In a bid to foster unity among the people of Upata Kingdom, the Central Upata Kingdom Palace in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State has been commissioned.
Speaking at the event over the weekend at Edeoha. The chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Chief Ben Eke said that the people of Upata Kingdom and their monarch should be commended for their feat and initiative.
“The people of Upata Kingdom deserve commendation for the feat under their new monarch.
In fact, I want to commend the people of Upata Kingdom for this laudable project you initiated and completed. Ahoada East under my administration will continue to support Upata Kingdom. With what we have seen here today, we want to announce the donation of the sum of N1m (One Million Naira), Chief Eke promised.
Chief Eke who performed the commissioning of the project expressed happiness that his people could achieve this as well as, give him the honour to perform the function, adding that history has been made.
In his address, Eze Igbu Upata III, HM Eze Felix Otuwarikpo said that on assumption of office about five (5) years ago he made a commitment to his subjects and the Rivers State governor that a Central palace would be constructed.
“At my coronation ceremony on Saturday, September 16, 2017 I made a commitment to His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers State and the people of Upata Kingdom that a Central Palace where all administrative and quasi-traditional activities would be carried out, would be built within five years of rulership. Indeed, today that commitment has been fulfilled.”
Eze Otuwarikpo went further: “The Central Palace will be the official residence of any King that will rule Upata Kingdom from today onwards. By this completion and commissioning, the Upata Traditional institution has been deepened and chieftaincy permanently institutionalized.”
The monarch explained that within the period under review, modest achievements have been recorded such as the resolution of the protracted internal crisis arising from dispute over a parcel of land at Ula-Ikata and the enactment of the Upata Marriage Rites Bye-Law 22 and several others.
He described the Upata Kingdom as a unique kingdom. “Upata Kingdom is one kingdom that is uniquely unique. It is a peculiar kingdom.”
He promised to attract investors to the kingdom. “We are desirous to attract investors to this kingdom. We expect to have to new investments in 10 years,” Eze Otuwarikpo assured.
EzeOtuwarikpo pointed out that the peaceful co-existence in the clan was as a result of the effective administration of the various Clan Heads, appealing for government recognition.
The effective administration of the various Clans Heads is largely responsible for the overall peace currently witnessed in the Kingdom. Given their passion to deliver on their leadership briefs. Therefore, I wish to seize this opportunity to appeal to the governor of Rivers State to approve the recognition of the Nye-Udu Ede, Nye-Nye Udu Ugbokor and Nye-Udu Ikegah as government recognized second class traditional rulers,” Eze Otuwarikpo pleaded.
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion who is also the chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Vincent Nemiboka said that Eze Felix Otuwarikpo should be given a pat on the back for seeking the growth and development of the people of Upata Kingdom.
He described Eze Otuwarikpo as a good man. “Eze Otuwarikpo is a very good and humble man who can relate well with any person in society. Since I met him in Abuja FCT a couple of years ago, I have never regretted knowing him,” Chief Nemiboka hinted.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Sir Samuel Egbe said that the commissioning of Upata Kingdom Central place is possible because of the visionary leadership of Eze Felix Otuwarikpo.
“This palace we are about to commission today is a reality because of Eze Felix Otuwarikpo. In fact, his uncommon desire to sustain and consolidate on the ideals of our forefathers, one whose passion for peace and security as well as the progress of Upata Kingdom is unquenchable; one whose development strides and promotion of our culture and tradition is without reproach an astute advocate of functional traditional rulers among other qualities,” Sir Egbe opined.
He commended Governor Ezenwo Wike for being the driving force behind the modest achievements in Upata Kingdom.
On his part, Chief Mekelachi Horsfall said that the people of Upata Kingdom are happy with the achievement and accomplishment of Eze Otuwarikpo and his council of traditional rulers.
He described Upata Kingdom as a unique kingdom, adding that Upata Kingdom has been a pace setter for other clans in Ekpeye.
He urged other clans in Ekpeye ethnic nationality to emulate the example of Upata Kingdom.
He assured Eze Otuwarikpo that, the people of Upata Kingdom would stand with him as well as support him throughout his reign.
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