By Ere Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Amassoma, Nigeria – The Ebenanaowei of Ogboin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Oweipa Jones-Ere III, celebrated his 20th Coronation Anniversary on Saturday with a lavish event at the Ogboin-tu Royal Palace in Ogbopina Pele, Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
The occasion was filled with pomp and pageantry as the king reflected on the growth and challenges faced by his kingdom over the past two decades.
In his address to mark the occasion, King Jones-Ere III reflected on the progress made over the past two decades. He emphasized the hope and excitement that accompanied his ascension to the throne, noting the emergence of the first graduates from the Niger Delta University and the improved access to the center of government for the people of Ogboin.
The king expressed his gratitude to several past and present leaders, including former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chief Timipre Sylva, Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, and incumbent Sen. Douye Diri, for their positive relationships with Ogboin during his reign.
However, the celebration was not without a somber note, as the king acknowledged the losses the community has endured, paying tribute to the late Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, Ph.D, JP, and His Royal Highness Graham Naingba, Amananaowei of Amassoma. The king expressed his appreciation for Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha’s contributions to the development of Ogboin.
King Jones-Ere III expressed his primary concern for the prosperity and longevity of the people of Ogboin, highlighting the importance of growth in all aspects of their lives.
King Jones-Ere III also addressed the pressing issue of environmental degradation that the Izon people, including Ogboin Kingdom, have been facing. He emphasized the need for collective action to protect the forests and rivers that are vital to their existence. The king urged those whose livelihoods depend on activities detrimental to the environment to consider the long-term consequences and take action to preserve their resources.
“Let me use this glorious day to plead with those for whom the death of the forest is their livelihood, for whom the poisoning of our rivers is their livelihood, let me tell them that we are enjoying today and leaving great suffering for our children and their children. We need to know that rivers and forest belongs to us all. That we must plant the forest and clean our brooks. That is the only way. We must!”, he said.
Furthermore, the king emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety, protection, education, and health of the girl child. He pledged to be a voice for the girl child, advocating for their rights and empowering them to reach their fucll potential.
Drawing inspiration from the strong women who raised him, the king encouraged all families to recognize and celebrate the “Matriarchs and Amazons” within their communities.
“For the girl child, we must make every effort to lift any ceiling to knowledge, any bar that limits their ambitions and most importantly, we must tell them of the great women of the past, we founded along with their men folk in our villages and towns, who have been defied and who for whatever reason are being consigned to the backstage”, he said.
In conclusion, King Jones-Ere III called upon all the clans of the Izon nation to embrace the values of truth, justice, and fairness that have defined their history. He emphasized the strength and resilience of the Izon people, who have faced and overcome numerous challenges.
“We are dispersed to the east, west and even far north. We are all the same, most of our forebears rode these rivers, through the Mein Toru to raise the great Clan of the West, through the Nun River and Sombriero to raise the clans of East”.
“In all the Izon journey, fundamental to our belief is the notion of Truth. Truth is Izon. The brevity to face it and face it squarely. Our forefathers faced great storms and calm seas, known slavery and fought down colonialism”.
“In all of this we fly the Alo, white and clear and pristine as the truth that stands before all, invoking the Amayi that resides in the skies, the oceans and the forests. Irrespective of which God you serve, it is this same fundamental adherence to the Truth, that carries Justice and fairness, that made us unconquerable”, he said.
The celebration served as a reminder of their rich heritage and their united pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable future. High point of the 20th Coronation Anniversary was the conferment of traditional chieftaincy titles and the induction of distinguished individuals into His Majesty’s Council.
Notable recipients of titles included Sen. Douye Diri, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, Chief Sammy Ogbuku, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Chief Johnson Alalibo, Chief Robert A. Enogha, Chief Matthew Karimo, Se n. Ehigie Uzamere, Prof. Ingoebi Etebu, Warisenibo Ibanibo Jumbo, Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha (posthumous), and Chief Dumu Lulu Briggs, among others.
The induction into His Majesty’s Council included prominent figures such as Dame Julie Okah-Donli, Chief (Mrs.) Nice Alamieyeseigha, Arc. Ere Efeke, Enetimi Femowei, Tony Adams, Steven Diver, Rear Admiral Lokoson, Adolphus Munamuna, Chief Doubie Ogun, Tokyo Coronation Edward, Barr. Albert Karikarisei, Izonebi Oyintunumubofa, Hon. Kate Owoko, and Chief (Mrs.) Douye Alalibo.
The 20th Coronation Anniversary was a vibrant celebration of Ogboin’s history and progress under the reign of King Oweipa Jones-Ere III. The event served as a testament to the collective achievements and determination of the Kingdom, setting the stage for a future full of prosperity and growth.
Kindly share
