By Michael Olugbode
Peace has finally returned to Ogbia local government area, Bayelsa State, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s town, after a 26-year kingship tussle which led to several court cases beginning from 1991.
The stool, it was gathered, was last occupied by King Bennett Ayebakari Isiki, who died 26 years ago after spending 30 years on the throne.
National Chairman, Ogbia Brotherhood, Chief Benson Agadaga, who spoke after the three-day event which witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including politicians ,businessmen and first class monarchs , told journalists that with the inauguration of His Royal Majesty , Dumaro Charles Owaba as the new Obanobhan, calm had returned to the town.
“It is significant in many respects. First, the highly revered and ancient throne which has remained occupied has joyfully been filled. The death of King Bennett Ayebakari Isiki in 1991 after 30 years of reign marked a long journey of uncertainty over the choice of a substantive king in Ogbia.
“It is regrettable that his successor, Justice E.J Igoniwari who was chosen after the regency HRH Paul Nathan was not coronated. He eventually died after waiting for 13 years to retire from service.
“Secondly, the throne stands out as the first among the other three first class kings, and represents a common voice, symbol of unity and the rallying point of the people” , Agadaga, head of the apex socio-cultural body and highest decision making body of the Ogbia people said.
The new king, Obanobhan III, who hails from Otabi community, but was born in Oloibiri, where oil was first discovered in Nigeria, promised to uphold the peace and strong values the people of Ogbia were known for.
The Civil Engineer, who was first elected paramount ruler of Otabi, his community and has over 28 years’ experience on the traditional system in the place, said he would work hard to unlock the vast potential of the kingdom.
He also vowed to promote cultural and infrastructural development of the town and solicited the support of all indigenes of Ogbia kingdom in that respect.
The new king told the Ogbia people to always put the interest of the kingdom first, assuring that his reign would usher in peace and development in the town.
The coronation also brings to an end the wrangling between the three contending families which had earlier gone to court but eventually withdrew for the new king.
