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Edo State Governor 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 in public service to foster peace, unity and sustainable development across the kingdom.
Speaking on Saturday at the coronation ceremony, Governor Okpebholo described the occasion as a historic milestone for Uwanno Kingdom, noting that the emergence of Alimikhena as monarch marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history and development of the kingdom.
The governor said Alimikhena ascended the throne with an impressive wealth of experience acquired over decades of public service, including his tenure as a two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the monarch’s experience, leadership qualities and understanding of governance would be instrumental in promoting unity, strengthening communal bonds and advancing the socio-economic development of Uwanno Kingdom.
“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 carried 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, the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, while congratulating Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, commended him for all the development strides attracted by him 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.
Delivering his speech, the new traditional ruler, Alimikhena, said that today’s 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 a Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) for the purpose of mobilizing resources for the ultimate development of Uwanno Land,” he said.
