By John Oghojafor
There were widespread jubilations in the Ekpan axis of Uvwie Local Government Area, Monday July 3, 2017, when His Royal Majesty, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, through the President General, of Uvwie General Improvement Union (UGIU) Chief Austine Ukuwere, lifted the ban placed on the Ighedo family just as the chairmanship bid of Chief Daniel Ighedo got a boost after receiving royal blessing from the monarch.
A cross section of Uvwie people from different quarters that made up the kingdom were all present at the Uvwie Town, to witness the historic occasion as Chief Austne Ukuwere made the pronouncement, lifting the ban that had hitherto been placed on the Ighedo family of Ekpan, on behalf of the King and the entire Uvwie Community.
The monarch however used the occasion to advise parents to caution their children to be of good character, adding that any family no matter who they are shall be sanctioned if they do not show respect for the king. He added that after much pleading from the Ighedo family and well- meaning Uvwie sons and daughters, the Ovie of Uvwie decided to have a second thought by tempering justice with mercy in especially when the conditions handed down to Ighedo family have been met.
As soon as the pronouncement was made by the monarch lifting the ban on the Ighedo family, there was a spontaneous demonstration of joy and happiness among family members and well-wishers who burst into singing of praises and jubilations for the monarch just as Uvwie traditional ancient songs rented the in celebration with the Ighedo family.
Speaking at the occasion, the Unuevworo of Alegbo, High Chief Hope Akasa also expressed happiness over the turn of event with the Ighedo family, even as he re-echoed the message of the monarch that the Uvwie throne deserves the respect of all Uvwie sons and daughters, adding that in any society the king is next to God and such, he should be respected by all. He therefore urged parents to caution their children as anybody or family that disrespects the king stands to be sanctioned no matter who is involved.
In an interview with newsmen shortly after the occasion, Chief Daniel Ighedo, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a top contender for the chairmanship position of Uvwie Local Government Council, expressed happiness, adding that his joy knows no bound.
He thanked His Royal Majesty, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, the President-General of UGIU, Uvwie Traditional Council and the entire people of Uvwie kingdom for their show of love and support for the Ighedo family, adding that God has put those who want to score cheap political point with the initial ostracism of his family to shame.
“To God be the Glory. God will bless my Father, the Father of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Abe 1 Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Uvwie Traditional Council of Chiefs and the entire People of Uvwie Kingdom”, he said.
Meanwhile, His Royal Majesty, Abe I, Ovie of Uvwie kingdom has offered Chief Daniel Ighedo a royal blessing when the children of Ighedo family of Ekpan paid a ‘Thank You’ visit to monarch.
The eldest of the Ighedo family, Pastor Henry Ighedo, led the children and others on the visit to the Uvwie monarch.
It would be recalled that His Royal Majesty Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, ordered the ostracising of the Ighedo family in January 2017 due to an alleged “Insulting post” by Mr. Shedrack Ighedo on Facebook against the palace.
