Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has extended heartfelt commiserations to the Idjerhe people of Delta State on the passage of their revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe I.

This was contained in a statement issued in Asaba on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.

Okowa conveyed his personal condolences to the royal family and relations as well as friends and associates of the late monarch who until his demise was the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said the deceased, whose transition was formally announced at the weekend, would be greatly missed by the Idjerhe people and Urhobos of Delta and all Nigerians.

He urged members of the late monarch’s family and the Idjerhe people to be comforted by the knowledge that His Royal Majesty, Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe I, would be remembered as a peace-loving monarch, who did his best to foster the harmonious co-existence of his people with other ethnic groups in Delta State and Nigeria.

The Governor added that the late monarch would also be honoured by present and future generations as a most worthy custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Idjerhe people.

According to him, the deceased will also be remembered for the commendable wisdom, sagacity and benevolence which he exhibited in his 12 years reign over the Idjerhe people.

Governor Okowa prayed that God almighty would receive the late monarch’s soul and grant him eternal rest.