..Urges Subjects To Protect Okpe Culture, Preserve Ancestral Lands
Ogheneruona Tejiri, Orerokpe
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), CFR, mni, Orhue I, has rounded off his tour of the 13 traditional administrative districts that makes up Okpe Kingdom with a royal visit to Orerokpe Dukedom, seat of Okpe monarchy, ahead of his 20th coronation anniversary scheduled for November this year.
The historic visit attracted an impressive gathering of traditional chiefs, community leaders, indigenes, non-indigenes, cultural groups, friends and well-wishers, who turned out in their large numbers to welcome and pay homage to the revered Monarch.
Okakuro Prince Godwin Ejinyere, Duke of Orerokpe Dukedom led his people to the Palace to join the Orodje and his entourage, passing through the central street of Orerokpe to Okuloh near Orerokpe, before proceeding to Oha Community.
From Oha, the royal entourage moved to the Adane Okpe Primary School field in Orerokpe, where a large crowd had gathered to receive the monarch in a colourful display of loyalty, unity and cultural pride.
The reception featured elaborate traditional presentations, with assorted gifts presented to the Orodje by his subjects, including non-indigenes resident in Orerokpe District.
Ekakuro and Ehonvwore (traditional chiefs) from within and outside Orerokpe Dukedom, as well as friends and well-wishers of Okpe Kingdom also paid homage to the Monarch through the traditional royal dance known as Oyivwaro.
In a remarkable demonstration of the kingdom’s hospitality and cultural inclusiveness, representatives of various ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Isoko, Calabar, Yoruba and Hausa communities, as well as members of Akomu Club from Edo State and other groups, joined in paying homage to the Orodje. Their participation underscored the peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic communities in Orerokpe and their recognition of the traditional institution as an important symbol of unity and stability.
Presenting his address, Okakuro Ejinyere, Duke of Orerokpe Dukedom represented by Comr. Francis Ejijona, Chairman, Orerokpe Community commended the Orodje for his leadership and contributions to peace, unity and development across Okpe Kingdom.
The people also appealed to the traditional ruler to use his influence to facilitate the provision of additional educational institutions, a modern market, improved healthcare facilities, regular maintenance of internal roads and other essential infrastructure to accelerate the social and economic development of Orerokpe District.
Responding, the Orodje expressed appreciation to the people for the warm reception, gifts and show of solidarity, he explained that the visits to the 13 districts were a precursor to the celebration of his 20th coronation anniversary slated for November, providing an opportunity to interact directly with his subjects, appreciate their loyalty and assess their aspirations for the kingdom.
The Okpe Monarch, however, used the occasion to caution Okpe indigenes against the indiscriminate sale of their ancestral lands, stressing the need to preserve the kingdom’s land resources for the benefit of future generations.
He also urged parents to speak the Okpe language to their children at home, warning that failure to transmit the language to younger generations could undermine the preservation of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and identity.
According to HRM Mujakperuo, Orhue 1, “the preservation of indigenous languages and customs remains a collective responsibility that must be taken seriously by families, community leaders and the wider Okpe society.
“I am encouraging you to embrace the Okpe Development Trust Fund as a strategic instrument for promoting economic growth and facilitating sustainable development across communities in the kingdom.
“All Okpe sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora should rally round the traditional institution to ensure the successful celebration of my 20th coronation anniversary in November.
“I am also assuring my people of my commitment to consider your requests for social amenities and economic development in Orerokpe. I urge all thy communities to maintain existing public facilities to ensure their continued usefulness.”
The event also featured a rich display of traditional music, cultural performances and indigenous dances, reflecting the cultural vitality of the Okpe people.
The ceremony climaxed with a heavy downpour, which participants interpreted symbolically as a sign of divine blessings upon Orerokpe Dukedom, and by extension Okpe Kingdom.
Beyond the ceremonial receptions and cultural displays, the Orodje’s visits to the 13 districts represent an important exercise in grassroots engagement and traditional leadership.
By taking the monarchy directly to the people,HRM Orhue I has created opportunities for closer interaction with community leaders, traditional chiefs, youths, women and other stakeholders.
Such engagements help to strengthen the relationship between the Palace and the communities, promote mutual understanding, and provide the Monarch with firsthand insight into the needs, challenges and development priorities of his subjects.
The visits also served as a powerful platform for promoting unity, preserving Okpe cultural identity and reinforcing the values that bind the kingdom together.
The participation of traditional institutions, community associations and non-indigenes demonstrates that peace and development thrives when people from different backgrounds work together.
Equally important, the Monarch’s appeals for the preservation of ancestral lands, the transmission of the Okpe language to younger generations, and support for Okpe Development Trust Fund, all highlight the need to protect the kingdom’s heritage while building a stronger economic foundation for the future.
As Okpe Kingdom prepares to celebrate the 20th coronation anniversary of Orhue I, CFR, mni, in November, the successful completion of the 13-district tour has provided an opportunity to consolidate the gains of his reign, and renew the people’s commitment to peace, unity and collective progress.
The anniversary will, therefore, mean more than a celebration of the Monarch’s years on the throne; it will also offer an occasion to reflect on the kingdom’s achievements, identify outstanding development challenges, and mobilise renewed support for its future.
In the final analysis, the lasting value of the visits will be measured, not only by the enthusiasm of the receptions but also by the extent to which they have inspired stronger community participation, sustained cultural preservation, and tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Okpe Kingdom.
