By Samuel Ogude(Warri)
The Delta State Governor Elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, HRM Udurhie I and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo have said the demise of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1 who passed on at the age 106 years was a colossal loss not only to Urhobo nation, Delta State but Nigeria at large.
In a press statement by the Governor Elect’s Chief Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu and made available to newsmen said, the passing on of the great Monarch is a great loss as the nation would miss his contributions towards unity and togetherness of the people.
Part of the statement reads:” “With the passing on of the Monarch, we lost one of our oldest and finest traditional rulers in the country whose contributions to peace and unity cannot be forgotten even after his death.”.
According to the statement, the late King was a man of impressive character, a devoted Christian and humble man to the core and therefore used the opportunity to express his condolence to the people of Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South, the entire Council of Traditional Rulers, Urhobo nation and the country at large.
Part of the statement reads:”Let me use the opportunity offered by this moment to extend my condolences to the people of Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South and Indeed the Council of Traditional Rulers and Urhobo Nation on the demise of the Ohworode”,
On his part, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom of Delta State, His Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Whiskey, JP condoled with the Olomu, the entire Urhobo nation, Delta State and the nation at large for the demise of the King of Olomu Kingdom.
In a statement signed by His Royal Majesty, Monday Whiskey himself and made available to newsmen on Monday said, it is not disputable that the deceased Monarch led a good a life worthy of celebration saying, the people are only mourning because they are still tapping from his uncommon wisdom and knowledge.
The statement reads in parts: “I want to sincerely send my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, Olomu Kingdom and the Urhobo nation over the heavenly return of our Chairman. No doubt, it is a celebration of a life well lived, we are only mourning because we were still tapping from his uncommon wisdom”.
Continuing, it said:”For the 36 years he sat on the throne, Ohworode contributed immensely to Olomu, Urhobo, Delta and national development coupled with the peaceful reign and strict adherence to Urhobo culture he propagated”.
According to the statement, the leadership style of the Monarch is without sentiments saying, the nation would miss him just as HRM Monday Whiskey prayed for God to give the nation which Urhobo forms a part, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Part of the statement reads:”We will surely miss him, may God give us the fortitude and strength to cope with his departure. Ajuwe! Worien Sun! Akpokedefa!”
Not left out is High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo. In a statement by his Media Consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, he expressed heartfelt condolence to the Urhobo nation in particular and the country at large for the demise of the Monarch.
According to him, Ohworode was a rare father whose prayers and words of wisdom will linger on adding, he was aged though, the people would still miss him as his contributions to humanity cannot be forgot in a hurry. Part of the statement reads: “I want to use this medium to condole with the family, the great Olomu people, and the Urhobo nation”.
According to the statement, Ohworode led a life of godliness as he was always keen on details, a lover of culture, and peace loving and prayed that his family and Olomu people have the fortitude to bear the great loss.