By our Reporter
It was celebration galore at the palace of the Ebenanaowei of Ogboin Ebe at Ogbopina in Amasoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as people from across Nigeria converged to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ebenanaowei of the Clan, His Royal Majesty, King Oweipa Jones Ere III.
He ascended the ancient throne on June 4, 2004 after the death of his father, His Royal Majesty King Ayibatari Ere, Ogboin ll who reigned for 25 years, after a rigorous selection process spanning seven days, and was presented the staff of office by the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha.
The Ogboin monarch’s welcome address was read by the Palace secretary, Chief (Barr) Albert Karikarisei, a retired Broadcast journalist, who noted that the clans consist of Amatolo, Otuan, Amassoma in Bayelsa State and Eberedeni and Uwheru in Delta and described the stool as one of the ancient kingdoms recognised even during the then Eastern region.
He said the growth and prosperity of the people of the clan happens to be his greatest concern and identified major challenges facing the kingdom, in over five thousand years of its existence, as degradation of the environment through unwholesome activities such as felling of economic trees that provide shelter and food, pollution of the rivers, bush burning which he noted is bequeathing great suffering and tragedy for children and generations yet inborn.
The Ogboin monarch said that the most important mission on our hands is the safety, protection, health and education of the child, especially girl child, and to remove any form of ceiling to knowledge and any bar that limit the ambition of the girl child.
He noted that our forefathers faced great adversity such as the violent oceans, rivers storms, slavery that shaped us and fought against colonialism.
His Royal Majesty King Oweipa Jones Ere III stressed that what is fundamental to Izon belief is the notion of truth, which should be upheld.
Those conferred with titles as part of the celebration include, posthumous title of Ogboin Okurizi to Late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, Governor Douye Diri, Abadi Ogeh Feni, Governor Siminialayi Fubara, Royal Paddle, MD NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, Ebe-Koriweni-Owei, Professor Steve Azaiki, Yi Tolumo-Owei. Chief Matthew Karimo, Ebe Finiowei of Ogboin, Warisenobo Ibinabo Jumbo, Ebi Agor-Owei of Ogboin, Senator Ehigie Uzamere, Bina Tariowei of Ogboin.
Others include High Chief Johnson Alalibo, Ebemo-Emiowei, High Chief Robert Enogha, Tariowei, Professor (Engr.) Ingoebi Etebu, Ebe-fine-ere and Prince Nnamdi Obi, Ekie-Owei of Ogboin Clan.
Others who were inducted to His Majesty’s Council include, Architect Ere Efeke, Okpo Tolumuowei, Enetimi Femowei, Okpo Tolumuowei, Tony Adams, Egberi Gbapamu-Owei, Chief Steven Diver, Obolou-Owei, Adolphus Munamuna, Ogboin Bebe Yereowei, retired Rear Admiral Lokoson, Sokoriowei, Chief (Mrs.) Nice Toboulayefa Alerechi Alamieyeseigha, Ogboin Ebimie-ere, Chief Doubie Ogun, Okpo Telemowei, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, Ogboin Bolou Da-ere, Dr. Tokpo Coronation Edward, Okpo Tari-Owei, Hon. Kate Owoko, Ogboin Ebe Tari-ere, Barr. Albert Karikarisei, Oloko-Kokowei of Ogboin, Chief (Mrs.) Douyi Alalibo, Ebi-Agboro of Ogboin-Ebe and Izonebi Oyintunumubofa, Ebe-Igbomu Gbolowei.
While receiving the title, former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori said he was proud to be associated with the people of Amassoma and the Ogboin Clan, adding that he shared a common bond with Alamieyeseigha who was his comrade, and urged the Ogboin monarch not to hesitate to call on him whenever necessary and promised to support the kingdom attain set goals.
On his part the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku thanked the Ogboin monarch for the honour done him, which he said is a sign of appreciation of his noble developmental strides in the kingdom, the entire Niger Delta and a greater responsibility given to him, and promised to raise the bar of development in the area.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said that the commission is building a pavilion at the NDU, hospital, construction of internal roads, Corpers’ lodge, installation of solar lights in Amassoma and reiterated the commitment of the commission to revisit the abandoned shoreline protection in the community.
He thanked the people of Amassoma for their hospitality towards the non-indigenes living in the community, particularly the students, and advised them to protect government facilities and continue to support President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The anniversary celebration featured the Egbelegbe Dance Band of Amassoma, Allen Otobo Dance Band and other cultural displays that added glamour and fun-fare.
