The Ijaw Youth Council in Operemor has waded in on the ongoing tussle rocking the kingship stool of the kingdom.
This is even as the body embarked on a fact-finding and peace building visit to the newly elected paramount ruler of Operemor, Ekioemi Oweiagbe John, at his Warri annex on Saturday.
Comrade Tafida Alakpabiri, Chairman IYC Operemor Clan, who was accompanied by other leaders and stakeholders, said the visit was to allow the youths get first hand information on issues surrounding the stool.
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Spokesperson for the delegation, Hon. Fred Afoegba, who lamented over the lingering crisis, noted that it was time the option of peace was prioritized above everything else for the sake of the kingdom.
“We’ve come to consult with your Royal Majesty and the Council of Chiefs, to get the true picture of events about the ongoing tussle. It is becoming embarrassing that everyday, a section of the media will be filled with reports on our dear kingdom,” Afoegba said.
We followed due process – Electoral Committee
Chief Barry Tolor, Chairman of the Electoral Committee that oversaw the process that produced HRM Ekioemi as King, explained that he and other members of the committee followed due processes.
Chief Barry, who decried how greedy and selfish some people can be, said equal room was given to all candidates who declared their interest for the kingship.
According to the Kalapere of Operemor Kingdom, “a total of six candidates applied for the kingship, and they were all given equal opportunities to succeed the throne.
“They are; Ekioemi Oweiagbe John, Ogbofade Abiri, Mike Odogwu Zuokumor, Chadwick Abadegbene, Newstyle Egirein and King Jerry Nakpose Prebor.
“They were all screened and declared fit for the throne. However, only two candidates turned up for the final selection process at Orugbene, on May 19, 2022 – Ekioemi Oweiagbe and Ogbofade Abiri.
“Ekoemi scored 11 votes, while Abiri scored a solitary vote out of a total 12 kingmakers that voted in the process. The winner of the process was immediately crowned by the Ebe-Okosu owei of the kingdom, Pa Atamukara Kenakemebo” he explained.
Chief Barry described the gang up by the other candidates against the throne and kingdom as unpatriotic, as due processes were followed as enshrined in the Gazette of the kingdom.
He expressed optimism that the on-going litigations will soon be a thing of the past as the the new King was duly enthroned by the people.
I am for the People – HRM Ekioemi
On his part, the newly enthroned monarch, HRM Ekioemi Oweiagbe, said his intentions as king is to serve the people.
While appreciating the IYC for their concern for the kingdom, the monarch assured that his reign will bring unprecedented peace and development to the people.
“I have no personal interest in this. I am for the people. I assure you that my reign will be peaceful and would bring needed development.”
He told the IYC “I appreciate your concern and effort to see that every litigation sorted for the interest of our kingdom.”
At the end of the consultation, the IYC said it will undertake further and proper investigations to make an informed decision.
“On the interim, peace is our priority and the peaceful coexistence of our people is what is paramount to us,” Afoegba added.
