Historic Moment as Irri Monarch Receives Staff Of Office

By Emmanuel Ekebe
The traditional ruler of Irri Clan in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State His Royal Majesty Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi 1 has been presented his staff of office by the Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori.

Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme who represented the state Governor said government has great respect for the traditional institution, because Royal fathers are not only the custodian of our age long custom and tradition, but also the only unsevered link with our past.

He added that, “it is the realization of this that informed our avowed commitment to the enhancement of the status of the traditional institution in the state. Since the inception of this administration, government has not relented in his efforts to give the institution all the honour it rightly deserves.”

He admonished the new Irri Monarch to always consult his people in major decisions that affect the Community. He told him to allow the interest of the Community to inform his decisions at all times.

He called on the people of Irri “to accord the Odiologbo the respect and honour that befits his status.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Isoko South Local Government Council chairman Hon. Friday Warri said that the event is a mark of restoring traditional institution to their pride of place.

He noted that the occasion marks a new dawn in the history of Irri people; pointing out that the Odiologbo reign will mark a period of peace and progress.

Irri Clan in a speech read by Chief Adonis Ubuwere appreciated the state Governor for the approval and recognition of their traditional ruler that is being presented a staff of office.

They requested government’s intervention in the completion and commissioning of the Technical College, Irri; completion of Otahe link road, Irri, construction of Irri modern palace; award of a 3km link road from Ikpide-Irri to Kennan-Irri; Street lights for Irri and it’s villages and resurfacing of Ada-Ivrogbo road that is in a very deplorable condition.

The high point of the ceremony was the formal presentation of staff office to the Odiologbo of Irri Clan, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi 1 by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme.

Present at the occasion, were traditional rulers from neighbouring Isoko communities, delegations from the 14 Irri villages, captains of industries, clergymen, political bigwigs, community leaders from and outside Isoko land amongst others.