Storm Is Over As Ugboko King Receives Government’s Authority After 8 Years Of Coronation

By Patrick Ochei

Popular American singer, R. Kelly once sang “Storm Is Over”, obviously depicting a calm atmosphere after some sort of life’s challenges occasioned by conflicts and rage. Same can describe a situation the agrarian community of Idumuje-Ugboko was faced with immediately after the transition of Obi Albert Nwoko 111 and the ascension of Obi Chukwunonso Justin Oreze Nwoko IV. But today, by a stroke of Executive signature, the storm is indeed over as the man on the throne for over eight years has finally received the authority to rule through the presentation of staff of office by Delta State Government.

Nothing can best describe the joyous atmosphere in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Monday 17th February, 2025, other than awesome, wonderful, superb and superfluous. It was indeed a sight to behold and such memories of the mood will remain indelible in the heart of many for a long time.

The town of Ugboko was agog witnessing the influx of dignitaries who had come to seal the decision of Government and to experience the reality of the moment. Chief and most popular of them that came was the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, representing the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and being accompanied by the Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi Ph.D and all other lawmakers and commissioners that were with him.

It was such a sight to behold as their arrival was heralded by several shots of the local canon (Mkpolo-Ani). And after the usual formalities, the man with the authority to transfer authority, Sir Monday Onyeme mounted the stage and precisely did the needful.

The staff of office was presented to Obi Chukwunonso Justin Oreze Nwoko IV with a charge to rule and restore peace in his community as the duly recognized traditional ruler.

According to the Deputy Governor, “The Governor has asked me to come and perform this august event that is dear to him. We all know the history behind this struggle, I want to assure you that today, that struggle has come to an end. The storm is over.

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“I congratulate the people of Idumuje-Ugboko on the smooth ascension of Obi Chukwunonso Justin Oreze Nwoko to the throne of his forefathers. The peace and jubilation today attest to the fact that the people uphold this throne with respect and reverence.

“Your Majesty, you must in all circumstances ensure that the interest of your people is upheld and protected, and you must rule with the fear of God. You must ensure that peace reigns supreme in your kingdom. Where there is any form of threat to peace, it should be reported to security agencies whose duty it is to ensure that peace is not ruptured.

“I have also listened to the demands of the community on Water project, Road infrastructure, Erosion control and School rehabilitation; they are well noted as needful demands. I will leave the responsibility of these demands with the Majority Leader and the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North to collate them and pass to my office for onward transmission to the appropriate quarters.

“We must all rally round the king, accord him due regard and support him for development to take place. The Traditional Institution remains a credible source of authority, and we must uphold this tenet by respecting the symbols of the authority”, Onyeme posited.

Earlier in the address of the Aniocha North Council Chairman, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, he recognized the fact that a milestone has been achieved in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

He said, “I feel proud that Obi Chukwunonso Justin Oreze Nwoko is today joining the league of Traditional Rulers in Delta State. Idumuje-Ugboko is one of the 10 communities maintaining father to son kingship in Aniocha North. The people of Idumuje-Ugboko as a matter of patriotism, must place community interest over and above self interest.

“As a Government in Aniocha North, we must continue to uphold the interest of justice, fair play and fear of God. We must place it on record that as a mark of genuine love of the Governor, he approved this presentation of staff of office today. We appreciate him and congratulate the people of Idumuje-Ugboko.

In his speech, the President General of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union (IUDU), Mr. Christian Chiazor commended the State Government for the honour of the presentation of staff of office to Obi Chukwunonso Justin Oreze Nwoko.

He therefore decided to travel the memory lane by giving the narrative of how his people came to found Idumuje-Ugboko through the leadership of Nwoko in protest over Chieftaincy tussle in Idumuje-Unor. Additionally, he affirmed that his people had practiced the system of transfer of kingship from father to son for generations.

“That system of primogeniture from inception had been there within the Nwoko dynasty. We thank God that this government has deemed it fit and proper to bring this process to a successful conclusion with Obi Chukwunonso Justin Oreze Nwoko as king after his father joined his ancestors”, Chiazor maintained.

The presentation of staff of office ceremony was attended by Traditional Rulers from Delta State, including the 2nd Vice Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Obi of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu, prominent member of the Council and Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE), other members of the Council, the Vice Chairman, Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee and Obi of Ugboba Kingdom, HRM Obi Emmanuel Ezedimbu Nkebaku, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor Kingdom, HRM Obi Charles Anyasi 111 and of course, the Omus.