Agoloma Community Coronates A New Amananaowei

HRH Palmer Andrew Benaebi

by Oyinbrakemi Benaebi

Agoloma Federated Community was recently thrown into jubilation as it formally coronated a retired Air Force Staff, High Chief Palmer Andrew Benaebi as the new Amananaowei.

The position had been vacant after the sudden death of Late King Alexander Atie, the then Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom in 2013, leading to a search for replacement by the community , since the coronation of an Amananaowei to pilot the affairs of the community will bring peace for all.

The crowning of the Amananaowei-Elect was performed by the eldest chief of Agolomaowei Council of Chiefs, High Chief Amos Yereyere. While the presentation of staff of office was officially carried out by the Ebenanaoweii of Kumbowei Kingdom, Delta state, His Royal Majesty Jackson Foubriowei Angalabiri (Egbain II).

In his speech during the coronation, the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom and member of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Jackson Foubriowei Angalabiri (Egbain II) described the newly crowned Amananaowei as a distinguished fellow, dogged and astute leader and problem solver.

The royal father averred that the community had began a new regime with the hope of witnessing a tangible change and prosperity in all spheres, expressing confidence that the new Amananaowei will bring about the desired change and development the people of the community were yearning for over the years.

He described Agoloma as a peace loving community, advising the people to work with the newly coronated monarch to address some of the loopholes observed hindering the people.

He said; “The coronation of High Chief Palmer Andrew Benaebi as Amananaowei in the community is a long awaited dream come through. He is ordained by God Almighty.

“I will work with the Amananaowei in all ramifications in actualizing his set out goals and objectives on his reign on the throne.

“I pray that no evil will survive around the newly coronated Amananaowei and Agoloma community”.

It is historic to note that Late High Chief Asigo Ebizimor was the first appointed Amananaowei, he was succeeded by Late Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, King Alexander Atie.

Chief Ebizimor died in 2019 after a brief illness, while King Alexander Atie kicked the bucket in 2012.

The newly coronated Amananaowei of Agoloma Federated Community was born on the 10th of October, 1953 to the family of Benaebi in Krobarizi Quarters of Agoloma town, Patani local government area of Delta state.

High Chief Palmer Andrew Benaebi had his elementary education at the prestigious Ogidi Primary School where he obtained his first school leaving certificate in 1965. He later attended Government College in the present day Bomadi where he also bagged his compulsory West African Secondary School Certificate in 1972 with flying colours to the admiration of many at a tender age.

After concluding his secondary education, High Chief Palmer Andrew Benaebi Akwasa II, Amananaowei of Agoloma federated community was enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force and went for a strategic training in the Air Force Training School Makurdi, Benue State, and also went for further training at the Nigeria Army Medical School, Ojo, Lagos State from 1980-1982, where he obtained a National Diploma in Store Keeping Management Services which was rare at the time.

The Amananaowei diligently served the Nigerian Air Force between 1974-1994 meticulously in various administrative and management capacities across its formations in the country, most especially Lagos State, Nigeria.

He also briefly served the Ministry of Defence, Lagos State during his active years of service.

Upon his retirement as a gallant Air Force officer and tutor, the Amananaowei later employed to render his unflinching services to the Nigeria German Chemicals Plc, Sango Ota as a Chief Security Officer from 1995-2014.

It is heartwarming to note that on the zeal to expand the knowledge base, the Amananaowei of Agoloma Federated Community briefly worked as a tutor with the Local Authority School in Bulu-Orua town in the present day Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa State from 1973-1974 — that was exactly when Sagbama local government was created.

He is a passionate lover of music, sports and excellent in the word of God, which is the rallying point of many Christians and lovers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Even as a strong believer of the gospel, the Amananaowei High Chief Palmer Andrew Benaebi do not undermine or underestimate the highly valued customs and traditions of Ijaw nation which gave him the edge to be coronated in the foremost and prestigious position in the Agoloma federated community.

His role amongst others will be the chief custodian of the custom and tradition of the people, especially ensuring peaceful coexistence among the inhabitants without fear, favour or bias, irrespective of socio-economic and political status of the people.

He is happily married to Mrs. Royal Benaebi with children and grand children.

As an ordained Amananaowei of Agoloma Federated Community, the anointing and consecration to the newly elected Amananaowei was ceremoniously carried out by Eminent Men of God led by Venerable Emmanuel Ugochukwu Nwaogazi and Venerable Churchill Enoya and host of others.

The historic event featured cultural dances, novelty football match, and appreciation dance led by the Amananaowei-elect and accompanied by the Council of Chiefs which signifies the beginning of new era after nine years.

Other features of the ceremony was the conferment of chieftaincy titles to outstanding and deserving sons and daughters of Agoloma Federated Community who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers in life.

Dignitaries that graced the historic occasion were the Delta State Commissioner for Power and Energy, former Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Basil Ganagana, former Commissioner of Local Government Service Commission, Bayelsa State, High Chief Ombu Akubokapoj, former Patani local government chairman, High Chief Barr. Perez Omourn.

Others were the former vice chairman of Patani local government council, High Chief (Dr.) Ebimobowei Ekpobetebe (JP), Executive Chairman of Patani Local Government Area, Isaac Aguana, royal fathers were from Sagbama federated community, and his counterpart in Tungbabiri autonomous community.