Niger Delta

Ekpeye Monarch Admits Eze Igbu Orlukwo Into Council

Published

3 years ago

July 26, 2023

His Imperial Majesty Eze Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III of Ekpeye land has admitted His Royal Highness Eze, Frederick B. Uwame, regent of Eze Igbu Orlukwor into the fold of Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.
The ceremony took place, last Saturday, at his palace in Ula–Upata Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The monarch stated that Orlukwor clan had already existed, and he, as the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, as the Chairman, Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, owed the people the blessings needed to accomplish any lofty ideas.
“It is a great day for the people of Ekpeye ethnic nation to gather at the palace of Eze Ekpeye Logbo III for the warm reception of Igbu Orlukwor.
“Igbu Orlukwor had already been received to the Supreme Council by my predecessor, Late His Imperial Majesty Eze Flt. Leut. Robinson O. Robinson, the Crocodile of Africa, in his life time.
“By the Ekpeye bye-law of 10th August 2010, Igbu Orlukwor was among the seven Igbus in Ekpeye Kingdom that signed the bye-law which is yet the working document of the traditional institution in Ekpeye today”, he noted.
He reiterated the need for people to put aside their personal interests for the common good of the generality, adding that the issue of autonomy should not be misconstrued to tear apart Ekpeye Kingdom.
According to him, Ekpeye craved for peace and development, and his reign could not divide Ekpeye Kingdom, and that it would rather put structures that engender peace and development of Ekpeye Kingdom.
He, therefore, seized the opportunity to call on irate youths of Ekpeye to lay down their arms for peace and development to thrive.
Speaking, the Igbu Orlukwor people, who were popularly known as O’ group, in their address, expressed gratitude to His Imperial Majesty and Ekpeye Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs for the opportunity granted them to introduce the regent of Orlukwor Kingdom.
“Igbu Orlukwor has great respect for Ekpeye throne and had keyed into Ekpeye Social Structure by adopting the Eze Igbu, Eze Emene, Eze Nwe Ula, and Eze Nwe Obodo hierarchy, and accordingly sub-divided Igbu Orlukwor into four groups, comprising Emene Owu Orlukwor, Emene Ugbokor Orlukwor, Emene Egbeleta Orlukwor, and Emene Ikega Orlukwor.
“Before the advent of colonialism in Ekpeye land, the seven O’ group villages in South East of Upata district: Obumeze, Odiabidi, Ogbele, Okomoma I, Okoma II, Okporowo, and Oshiugbokor had formed a joint community government for the purpose of defending themselves against external aggression and for resolving inter community conflict”, they stated.
The group said Igbu Orlukwor was long ago in the organogram during the recognition of the various clans of Ekpeye Kingdom by the first and foremost Ekpeye monarch, His Majesty Eze Ashirim Unoshi in 1974, which included Ahoada, Akoh, Upata I (U group), Upata II (O’ group), Igbuduya, and Ubie.
They noted further that HRH Eze Williams E. Unugboji was the incumbent leader of the Igbu Orlukwor when the kingship stools were created by Ekpeye and later recognised and classified by the Rivers State Government.
The O’ group noted that the Kingdom’s leadership provided the incumbency platform on which HRH Eze Unugboji was accorded recognition, adding that his domain, however, transversed the whole of Upata clan.
Speakers at the occasion included His Majesty Eze Cassidy W.O Ikebhidhi, Eze Igbu Akoh II of Ekpeye land; and His Majesty Eze Arc. Nnamdi Obuzor, Eze Odiokwu I of Ekpeye Kingdom.

By: Agimo Emenike Benson

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.