By Samuel Ogude
Contrary to the rumour in many quarters that the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ogurime-rime, Ukori 1, was sick, he has come up to clear the air that he was never sick.
The Ovie of Agbon, Michael Omeru (CON) stated this in a press conference as part of activities to mark his ten years anniversary on the throne which took place at his palace, Otorho-Agbon(Isiokolo), Headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to him, for the past three years by the grace of God, he has never been to any hospital saying, the rumour of sickness is the handiwork of mischief markers who are bent in creating confusion in the kingdom in particular and Delta State in general. He said, those spreading such unfounded rumour of his demise have evil intentions and asked the Kingdom and the state at large to disregard that rumour.
His words:” Those spreading the news of my death are mischief makers and by this I good spirited Deltans and Nigerians to ignore such because I am hale and hearty”.
He said he was not bothered such rumour so long he and his kingdom are at peace and experiencing speedy growth and development.
The traditional ruler said Agbon Kingdom was made up of six sub-clans which are Okpara, Kokori, Eku, Orhoakpor, Ovu and Igun and each of the sub-clans has many villages with their Oka-Orho- in -Council that preside over matters that affect them but when the issues are beyond their control, they referred them to him for proper resolution.
He stated that the throne (King) of Agbon is by rotation from one sub-clan to another which started with the Senior Okpara and followed by Kokori which currently on the throne, adding that when it leaves Kokori, it will go to Eku which is the third sub-clan and so on.
He disclosed that Agbon is the second longest kingdom in Urhobo Nation, adding, it remains the second largest after Okpe Kingdom with well-organized administrative structure.
HRM Ogurime-rime said out that, there are institutionalized cultural heritage in Agbon Kingdom and different festivals in the various sub-clans celebrated annually in peace.
He recalled that he ascended the throne February, 2013 but the celebration was postponed because of the political campaigns and the 2023 general elections. His words:”Before I became a King, I have worked and well experienced in administration. Before I became a king I was in politics but now as a king, am for all and those who contested came to me for royal blessing. I am very versatile and know my people over the years and was able to attract development to my kingdom. Now that I am a king, I have attracted more development to my kingdom in last ten years on the throne. I also encourage my my people to excel in all facets of life.”