By Attah Ede
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Western Zone has commended the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his presentation of the Staff of Office to the Agadagba of Tubutoru-Ijaw Kingdom, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state, His Royal Majesty, Eseimokumo Ogonikara I.
The Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, gave the commendation when he led members of the organisation from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo States on a courtesy visit to the royal father at his royal palace in Tubutoru Kingdom on Tuesday.
He described the governor’s gesture as a demonstration of inclusive governance, respect for traditional institutions and recognition of the cultural heritage and identity of the Ijaw people in Ondo State.
Barr. Kuete noted that the aim of the visit was to formally congratulate the monarch on his well-deserved recognition and to assure him of unwavering support of the Ijaw people.
The Ijaw leader maintained that the recognition of the Tubutoru-Ijaw Kingdom is a significant step toward strengthening traditional leadership, fostering peace and promoting socio-cultural development within Ijaw communities across the Western Zone.
He however acknowledged the contributions of notable Ijaw leaders, elders and other key stakeholders who have sustained advocacy, unity and commitment towards actualization of this long-awaited recognition.
Receiving the delegation, His Royal Majesty, Eseimokumo Ogonikara 1, thanked the leadership of INC Western Zone for the visit which he described as a strong show of solidarity and unity among the Ijaw people.
He promised to use the opportunities of his royal office to promote peace, development, cultural preservation and harmonious coexistence among Ijaw people.
The royal father assured that he would always maintain constructive engagement with the Ondo State Government for the overall development of Tubutoru Kingdom and other Ijaw communities.
He sued for unity among Ijaw communities, stressing that there is need to sustain collaboration with government authorities, other tribes and stakeholders to advance the collective interests and development of the Ijaw nation in Ondo State.
