• Installs Aidonogie, Umoru, South-Ibie Kingdom

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has finally presented staff of office to the newly crowned Aidonogie of South-Ibie Kingdom, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Umoru Inusa Umoru, a development that has restored peace to the community after over 25 years of legal tussle by two ruling families.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, held recently at Oshiozekha Primary School, Iyakpi, South Ibie Kingdom, Etsako West Council, Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, said the state had no choice than to obey the Supreme Court judgment to install Umoru as the king of South Ibie Kingdom in line with the applicable traditions, customs, court decisions and statute.

Osaigbovo said the governor has respect for the rule of law, “hence, the people of South Ibie has to obey the Supreme Court judgment.”

The dispute over the throne had dated back to more than two decades ago in 1997, when the office of the Aidonogie of South Ibie became vacant following the demise of Aidonogie of South Ibie – I.M.J Umoru. The Aidonogie of South Ibie is the apex traditional ruler/Clan Head of South Ibie in South Ibie, and there is only one ruling house–the Okhokho Ruling House.

The said Ruling House has two branches – the Oghiator and the Danesi Branches. Umoru is of the Oghiator branch of the Ruling House. By age long tradition, the title of the Aidonogie of South Ibie is rotated among the two branches.

The ceremony had in attendance Mike Oghlademhe, Dr. Awa Ibraheem, and Otunba Olusola Adekanola JP among others. The governor charged the monarch to use his good position to promote peace, tranquility and ensure participation of his subjects towards the progress of the community and policies of the government.

Obaseki also called on the monarch to ensure that he makes use of his God-given wisdom, talents, wealth to build bridges of understanding and for promotion of peace and harmony, reconciliation among the diverse groups in the communities.

Osaigbovo, in his address on the presentation of staff of office to Umoru, said: “Today’s historic event is the climax of the series of traditional ceremonies to mark the ascension to the revered throne of Aidenogie of South Ibie by Umoru after fierce legal battles. I join the peace-loving people of South Ibie to congratulate you on this landmark event.

“It is my sincere hope and desire that all hands will be on deck to bring about the much-needed progress and development to South Ibie community in line with the vision, programme and policy of Edo State Government.

Umoru, in his appreciation, acceptance speech, acknowledged Obaseki, for his respect for the rule of law.

“With a deep sense of humility, I accept with faith the mantle of leadership as the Aidonogie II of South-Ibie Kingdom, a traditional stool which has overtime been established as a patrilineal succession by the custodians of our culture.

“I therefore, wish to assure the good people of South-Ibie Kingdom, that I will serve with wisdom and integrity, and I shall be receptive to positive ideas, and more importantly, remain resolute in representing the tradition which our people have upheld with focus, strength and courage over the years.

“Having been at the centre of activities and processes that culminated in this occasion of today, I have learnt three great lessons, which are: A people united for a just cause cannot be invaded; tradition and arrogance are incompatible bedfellows, and that (iii) Peace can only prevail when minds are objectively and sincerely united.

“The entire experience has given me the opportunity to once again, reflect on many aspects of life, our cherished values, world view and our indestructible bond, all of which collectively define our strength. As I urge you to sustain this spirit, I want to pledge that I will remain conscious of your contributions, and defend what you have fought for, which is a united South-Ibie Kingdom, and also ensure that never again shall we experience retrogression.”

Earlier, Osarodion Ogie (Esq), Secretary to the State Government, Edo State, in a statement titled: “Traditional rulers and chiefs Edict, 1979,” maintained that “Appointment of HRH Umoru as the Aidonogie (Clan Head) of South Ibir in Estako West Local Government Area, by Section 19(1) of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979 and by virtue of all other laws enabling it, the Executive Council of Edo State has approved the appointment of Umoru with effect from the date of Supreme Court judgment.”

As a turning point in South-Ibie Kingdom, Umoru turbaned the following persons for key positions to assist in the administration of the kingdom. They are: Ustazi Yunus Jafar Sadiq, the Chief Imam of South-Ibie kingdom; Chief Cyprian Akhalu, the village head of Ughiekha; Chief Igwemoh Abubakar, the village head of Iyerekhu; Chief Amidu kadiri Oyakhamho, the Chief Daudu 1 of South-Ibie kingdom; Alhaji Aminu Omosah, the Chief Daudu 2 of South-Ibie kingdom; and Alhaji Habib Ekhalefo, as the Daudu of Odibie Village (Kaisslaki) of South-Ibie Kingdom.