By Gbenga Abulude (Politics & General Desk)
A former South-South editor of National Daily Newspapers and journalist of note, Prince Monday Obukowho Whiskey, was on Monday crowned as the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The emergence of the journalist of repute was greeted with joy and euphoria across several communities that constitute the present day Idjerhe Kingdom. This is coming just about two years after the former King, His Royal Majesty, Edward Igho Otadaferua, Erhiekevwe 1, joined his ancestors in 2018. The reign of HRM, Erhiekevwe 1, lasted for over a decade.
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The monarch-elect, HRM Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhie l, was selected by kingmakers and installed as the new traditional ruler of the second largest Kingdom in Urhoboland on Monday after a tough selection process.
It is hoped that the reign of the new Monarch would usher in a new dawn into the kingdom. Udurhie 1, who had his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, is a current PhD student at the Delta State University in Abraka.
Going by this development, he has become the second journalist and editor emerge as a traditional ruler in Delta state after His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwunnwike Charles Anyasi 111, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor Kingdom in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State. Obi Anyasi who was a journalist with the defunct Concord Newspaper also distinguished himself as a accomplished journalist.
The new Idjerhe monarch was also a one-time Special Adviser on Media, to the pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Development Areas Commission (DESOPADEC), High Chief Wellington Okrika.
Before his emergence as king, he was the coordinator of Media Affairs, Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON). HRM Udurhie 1, speaking after his installation, pledged to use his present office to unite all sons and daughters of Idjerhe Kingdom and attract lofty developments to the ancient Urhobo kingdom.
He said; “I feel delighted for being crowned king today. For the past two years, it has not been easy. This is the second largest kingdom in Urhoboland and as a result of that, we want to pursue every other thing as if there is no tomorrow.
“We want to pursue education, economic empowerment, political empowerment like never before. We have the people and the population, so why can’t we also have the development to match our potentials.
“This government (of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa) has developed this kingdom. We are, just like Oliver Twist, asking for more. We still have many roads that need government’s attention.”
Some of the dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of DESOPADEC, Hon. Chief John Nani, former House of Reps member, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Halims Agoda, traditional heads of various royal families that make up Idjerhe Kingdom
Others in attendance were members of the Idjerhe Council of Chiefs including Chief Adjarho Oyibo, Chief Matthew Aghomi, Chief Stephen Ikevwun, Chief William Atete, Chief Godwin Ofishe, Chief Emmanuel Umukoro, Chief Samuel Okoro and Chief John Edafeburun.
