OPOROZA -The paramount ruler of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba have expressed his desire to live peacefully with other ethnic nationalities in the Nigerian State especially with the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.
The Gbaramatu revered monarch made the remark at his royal palace in Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the Kingdom during the official presentation of staff of office by Senator. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the executive governor of Delta State on Tuesday in his address.
Aketekpe particularly called on government at all levels including the multinational oil companies operating in his domain for the massive development of his Kingdom, while wondering at the low level of development that have engulfed it despite its economic viability to the Nigerian State.
The monarch acknowledged the executive governor of Delta State for deeming it fit to present the staff of office to him in person, he however promises to continue in ensuring sustainable Peace in his Kingdom.
In his words “Gbaramatu Kingdom is in dire need of development and this can only come in an atmosphere of justice and peace, we therefore, call on Government, federal, state, local, foreign and at every level to do what is necessary to aide us in developing, as a people, we shall all continue to have a peaceful disposition and assist the government to implement such anticipated and laudable projects.”
Speaking further, the Agadagba of Gbaramatu Kingdom admonished his subjects to always preserve the rich cultural heritage of his Kingdom as passed on by his ancestors, he warned against acts that could downgrade the integrity of the Kingdom.
The address read in part: “We wish to first and foremost give our profound thanks and gratitude to God Almighty that has made this day possible as well as the gods and ancestors of our land before thanking each and everyone of you that has contributed in one way or the other to today’s occasion
“We want to specially thank his Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for deeming it fit to come in person to present the staff of office to us, may God grant you your good heart desires.
“On the 6th of December 2016 was set aside by the Delta State Government to officially recognize this throne, it is a day that the Lord has made and we shall rejoice in it.
“I assure you, your excellencies and distinguished ladies and gentlemen that I shall rule this kingdom with the fear of God, regard for others and meeting the needs of our people and I shall do what is necessary to attract development to this kingdom that is blessed with human and natural resources.
“It is our desire to live peacefully and interact with the Ijaw kingdoms and other ethnic nationalities especially the Itsekiris, Urhobos, Isokos, Ndokwas, Igbos, Niger Delta and the larger Nigerian state as a whole for the development of this kingdom .
“As every kingdom and nationality has an history, so do we, the people of Gbaramatu kingdom
“Gbaramatu kingdom is in dire need of development and this can only come in an atmosphere of justice and peace. We therefore, call on Government, federal, state, local, foreign and at every level to do what is necessary to aide us in developing.
“As a people, we shall all continue to have a peaceful disposition and assist the government to implement such anticipated and laudable projects.
“We wish to admonish and encourage the good people of Gbaramatu kingdom to always uphold our tradition and culture as well as cherish our value system
“We must continue to use our language in communicating with one another, bring up our children in the fear of God and learn how to be hard working and smart working too as our dear governor wants us to be.
“There is dignity in labour, avoid bringing our integrity to question and disrepute . Always observe our norms and values as they are inline with the principles of God.” the monarch stated.
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