The need for unity among the Ijaw ethnic nationality took a centre stage, weekend, in Zide, traditional headquarters of Furupagha kingdom, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, as kings, clan heads, chiefs, other dignitaries converged on the community to celebrate the 9th ascension anniversary of the Ibenanawei of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Pere Roman Ikiyouseigha Bohan, Atunkpokubu XIII.

The celebration, first of its kind, had the Pere of Olodiama kingdom, HRM, Godwin Ogunoyibo, Alagbabunafa II; Pere of Tubutoru kingdom, HRM, Gbebokedi Ajiroba, Ogonikara I.

The Pere of Arogbo kingdom was represented by his high chiefs likewise the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Oboro Gbaran II, who was represented by high chiefs of the kingdom.

In their separate short speeches, representatives of Agadagba of Arogbo and Oboro Gbaran II, Pere of Gbaramatu, on behalf of their respective kings, called for a more united Ijaw nation, adding that with unity, all the clans and kingdoms of the Ijaw nation will move forward.

While stating that they would have been loved to be physically present at the occasion, the two traditional rulers used the occasion to apologise for the people for their absence, assuring that they were there with them in spirit.

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In his opening remarks, chairman, organizing committee of the anniversary, Chief Ben Bowei, while recounting the journey for the past 9 years, said though it has not been easy, God has helped in moving the kingdom from where it was to where it is.

While calling for a more united Furupagha and the Ijaw nation at large, Chief Bowei said: “There is strength in unity, and so our people have become united during the reign of His Majesty Atunkpokubu. This is only possible because the people have been solidly behind him in prayers and other required supports.”

He continued: “The point highlighted above has been extended to our relationship with neighbouring kingdoms even to Arogbo, Egbema and Gbaramatu and that had given us pride of place in the comity of kingdoms in Ijaw land and beyond.”

Kings at their entourage at the event.

Chief Bowei, who lamented the lack of infrastructure in the kingdom due to government neglect, added that all efforts geared towards the government to recognise the king have been futile.

“We have cried enough to be recognised by the government of Edo State and to be presented to the staff of office, but all our cries have fallen on deaf ears. The government has deliberately refused and neglected to play its role in society building by working with traditional institutions despite their relevance in the security of their domains.

“Our area lacks the economic drive to raise funds for the construction of a befitting palace for the king. Kings are meant to live in a glamorous royal abode but lack of economic stream in the kingdom has not made it possible for Atunkpokubu to live in such glamorous as expected and seen elsewhere.

“Good road network has been the bane of the numerous challenges in all the Ijaw kingdoms in Edo State and Furupagha is not different in this regard. It is even worse because while other kingdoms have other routes through the tributaries of creeks and rivers, our creek is in dire and urgent need for canalisation and dredging, without which we cannot grow a better economy within the kingdom,” Chief Bowei lamented.

Atunkpokubu XIII, Alagbabunafa III, Ogonikara I all used the occasion to intercede for the kingdom and the Ijaw nation at large, just as they prayed for blessings for the sons and daughters of the kingdom.

Young Ijaw musician Abobra, Tiga D’Advocate thrilled people at the epoch making event.

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Some of the chiefs of the kingdom who were in attendance include: High Chief Millionaire Muje; High Chief (Engr.) Pascal Ebi Akpofagha; Chief Somi Miye; Chief Tunemi Makilolo; Chief Alex Kuruma; Chief Terry Oseyai, etc.