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 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 have to obey the Supreme Court judgment.”
The dispute over the throne dates back to more than two decades ago in 1997, when the office of the Aidonogie of South Ibie became vacant following the demise of the Aidonogie of South Ibie, I.M.J Umoru.
The Aidonogie of South Ibie is the apex traditional ruler and clan head of South Ibie. In South Ibie, with only one ruling house which is the Okhokho Ruling House.
The 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.
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 and 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.
“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,”Osaigbovo said.
He added: “Government will not tolerate any act that is capable of undermining the peace and tranquility in the South Ibie Community. You should, therefore, be fair and firm in taking decisions affecting your subjects. You should also live peacefully with your neighbours.
In his speech, Aidonogie promised peace and reconciliation with others. He 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 over time 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,” he said.