RIVERS: I’ll Attract Development To Ugbobi Kingdom – Eze Elect . . . Promises To Reduce Bride, Burial Rites Prices
3 min read
by Oyagiri Chime-emele
The Eze Elect of Igbu Ugbobi Kingdom in Ekpeye Ethnic Nation, Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Anderson Okpara Ugbuleka, JP, has assured his people that he will attract the needed human capital and infrastructural development under his reign.
The Eze Elect, who gave the assurance while fielding questions from newsmen in his Palace at Odieke Ugbobi after the election, Saturday, February 18th, noted that it is disheartening that an area blessed with much mineral resources is bedeviled with poverty.
Eze Egbuleka stated that with his ascension as the Eze Igbu Ugbobi II, the narrative would change, as he solicits the support of all and sundry.
When asked about the seeming high cost of marriage and burial rites in his domain, he said; “Marital and burial rites will be looked into. The prevalent high cost is unacceptable”.
“The people of Upata Kingdom did it and it is working, so we can also make it work in my kingdom”.
Eze Egbuleka noted that women would be given responsibilities,band acknowledged that many things have happened, hence called on the youths to calm down and take their rightful place as ‘leaders of tomorrow’.
Earlier in his acceptance speech after being declared the winner, the Eze Elect called on co-contestants to join the team in the spirit of sportsmanship for the development of the kingdom.
Also speaking to journalists, the Eleco Chairman, Barr. Ucheida John said; “I am very happy for the successful conclusion of the election of Eze Igbu Ugbobi stool.
“As the Electoral Committee Chairman, I appreciate the entire people of Igbu Ugbobi kingdom for the opportunity given to me to perform this task. The task is a herculean one but the Almighty God gave us the grace to accomplish it.
“My appreciation goes to the governor of the state, Chief Barr Ezenwo Nyeso Wike, for recognizing and elevating the stool to first class status.
“I appreciate the leadership of Ekpeye ethnic nationality for their efforts. I’m convinced that the entire people of Igbu Ugbobi are delighted to elect their king to fill the vacant stool. We are looking forward to celebrating when the governor hands the staff of office to our newly elected king”.
Another Igbu Ugbobi Kingdom Elite and Family Chief, Precious Chimeze Abaligwe excitedly said: “I believe it is the will of God and our ancestors that Anderson Egbuluka should emerge victorious.
“Some people believe in godfatherism, some believe in their might perhaps the little charms they have, but we believe in integrity, honesty, and unity.
“I’m overwhelmed, my uncle late HRH EZE Innocent James Odum single handedly nurtured/built Ugbobi clan to this level that we are fighting for today, just unfortunate that he has to answer the call of nature. May his gentle soul rest with the Lord.
“I discribe my uncle as Moses of our time, just as Moses fought and led the Israelite out of Egypt but couldn’t get to the promised land. but my happiness is that today he has a man of Integrity as a successor”.
Other contestants were: Dr Monday Otumadu, Mr Andy Amagbo and Hon (Chief) Ibezhim Green.
It would be recalled that the Igbu Ugbobi Kingdom stool was recently upgraded to a first class status, with a Regent after the demise of the pioneer Eze, His Royal Highness, Eze Innocent James Odum, Eze Igbu Ugbobi I.
