By Tobore Akpososo
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 Revd Francis Ejiroghene Waive have led a high powered delegation of political leaders, party faithful, religious leaders, eminent chiefs and important personalities from all over Udu Kingdom and beyond to pay homage to the new Udu monarch, HRM Engr Mike Ogheneovo Orugbo JP, KP, Okporua 1, the Ovie of Udu Kingdom, pledging total allegiance to the reign of His Majesty and the welfare and development of Udu Kingdom.
The event, which turned out to be a carnival of sort, took place on Sunday at the temporary palace of the monarch, featuring the traditional Udje dance of Udu and royal rites that celebrated 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 performed what they do best. The people sang and danced with pomp and pageantry at the coming of the first federal lawmaker to pay an official visit to the new monarch since his ascension to the throne.
In his remarks during the visit, Rt Hon Francis Waive noted with pleasure, the peaceful manner of the emergence of His Majesty, his pedigree, clout and reputation across the country and emphasized that Udu has a true king.
In paying his homage, 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, Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu 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 empowerment projects that 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, Chief Prof Kingsley Akaba, a bonafide son of Udu kingdom to the monarch.
In his response, 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.
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts and royal blessings, followed by a brief reception.
In a brief remark at the end of the ceremony, Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Oyibode commended Hon Francis Waive for the visit which he hailed as a positive step towards deepening collaboration between the palace and the political class, a development, he said was vital for sustainable growth and harmony in Udu Kingdom. He described Waive as a rare political breed who has performed excellently with incredible evidence to mark his activities in the National Assembly.
Some guests at the ceremony were Chief Richard Odibo, Chief Henry Afure Sakpra, Chief Austin Emaduku, Chief Lucky Mughelle, Chief Friday Orugbo, Chief Bruno Akpomedarho, Chief Moses Uparan, Chief Dr Richard Iyede, Prof Kingsley Akaba, CMD of the Federal Medical Centre, Ovwian, Prof Ezekiel Agbalagba, Vice Chancellor, FUPRE, Effurun, Chief Steve Sokoh, Ven Gabriel Kpagban and Hon Justice Iyasere, former Vice Chairman, Udu Local Government Council.
Others are Sir Chief Francis Orogun, Revd D.P.O Sotu, Prof Lucky Ogodo, Chief Franks Ugen, Sir Isaiah Kekeje, Chief John Olomu, Hon Alex Kemeruvwe, Hon David Rheriobore, Barr Pat Willie, members of the Aladja Grammar School Old Students Association and many others.
