Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Sunday in Warri urged traditional rulers in the state to ensure peace in their respective domains.
Okowa, gave the advice at a Thanksgiving Service organised to commemorate the 1st coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.
The service was held at the Church of God Mission International at the Olu palace. Ikenwoli ascended that royal stool of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality on Dec. 12, 2015.
The governor, who expressed concern over the spate of killings in some communities over land matters, said the traditional rulers had a critical role to play in halting the menace.
”I am saying this because we are in a very difficult time where we are facing problems from the traditional institutions.
”We are creating problems amongst communities.
“Somebody can now take a gun and shoot a human being, cut off his head, take it and be proud that he is holding the head of a human being.
“I am glad that our traditional rulers are here in large numbers; this is something we must look into.
”If what had happened several years ago when people do not know God is happening now, then there is cause for alarm.
“Our traditional rulers must rise up and condemn this in its entirety,” he said.
Okowa who congratulated Ikenwoli for showing appreciation to God in his one year of reign as the Itsekiri monarch, wished him more fulfilled years on the throne.
He urged the people of Delta to accept Christ and be ready to forgive one another in order to have enduring peace.
”A heart that is always forgiving must be at peace with itself and I believe that if we can as a state and as people imbibe this, we will have peace in our communities,” he said.
Earlier, Bishop Mike Laju, the guest preacher, urged Christians to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving.
According to the cleric that is the only way to receive more from God.
The high point of the thanksgiving service was the 1st coronation anniversary process of the Olu which started on Nov. 28, 2016.
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