Isoko Monarch, Others Return After Five Years In Exile

GOVERNOR EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN

Asaba (THEWILL) - It was all jubilation and celebration at the weekend, as the people of Emede kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta state in their large numbers rolled out their drums to welcome back home their Ovie, H.R.M. Johnson Omote Egbo Ewhiri II and hundreds of others who have been on exile for the past five (5) years.

The community had banished the traditional ruler and hundreds of others for his (monarch’s) alleged refusal to serve the kingdom’s deity which triggered crisis and led to the burning and destruction of properties worth millions of naira belonging to the monarch and his supporters including a prominent Chief in the kingdom, Chief Henry Okatho.

The occasion was attended by top government functionaries, captains of industries and traditional rulers from all over the country as they witnessed the reunion of the once peaceful kingdom.

Delivering his speech, the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan charged the people to refrain from vices capable of igniting crisis in the kingdom now that peace has finally returned. Governor Uduaghan represented by the commissioner for special duties, in charge of Warri water project, Barrister Fred Majemete said “No meaningful development can ever take place in an atmosphere bedeviled of rancor and crisis,” noting that his administration was not unmindful of their plights.

The governor however disclosed that his three point agenda was still on course and therefore solicited for their support and cooperation at all times. Dr. Uduaghan appealed to all communities to always ensure that there is peace in their areas and warned against killing and burning of properties at any slight provocation.

Uduaghan commended all those who made it possible for the return of the monarch and others who went on exile at the wake of the crisis.

In his brief speech, the Ovie of Emede, H.R.M. Johnson Omote Egbo Ewhiri II expressed his heart felt gratitude to God, the state governor and his Exco and all those stood by him during the time of the crisis.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President General of Emede Progress Union (EPU), Chief Andy Ejeje thanked the state governor for impacting positively on the lives of all Deltans and ensuring that an enduring peace reigns in the state. 

While describing the day as his happiest day since assumption of office few mouths ago, the PG stated that the crusade of peace in the community was yielding results hence the gathering to formally welcome back their Ovie who has been in exile for five years now.

High Point of the occasion was conferment of chieftaincy titles on some deserving indigenes of the community amidst wide jubilation.