BY JOEL GRANDBALL
IN a bold and significant move aimed at strengthening ties between his office and the traditional institution in Udu kingdom, Delta State, the member representing Udu, Ughelli North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Francis Waive has led a high-powered delegation of political leaders, party faithful, religious leaders and eminent chiefs from Udu Kingdom and beyond to pay homage to Udu monarch, HRM Engr Mike Ogheneovo Orugbo, Okporua 1.
The event, which turned out to be a carnival of sort, took place over the weekend at the temporary palace of the monarch, featuring traditional Udje dance of Udu and royal rites to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Udu people.
It was an awe-inspiring spectacle as the federal lawmaker, who is maternally from Otor-Udu, the political and traditional headquarters of the Udu people, stormed the palace with a massive crowd of friends, loved ones, and well-wishers, while the traditional Udje dance band of Aladja entertained the people.
In his remarks during the visit, Rt. Hon. Francis Waive noted with pleasure the peaceful emergence of His Majesty, his pedigree, clout and reputation across the country and emphasized that Udu has a true king.
While paying homage to the monarch, he pledged to participate actively during presentation of the Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty and to support the rites of passage of the late king, stressing that he was amazed at the warm reception and the caliber of persons on ground to receive him at the palace, including members of the Udu Traditional Council, the Otota of Udu Kingdom, Chief Sam Odibo, Chairman of Udu Local Government, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode, palace chiefs, community leaders, and the jubilant crowd of residents who turned out in colourful traditional attire.
He used the opportunity to enumerate innumerable and impactful evidence of his activities and the empowerment projects he has executed in Udu, including the newly established Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, a product of his legislative sagacity.
He also introduced the newly appointed pioneer Medical Director of the FMC, Prof Kingsley Akaba, a bonafide son of Udu kingdom to the monarch.
Responding, HRM Engr. Mike Orugbo expressed gratitude for the visit and lauded Hon Waive for honouring tradition and the series of projects done in Udu. He described the lawmaker as a true son of the soil and assured him of his unwavering support in matters concerning the welfare of the Udu people.
