Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena on his coronation as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, urging the new monarch to deploy his wealth of experience to promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom.
Governor Okpebholo gave the charge on Saturday while speaking at the coronation ceremony of Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom.
The governor described the occasion as historic, noting that the new monarch ascended the throne with decades of experience in public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, Alimikhena’s experience in leadership, governance and community development would be valuable in his new role as a traditional ruler.
“Your Highness, you come to this throne with a wealth of experience gained from decades of distinguished public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“You have served at the highest levels of government, and your experience in leadership, governance, and community development will surely be valuable in your new role,” Okpebholo said.
The governor, however, reminded the new monarch that traditional leadership comes with a unique and sacred responsibility, urging him to lead with wisdom, humility and fairness.
“As the Okumagbe, you are now the father of all. I therefore urge Your Highness to govern with wisdom, humility, fairness, and an open heart.
“Please carry everyone along and ensure that no son or daughter of Uwanno feels left behind,” he said.
Okpebholo also called on the people of Uwanno Kingdom to support the new monarch and work with him towards the development of the kingdom.
He urged the people to put aside their differences and unite in the interest of the kingdom.
“I also call on every son and daughter of Uwanno to give His Highness their support, cooperation, and loyalty. Let us put aside our differences and unite around the common good of Uwanno Kingdom,” the governor said.
He stressed that unity was essential to achieving lasting peace and development in the kingdom.
“The strength of any kingdom lies in the unity of its people. Where there is unity, there is peace, and where there is peace, there is progress,” Okpebholo added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, congratulated Alimikhena on his ascension to the traditional throne and commended his contributions to the development of his people and Edo State.
Oshiomhole prayed for continued divine blessings and wisdom for the new monarch as he assumes his responsibilities as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom.
In his remarks, the new traditional ruler, Senator Francis Alimikhena, described his coronation as a new beginning and a turning point for the people of Uwanno Kingdom.
“It is a new dawn, an era of peace, love, and development,” Alimikhena said.
He announced plans to establish a Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) to mobilise resources for the overall development of the kingdom.
The new monarch pledged to use his new position to foster peace, unity and sustainable development across Uwanno Kingdom.
