Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, was on
Saturday conferred with the chieftaincy title of Izon-Ibe-Sibeowei 1 of Tuomo
Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Conferring the title, which means “the man that
carries the whole of Ijaw nation,” the Ebenana-Owei of Tuomo Kingdom, HRM
Justice Francis Tabai, said after due consultation with his council of chiefs,
they decided to honour the governor for being a true leader of the Ijaw people.
The event was part of the activities marking the
fifth coronation anniversary of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, who
ascended the throne as the Pere Esuku I of Tuomo Kingdom in 2018.
Speaking after the conferment, Governor Diri said
he was happy to be associated with the renowned jurist whose personality cuts
across the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
The governor noted that it was a great privilege
to be honoured by a legend like the retired Justice, who is highly revered by the
Ijaw stock despite the artificial and administrative boundaries that balkanised
the people into different states.
He, however, stated that it does not change the
fact that both states of Bayelsa and Delta share similarities in language and
culture.
Diri emphasised that regardless of the boundaries
that separated the Ijaws into Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom
states, the people should imbibe the spirit of oneness, love and unity.
Eulogising the Tuomo monarch, the Bayelsa governor
said he met him before Bayelsa was created in 1996 and had known him as one
with the true Ijaw blood.
He said Tabai had always played pivotal roles
silently in protecting, promoting and developing the Ijaw nation and that he
was not surprised at his decision to retire and return home to be king of Tuomo.
His words: “We are celebrating a man that has
added value not only to his life but also to the people of Tuomo kingdom and
his state. In the days of the old Rivers State, then Bayelsa and even now
Delta, we celebrated a legal icon, who is now a Royal Majesty.
“I am very happy to see this crowd celebrating the
living legend and I think that other clans should copy Tuomo clan.
“The personality of Justice F. Tabai, as I said
earlier, cuts across our Ijaw ethnic nationality, across the Tuomo Kingdom, and
the states of Delta and Bayelsa. I believe that coming here to celebrate him
puts a lot of thoughts on our minds, particularly those of us of the Ijaw stock.
“We have artificial and administrative boundaries
as enunciated by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Yes, we accept them.
“Administratively, Tuomo is in Delta but by
language and culture we are all ijaw people. We remain Ijaws whether you are
from Delta, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo or Bayelsa. We remain as one and that
is the spirit that brought me here. And I believe that every one of us will
continue to imbibe that spirit.”
He promised that a one kilometer concrete road
will be constructed in the community and that he would consult with his Delta
counterpart, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on issues of common interest such as a
bridge to connect both states from the Bolou-Toru axis.
He equally thanked Governor Oborevwori for
carrying the Ijaws along in terms of development and appointments and appealed
to him to do more, as the Ijaws had always supported and embraced leaders
irrespective of tribe.
Earlier, King Tabai thanked those who graced the
event, stating that their goodwill, support and love demonstrated by their
presence meant a lot to him.
The Tuomo monarch said the conferment of titles on
deserving personalities was in recognition of the important roles they played
in the development of not only Tuomo Kingdom but also in the advancement of the
Ijaws
He also acknowledged both present and past leaders
of Delta in the area of human and infrastructure development, particularly the
Bomadi bridge constructed by former Governor James Ibori, which he said had
attracted other forms of development and enhanced the livelihood of the Tuomo
people.
Speaking on behalf of other recipients, Governor
Sheriff Oborevwori appreciated the monarch for the honour bestowed on him as
the Ebe-di-Owei of Tuomo and promised to always identify with the traditional
stool and people of the kingdom.
Oborevwori, who was represented by Secretary to
the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, described the title as a blessing from
the royal father.
Also honoured with special titles were Pa Edwin
Clark, former governors Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan as well as Dr. Barry
Peregbe and Professor Andy Egwuyenga.
Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor
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