Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has ordered the Police to arrest individuals who parade themselves as traditional rulers without due recognition by government.
The Governor who gave the order Wednesday at Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government of Delta State during the presentation of Staff of Office to the Ovie of Agbon Clan, His Royal Highness, Ogurime-Rime, Ukori I, frowned at situations where individuals ascribed kingship to themselves especially at Otu-Jeremi and Oghara areas.
“Except you are recognized by the state government, you cannot be called a traditional ruler,” Governor Uduaghan said, stating, “if you are calling yourself a traditional ruler, you will be arrested and prosecuted.”
While stating that only persons who have been recognized by the State Government as traditional rulers should be seen as such by the people, Governor Uduaghan used the occasion to urge the youths of Agbon Clan to shun criminal activities.
According to him, “our youths should not see criminals in their society as role models,” rhetorically asking, “why do you want to be popular by carrying out criminal activities?.”
“There is no criminal who has ended well, this Kingdom has a very good name and I want to appeal to our youths not to give this Kingdom a bad name,” he said.
Dr. Uduaghan reminded the youths that Agbon kingdom has produced prominent indigenes who have excelled in all fields of human endeavours and have contributed creditably to national development . He charged the youths to emulate these prominent Agbon indigenes and use them as their role models.
While congratulating the King on the successful ascension of the throne of his forefathers, Dr. Uduaghan urged the people of Agbon Clan to support their King to enable him succeed.
The Ovie of Agbon Clan, HRM Ogurime-Rime, Ukori I in his address thanked his people for their support and used the occasion to confer chieftaincy titles on some deserving indigenes of the Kingdom.
Earlier in a welcome address by the community, Chief Peter Igho said the selection of the King was rancour free.
