The traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his efforts towards promoting peace, unity and stability in the kingdom.

The monarch gave the commendation during the annual Iwuji New Yam Festival in Ogwashi-Uku, which attracted community leaders, traditional chiefs, residents and various cultural groups to celebrate the harvest season and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people.

Obi Okonjo, who is the younger brother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for supporting efforts to preserve the unity and integrity of the kingdom.

He said the governor had worked tirelessly to promote peaceful coexistence among the people and prevent the kingdom from being divided.

“I’m truly grateful to the Delta State Government, particularly the governor, who has worked so hard and tirelessly to bring about peace and foster unity within the kingdom.

“He has worked hard to ensure that the kingdom is not balkanised,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler called on residents to sustain the prevailing atmosphere of peace and cooperation, stressing that unity remained essential to the development and prosperity of Ogwashi-Uku.

He assured the people that his administration would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and advancing the kingdom’s collective interests.

According to him, the focus of the traditional institution has shifted from merely selling the community’s natural and other resources to ensuring that its commonwealth is effectively utilised for the benefit of the wider population.

“The focus has changed from just selling off our resources, our commonwealth, to utilising the resources for the benefit of the larger community,” he said.

The monarch also expressed appreciation to residents and community stakeholders who had supported his efforts to restore peace and unity, assuring them that he would remain committed to their trust.

“I want to thank the people of Ogwashi-Uku who have stood fast, particularly those who have worked very hard with me to bring about peace and unity, and to tell them that I will not betray their trust.

“I’ll continue to fight for Ogwashi-Uku and continue to make sure that we push those things that will make our kingdom great,” he added.

In his remarks, the Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Gabriel Ohai, commended Obi Okonjo for sustaining the kingdom’s cultural traditions and promoting peace among its people.

Ohai said the large turnout at the festival demonstrated growing acceptance of the monarch’s efforts to bring the various sections of the kingdom together.

He noted that the presence of people from different communities, including some who had previously stayed away from similar celebrations, was a welcome development.

“It is evident in the crowd. You can see that from every quarter in the kingdom, people came out en masse,” he said.

The traditional chief added that residents from his own community, including Ogbe Odogwu and Azungu, had turned out for the celebration, describing their participation as a positive sign of renewed communal engagement.