The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has sued for peace in order to allow for development in the state.
The governor made this plea on Thursday in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state while presenting the staff of office to the Obi of Issele-Uku, Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna.
Okowa, while presenting the state of office to the 24-year-old monarch, emphasised the need for peaceful co-existence among the people of the area.
He was represented by the state Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro.
The governor said there was no way a community without peace could achieve any meaningful development.
He called on those who were having disputes to settle them and embrace peace in the interest of progress and sustainability of development.
While congratulating the Obi on his ascension to the throne of his late father, Okowa urged him to rule his people with the fear of God, noting that Issele-Uku kingdom had been blessed to have good kings who listened to their people.
He said, “I know as you ascend the throne today, there will be lots of challenges but you must listen to your people, adopt their culture, and they will be proud of you at all times.”
Okowa warned the people against indulging in acts capable of bringing disgrace to the king and the entire community.
The governor thanked the people for their support for his administration, and assured them that he was working hard to bring prosperity and dividend of democracy to all Deltans.
In his remarks, Ezeagwuna thanked the people of Issele-Uku, the Omo Noba Nedo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for the opportunity given to him to undergo an eye-opening orientation towards assuming the throne.
The monarch explained that the Issele-Uku royal succession process bequeathed to the people by their forebears, was well defined.
He said, “It takes a man of noble spirit to respect and abide by the process.”
The coronation ceremony was witnessed by a large crowd from all walks of life, including some of the monarch’s lecturers from the University of Ibadan, where he graduated in Petroleum Engineering.