Seimbiri: Dickson, Okowa, Ibori, Others, Eulogize King Ayemi-Botu As He Marks Silver Jubilee Anniversary

The Bayelsa and Delta states government have commended the traditional institutions in the Niger Delta for the relative peace in the region.

The Governors of the two states, Chief Seirake Dickson and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa gave the commendation in their separate remarks during the silver jubilee anniversary and lunch of the biography of King Charles Ayemi-Botu JP, OFR, the paramount ruler of Seimbiri kingdom, Burutu local government area of Delta state.

Chief Dickson and Dr Okowa at the event which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life to Okpokunu town in Burutu local government area, venue of the ceremony, promised to continue to accord the traditional rulers in the region their place of pride for sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Seriake Dickson who was personally present at the ceremony commended King Charles Ayemi-Botu for his dogged efforts towards the liberation of the Ijaw nation even at the risk of his life and comfort of his family.

“You are a leading light in Ijaw nation. You have remained very outspoken on issues of great concern to our people. You are a king that is not only to serve but to speak up for the oppressed. You do not fear to speak out on matters of interest to the Niger Delta region even in the face of troubles. I commend you for being a strong voice in the struggle for true emancipation of our people”.

Governor Dickson (speaking) Celebrates With King Charles Ayemi-Botu, the paramount Ruler of Seimbiri kingdom on his Silver Jubilee Coronation Anniversary

“I am here with the Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly and others, including members of the National Assembly and State legislators, Civil Commissioners and respected leaders in Bayelsa State to join in your celebration and to encourage you to remain focused in national development”, Dickson stated.

For his part, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented by the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori explained that the traditional institutions have been an integral part of the success stories of his administration and solicited continued support of the royal fathers.

While congratulating King Charles Ayemi-Botu for the 25th years coronation anniversary, Governor Okowa enjoyed communities across the state to remain at peace with one another for more development to thrive in the state.

Representative of Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Celebrates King Charles Ayemi-Botu

“The present administration in Delta State is focused in delivering more dividends of democracy to Deltans. The administration will continue to partner with the traditional institutions in the state in order to enhance development of various communities. We need peace to actualize the dream of a great state. I congratulate His Majesty King Charles Ayemi-Botu for the silver jubilee anniversary and pray for his good health, peace and unity in his kingdom”, Okowa said.

Former Governor James Ibori who chaired the ceremony recalled the contributions of King Ayemi-Botu in the trying times of his administration, especially during the struggle for resource control and commended the Seimbiri Monarch for what he described as “Royal leadership” in resolving crisis.

Ibori represented by a commissioner in his cabinet, Chief Love Ojakovo felicitated with the royal father on the anniversary and called for continued support of his people.

King Charles Ayemi-Botu,

King Charles Ayemi-Botu while thanking God for mercies upon his life and the lives of his subjects, appealed to federal and state governments, companies operating in the locality and other development partners to attract people oriented projects to the area as well as establishment of tertiary institutions in his kingdom.

The Seimbiri Monarch who promised to remain committed on the struggle for the development of the Niger Delta region, said the region should be adequately catered for as it contributes largely to nation’s economy.

King Ayemi-Botu said his 25 years on the throne has been very challenging and rewarding, stressing that the launch of his biography entitled “The Lion of the Niger”, which chronicles his true life story was yet another positive testimonies of God’s grace upon him.

The book reviewer, Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje, the Chairman anniversary planning committee, Chief Paul Evwierhoma, the Bishop of Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Justus Mogekwu and the Catholic Bishop of Bomadi Diocese, Most Rev Hyacinth Egbebo eulogized the Seimbiri monarch on the anniversary, stressing that his reign had witnessed development in the kingdom and prayed for long life and his good health.

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The Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Obi of Owa kingdom, Dr Emmanuel Efiezomor led some other traditional rulers in the state to the ceremony which was also attended by former minister of police affairs, Alaiwe Broderick Bozimo, Chief Tunde Smooth, Honorables Julius Pondi and Daniel Yingi, representative of the Delta State Chief Judge, some other top government functionaries from Delta and Bayelsa states, wives of traditional rulers, top military officers, captain of industries, christian associations and notable communities leaders across south south states.

The high points of the ceremony was the cutting of the 25 year coronation anniversary cake by the Seimbiri monarch, flanked by the wife, Queen Mary Oyibo Botu and other special guests, including the Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Seriake Dickson, the Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who represented Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and traditional rulers.