…honours 21 indigenes with chieftaincy titles
The second coronation anniversary of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaraun II (Aketekpe Agadagba), took place on Tuesday, at Oporoza community, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The colourful event attracted a lot of dignitaries and men of varied means from far and near, who graced the occasion to pay their homage to the highly revered traditional ruler.
The event also coincided with the annual Gbaramatu festival which usually holds for seven days.
This year’s edition held between March 21-27, and it has always been full of glamour and glitz, as it draws participants and fun seekers from all over the world.
The annual festival dates back to the days of yore in the community and it has become a permanent feature in the lives of the people of the community, which the young, the old, the highly and lowly placed segment of the community look up to every year.
This festival-cum-coronation anniversary began on Tuesday morning with visitors and residents thronging the venue of the event, which started in earnest with the recognition of some sons and daughters of the kingdom, who had been steadfast in their quest to contribute to the growth of the kingdom, in different ways.
They were honoured by the Pere with various Chieftaincy titles and new roles in the community. His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II, (Aketekpe Agadagba), while giving his speech at the ceremony, acknowledged and appreciated the invitees who came from far and near to honour the invitation to attend the annual festival and the celebration of his second year on the throne of his ancestors.
He however, directed the observation of the traditional minute of silence in remembrance of the Ijaw sons and daughters who had passed on in the service of their father land.
He prayed for their loved ones and prayed for them to have the strength to bear their irreparable losses. Aketekpe, in his speech also announced the commencement of academic activities of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, stressing that the community appreciates the Federal government’s support in this regard.
In his words, he said; “The ongoing constructions (and he hoped for extension) of the Oporoza Palace Road and the King’s Landing/Jetty are indeed sights that gladden the heart.
“We are encouraged that there are persons that have our interests at heart; we appreciate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Government and the Egbema Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation, for these laudable projects.
Aketekpe added that some projects, would also better the lives of the people of the community too.
These he said, include; the sinking of bore holes for the provision of portable drinking water in all the communities, improved electricity supply, promotion of education and to also attract the influx of capable teachers through the generosity and hospitality of the community, in order to advance the education level of the area.
He also announced the promotion of some traditional chiefs in the kingdom.
Some of the promoted clan chiefs include; Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyewei; Chief Jeffrey Ojogun, the Kurowei; Chief William Itima, the Tunteri Gboluwei; Chief Vero Tangbowei, the Ibe Benimo-ere.
