Veteran journalist and former South-South editor of National Daily Newspapers, Monday Obukowho Whiskey, has emerged the Ovie-elect of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
His emergence came almost two years after His Royal Majesty, Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe 1, joined his ancestors in 2018.
The monarch-elect, HRM Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhie l, was selected by kingmakers and installed as the new traditional ruler of the second largest kingdom in Urhoboland on Monday after marathon of selection processes.
There had been crisis in the kingdom since the passage of HRM, Erhiekevwe 1, whose reign lasted for 12 years.
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Udurhie 1, who had his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, is a current PhD student at the Delta State University, Abraka.
Speaking to journalists immediately after his installation, the monarch-elect called all sons and daughters of the kingdom to come together and work for the development of the kingdom.
He said, “I feel delighted because in the past two years, it has not been easy. At a time there were so many confusion in the kingdom that most of us who believed in the right way of doing things were almost losing hope. But here I am today and having being crowned, I see all part of the kingdom as my subjects.
“Everybody should join hands with me whether they are co-contestant or from the opposing group, what is important is that a king has been crowned. All you need to do now is to work with me and move the kingdom forward.
“So we want to plead with our sons and daughters to join hands with the government and the Royal institution to transform this kingdom.”
The monarch also commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his efforts in developing the kingdom thus far.
“This government of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has developed this kingdom. But like Oliver twist, we are still asking for more. We still have many roads that need government attention. We have oil companies here too. Let them come and play their Civic responsibility role. We have people who are well placed, let them come home too,” he said.
Among dignitaries at the traditional ceremony were Executive Director of Finance and Administration DESOPADEC, John Nani; former House of Reps member, Halims Agoda, and traditional heads of various royal families that make up Idjerhe Kingdom.
Other members of the Idjerhe Council of Chiefs that were present include Adjarho Oyibo, Matthew Aghomi, Stephen Ikevwun, William Atete, Godwin Ofishe, Emmanuel Umukoro, Samuel Okoro and John Edafeburun.
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