The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has solicited for due respect for traditional rulers across the country just as he presented staff of office to the new Ovie of Mosogar Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
He specifically called on the people of Mosogar to promote the integrity of the traditional institution.
Speaking during the presentation of staff of office to the newly crowned Ovie of Mosogar kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Sunday Odogu Okpurhe, Uduaka I, on Saturday, Okowa appealed to all sons and daughters of the community to “work together with the Ovie for the sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area and indeed the state”.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, urged the people of Mosogar to accord their traditional ruler maximum respect.
He said, “I have no doubt that the institution of the Ovie has great significance for the people of Mosogar and as such, you will all strive to promote the integrity of the stool by bestowing His Royal Majesty, the respect he deserves. I urge you all to give him your fullest support, love and cooperation.
“The Ovie is one of you. I, therefore, call on every son and daughter of Mosogar to work together with the Ovie for the sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area and indeed the State.
“The volume of respect he gets from outsiders will spring from the one he enjoys at home. Please do not relent in giving His Royal Majesty all the honour he truly deserves”.
The governor, however, appealed to the new king to be fair and just in discharging his responsibilities to his subjects.
“You are the father of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all and sundry. As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you uphold the sanctity of their custom.
“I sincerely appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people, to ensure that you carry all your people along,” Okowa stated.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Nelson Owoso, advised the new king to eschew all forms of pettiness, sectionalism, partiality, discrimination and favouritism in the day today running of his domain.
He also called on Indigenes of Mosogar community to accord the monarch the cooperation and support required to take the kingdom to lofty heights.
