosah, the Chief Daudu 2 of South-Ibie kingdom, and Alhaji Habib Ekhalefo, as the Daudu of Odibie Village (Kaisslaki) of South-Ibie Kingdom.

“Also, in due time, I will announce special personalities to be recognized with chieftaincy titles for their immense contributions and tireless labour of love towards the people of South-Ibie Kingdom,” Umoru promised.

The Aidonoagie also recognized the following people for their immense contribution to his emergence: Late Prince Momodu Inusa Umoru, late Alhaji Musa Yerima, (The Ezomo 1 of Sabo village), late Abudu Momoh,

Others include: Chief Umoru Enakele, the late Chief Daudu of Iyerekhu, Chief Benjamin Akhalu, the late village head of Ughiekha, Mr. Musa Umoru, the late palace Secretary, among others.

“As I have been bestowed the staff of office to take my place as the King of South-Ibie Kingdom. Your participation and support are indications of the love you have for the throne, and the profound respect for our common heritage. I am immensely grateful to you all,” Umoru assured.