The Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Clement Ikolo, has inaugurated the kingdom’s Council of Chiefs, charging the newly inducted traditional leaders to treat their titles as a “burden of honour” and not a social ornament.
Speaking during the occasion held at the monarch’s palace, HRM Ikolo described the inauguration as a rebirth of the kingdom after years of turbulence.
According to him, “Council of Chiefs, my beloved people of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, distinguished chiefs of our great land, respected sons and daughters at home and in diaspora, this is a historic day in the life of our kingdom. We gather here not only to inaugurate a Council of Chiefs but to renew a covenant, a covenant of service, unity, development and peace.”
The monarch went on to recount the kingdom’s survival through conflicts and internal crises that had threatened its cohesion.
“A kingdom reborn through trials. We stand here today because God preserved this kingdom through storms meant to break us. We have walked through valleys of adversity. We have survived trials designed to divide us, and yet, by the unfailing grace of Jehovah, Ewu-Urhobo stands stronger than ever,” he said.
HRM Ikolo further spoke about the past bitterness that had trailed misunderstandings in the kingdom, but insisted that the people had emerged more determined to rebuild, reminding the chiefs that the body is central to the administration of the kingdom, not a decorative assembly.
“As custodians of culture and tradition, advisers to the throne, ambassadors of peace, unity and development, protectors of the dignity of our people, you are leaders who will work with me to move the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom into a new era. This council is not a ceremonial body. It is the engine room of governance in our kingdom. It is a place of discipline, integrity, accountability and honour, a call to service, not privilege,” he said.
To the newly inaugurated chiefs, the Ovie stressed humility, sacrifice and fairness. “Your title is not a decoration. It is not an entitlement or social privilege. It is a burden of honour, a sacred duty to serve without bias, greed or partiality. From today, you are the eyes and ears of the throne. You are the pillars upon which justice stands. You are the hands that will lift the weak and guide the strong. You are defenders of the values that make us Eu-Urhobo people.”
The newly inaugurated Council is led by HRM Clement Ikolo, who serves as Chairman, with Chief Abizor Henry as Secretary and Acting Spokesman, Chief Vincent Oduaran as Coordinator, Chief Oshogbunu Festus as Treasurer, Hon. Chief Josephine Oduaran as Public Relations Officer, Chief Evangelist Charles Buluku and Chief Ilolo handling Media portfolios, Chief Ojevwe serving as Recorder, and Chief Maxwell Orugun functioning as Chief Whip.
