Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State yesterday presented the staff of office to Sen. Francis Alimikhena as the new Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, Agenebode, Etsako East local government area of the state.
Alimikhena was a two-term senator who represented Edo North Senatorial District.
The governor in his speech said it was a great honour to witness the historic occasion.
“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,” he said.
He said traditional leadership however carries a unique and sacred responsibility.
“As the Okumagbe, you are now the father of all. I therefore urge you 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.
“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,” he added.
The governor noted that the strength of any kingdom lies in the unity of its people, adding that where there is unity, there is peace, and where there is peace, there is progress.
Okpebholo expressed confidence that his reign would usher in a new era of peace, unity, progress and prosperity for Uwanno Kingdom.
Earlier, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, while congratulating Alimikhena, also commended him for all the development strides he attracted to his people and state.
Oshiomhole prayed that God may continue to bless him and enrich him with wisdom to pilot his new responsibility as a traditional ruler.
The new traditional ruler, Alimikhena, said the event marked 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. I will establish an Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) for the purpose of mobilizing resources for the ultimate development of Uwanno Land,” he said.
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