As part of activities marking the first day of the celebration of his 35th year anniversary of coronation, His Royal Highness, Oba Okhishimede Eshimokhai Idogu III, the Olokpe of Okpe kingdom yesterday conferred chieftaincy titles on three deserving sons of Afemai land.
Recipients of the chieftaincy titles at the ceremony which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life were Elder, Engr. S S Akhigbe who was conferred with the title the Okunlani of Okpe Kingdonm, Engr. Saliu O. Ahmed, conferred with the title of Odunfade of Okpe kingdom, and Alhaji Aliyu Mohammad, who was conferred with the title of Oyhakhai of Okpe kingdom.
Speaking on the occasion, Oba Eshimokhai commended the recipients for their humanitarian services. He urged them to continue to contribute their quota to the development of humanity as Ambassadors of the Okpe Kingdom. He stated that though the certificates they had just received at the event were those of the royal palace, they would be notified as soon as the certificates of the State Government which evidence their new status are delivered.
A visibly elated Engr. Saliu Ahmed, one of the recipients of the chieftaincy titles, thanked the king and the people of the kingdom. He said: “…on behalf of myself, my family and the development authority that I head, I promise that we will continue to work with you, to promote, not just the community, but the entire country. I have made you a commitment, and I make bold to make it public, that as part of our integrated farm development in this community, we are integrating echo tourism, and to that extent we will be developing a 9-hole golf course, side by side with the farm. I know your highness loves golf. You will have no reason to go to Benin anymore, and those your colleagues who are here, can hear it, they will have reasons to visit you often and of course, T with you, from one hole to the other… ”
The promise was greeted with loud ovation by the indigenes of the community who were in joyous mood throughout the ceremony. Engr. Saliu Ahmed is the Managing Director of the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority, a Federal Government of Nigeria agency poised to ensure that government policies are translated into actionable agricultural output for Nigerians.
Akoko Edo community newspaper’s Albert Afeso Akanbi and Mercy Andrew, who covered the event report that Okpe Kindgom is said to have been founded by one of the sons of Oba Ozolua. The coronation anniversary ceremony continues tomorrow with a cultural festival, and would climax on Saturday with a thanksgiving service at St Pauls Anglican Church, followed by a reception at the palace square. Amongst dignitaries expected at the Saturday event are the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon. Philip Shuaibu, and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II who is the Special Guest of Honour.
