A former two-term senator, Francis Alimikhena, was on Saturday coronated as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Senator Alimikhena, who served in the Nigerian Army before joining politics, represented Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, before taking up his new role as the traditional ruler of Uwanno Kingdom.
Speaking at the event, the traditional ruler said his reign will usher in a new lease of life for the community, adding that, “Today’s event marks 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 a Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) for the purpose of mobilising resources for the ultimate development of Uwanno Land,” he said.
Speaking, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, while congratulating Senator Francis Alimikhena, urged him to use his vast personal experiences to promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom.
The governor said Alimikhena came to the throne with decades of experience in public service, including two terms as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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.”
Governor Okpebholo, however, reminded the new monarch that traditional leadership carries a unique and sacred responsibility, urging him to govern with wisdom, humility, and fairness.
“However, traditional leadership carries a unique and sacred responsibility. As the Okumagbe, you are now the father of all,” he said.
“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.”
The governor also called on the people of Uwanno Kingdom to support and cooperate with the new monarch, urging them to put aside their differences and work for the common good 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,” Governor Okpebholo said.
He said unity remained critical to the peace and development of 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,” he said.
Earlier, Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, while congratulating Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, also commended him for development attracted by him to his people and state.
Oshiomhole prayed that God would continue to bless and enrich him with wisdom to pilot his new responsibility as a traditional ruler.
Source: New Telegraph
