Harriet Anetor

Otogor community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, wore a festive look at the weekend, as the people of Ogor Kingdom, installed HRM
Okiemute Igere I as the new Ovie of the kingdom.

The installation which was sequel to the passing on of HRM, Onajite Adjara III, saw eminent personalities thronging the community to witness the
colourful event which was spiced with traditional dances and other cultural activities.

Fielding questions from newsmen during the ceremony, the Otota of the kingdom, Chief John Aghalokpe noted that “with the passing away of the
previous king, we have been rudderless, no direction because Ogor depends on monarchy. So now that we have got one, our own has come; the tap root is
already there and everything will be passed through him. If you say ‘the Ovie said this’ then it carries a lot of weight. We are very happy that we now have a backbone.”

He thanked the people of the kingdom for their cooperation which he said culminated into the success of the installation. “Ogor is very enthusiastic
about it and we are happy that our king is installed today,” he added.

He urged the people of the kingdom to be cooperative as they have been, saying “the unity of Ogor has always been there, so we should continue to
work hard, cooperate, support the Ovie, and with the Ovie young and brilliant as he is, we are sure that rapid development and good things will
come to Ogor. We hope that his reign will bring prosperity to Ogor kingdom.”

On his part, Chief Bensons Asore, a prominent indigene of the kingdom, said the installation ceremony was an event which the people had been expecting.
“For seven days the various communities will pay homage to the palace starting with the traditional rulers followed by the Urhobo Progress Union
and the Ilorogun of Ogor before the Ogor people from the various parts of the country,” he added.

He described the traditional ruler as widely read, emphasizing that “he is a lawyer by profession; he is exposed in various fields of human endeavour;
he is experienced in administration and his leadership will be helpful to the community.”

Asore advised the people of Ogor to maintain their peaceful disposition and give the new traditional ruler his due respect. The people should love him
and he should love his people.