Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba,

Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, on his 97th birth anniversary, and the Orhue I, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), on the 15th anniversary of his coronation.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa remarked that the monarch had since ascending the throne, provided purposeful leadership for his people.

He pointed out that it was on record that Asaba witnessed a comprehensive turn-around in infrastructural development, including environmental upgrade during Prof. Edozien’s reign.

According to the governor, the Asaba monarch has in the past 30 years on the throne of his ancestors contributed immensely to making Asaba a “home for all”, and therefore, deserved to be celebrated on this special occasion of his birth anniversary.

He joined the Edozien family and people of Asaba at home and in the diaspora in celebrating the nonagenarian monarch, “scholar per excellence, bridge-builder and elder statesman on this landmark in the journey of his life”.

Okowa prayed that God would continue to bless the renowned traditional ruler with great wisdom, good health and strength to continue leading the people of his kingdom.

He commended the erudite professor and monarch for his contributions to the prevalence of peace in the state and for being a good host to Deltans and Nigerians as the traditional ruler of the capital city of Delta.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly felicitate with His Royal Majesty,

Obi Professor Chike Edozien, CFR, the Asagba of Asaba, on the occasion of his 97th birth anniversary.

“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to imbue you with deserving wisdom as you ensure that your domain is replete with peace and development for the pleasure of your people and residents of Asaba and the environs,” the governor stated.

In the case of Mujakperuo, Okowa in another statement by his spokesman, Ifeajika, in Asaba, lauded the monarch for making Okpe kingdom peaceful and investment-friendly since ascending the ancient throne.

He described the monarch, who is the 1st Vice Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, as “a man of peace, bridge-builder and unassailable integrity whose tenure had been of immense value to the kingdom and humanity”.

The Governor also commended the revered royal father for his unwavering support to his administration and for rallying his subjects in that direction.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate His Royal Majesty, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), CFR, on the occasion of his 15th coronation anniversary.

“I join the people of Okpe Kingdom in celebrating a great monarch and wishing him good health, wisdom and strength as he continues with the responsibility of leading his people traditionally and culturally.

“In the last 15 years on the throne, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, has provided exemplary and impactful leadership by living above board, while remaining as the rallying point and inspiration for the Okpe people in particular and Urhobos in general.

“I must commend your dexterity in keeping and managing the culture and tradition of the Okpe people by promoting harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among the Urhobo and other ethnic groups in the state,” the governor stated.