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Tag: traditional rulers

  • All you need to know about new Chairman of Delta Council of Traditional Rulers, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

    All you need to know about new Chairman of Delta Council of Traditional Rulers, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom

    The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom is one of the most reverred Kings in Nigeria as there are numerous kingdoms within his jurisdiction in Okpe land.

    The present king have what could be described as a towering profile spanning many years of meritorious service to his fatherland which climaxed with his retirement as a two star general.

    A true General he was as he supervised both continental and international warfare assignments across the globe.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) is serving this overwhelming personality’s unblemished records of achievements of this great King of Okpe Kingdom to our highly esteemed readers.

    Read his magnificent profile here:

    MUJAKPERUO, HRM (Maj-Gen.) Felix Agho (rtd.) CFR, LLB, BL LLM, fss, psc, mni, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe, traditional ruler, soldier, administrator, lawyer.

    Born on December 4,1946 at Opuraja, Okpe Kingdom, Delta State. HRM attended Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta State, 1962-66; Nigerian Defence Academy, Kadura 1968-71; Young Officers’ Course, Nigerian Military Training College, Jaji.

    1971; Infantry Officers’ Basic and Airborne Course, Fort Bennington. USA, 1972-73; Battalion Support Weapons Course, India, 1974-75; Command and Staff College, Jaji, 1978-79; Senior Command Course, College of Combat, India.

    1981-82; University of Lagos, l984; Nigerian Law School, 1985; Military Police Officers’ Advanced Course,’ USA; Army Military Police School, Fort MacLean, USA, March to July 1986; Judge Advocate-General’s School, USA, 1989; National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos.

    Company Commander, Nigerian Battalion, No. 5, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, 1979-80; Commander, Nigerian Army Military Police, 1985-86; Provost Battalion Commander, Nigerian Army Military Police, 1986-87; Director, Nigerian Army Legal Services, 1987-91; Commander, Seventh Nigeria Brigade, ECOMOG.

    1992- 93; chief of staff, ECOMOG, 1993; Director Operation, Nigerian Army, 1993- 1995; Provost-Marshall, Nigerian Army, Chief of Operations, 1995-96; General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, 1996-98; General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, 1998-99; Field Commander, ECOMOG, March 1999; Senior Partner, MF Partnership.

    Membership: Provisional Ruling Council; Nigerian Bar Association, International Society for Military • Law and Law of war, International Adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross. National Honours: Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 1988.

    Decorations: Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Silver Jubilee Medal; United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Medal; ECOMOG Medal, Honour Graduate at the USA Army Military Police School, Fort MacLean, USA; Distinguished Allied Graduate at the Judge AdvocateGenerals School, US Army, Charlottesville, USA.

    Fellow: Paul Harris Fellowship, Rotary Club International, 2007 and traditional ruler title; Orodje of Okpe, 2006. Hobbies: squash, golf. Residence: Orodje’s Palace, Orerokpe, Delta State, Nigeria.

  • BREAKING: Okowa appoints Orodje Okpe as Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council

    BREAKING: Okowa appoints Orodje Okpe as Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has appointed Orodje Okpe, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I as the Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Okowa appointed the Orodje Okpe as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council following the dissolution of the former council headed by Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II.

    The defunct council had the Orodje of Okpe, who is now the chairman of the newly reconstituted council, as it’s Vice Chairman.

    The newly reconstituted council has HRM Pere Stanley P. Luke, Kalanama VIII, The Pere of Akugbene-Mein as first Vice-Chairman, and HRM Agbogidi, Obi Henry A. Kikachukwu, The Obi of Ubulu-Unor as second Vice Chairman.

    The appointment of the Orodje Okpe as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council was communicated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Patrick Ukah.

    See full list of the newly reconstituted Delta State Traditional Rulers Council below:

  • BREAKING: Gov Okowa dissolves Delta State traditional rulers council

    BREAKING: Gov Okowa dissolves Delta State traditional rulers council

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has dissolved the State Traditional Rulers Council with immediate effect.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Patrick Ukah made this known in a statement on Friday.

    The Governor thanked members of the defunct council for their contributions to his govenrment, adding that the council will be reconstituted in due course.

    TNG reports the defunct Delta State traditional rulers council was headed by Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, the Obi of Owa.

    The council had as it’s Vice Chairman, the Orodje of Okpe, Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue 1, and second Vice Chairman, the Pere of Akugbene Mien, Luke SP Kalanama VIII.

    The statement by the SSG added that the dissolution is sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the council.

    The statement reads: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the highly esteemed Traditional Rulers of Delta State and Deltans in general, that the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the dissolution of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.

    “The dissolution is sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the Council. I hereby convey the gratitude of the Governor of Delta State and, indeed Deltans at large, to members of the defunct Council for their very impactful contributions to governance during the period of their stewardship. The Council will be reconstituted in due course”.

  • JUST IN: 24 hrs after an Imo traditional ruler was found dead, gunmen abduct two other traditional rulers, set their houses ablaze

    JUST IN: 24 hrs after an Imo traditional ruler was found dead, gunmen abduct two other traditional rulers, set their houses ablaze

    Barely 24hours after Edwin Azike, the traditional ruler of Atta kingdom in the Njaba LGA, was kidnapped and killed, another set of gunmen unleashed mayhem on communities in Imo State on Sunday, abducting two traditional rulers.

    Eyewitnesses account stated that the Sunday attack targeted Acho Ndukwe of Amagu Ihube and Paul Ogbu of Ihitte Ihube, both of whom live in the state’s Okigwe Local Government Area.

    The gunmen set fire to the monarchs’ residences and vehicles while carrying out the operations, and they also kidnapped Umulolo Okigwe’s youth leader.

    After kidnapping the monarchs and youth leader, the gunmen also raided the country home of a community leader in Umulolo- Okigwe, Fabian Nwosu, and damaged his house, according to witnesses.

    The operation took place between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Sunday, according to a community source.

    “It was something different in the early hours of Sunday,” the person said. The gunmen seized the two monarchs and set fire to their residences and vehicles in Hilux SUVs. They also kidnapped Umuololo’s youth leader, Okigwe.

    “The invaders also went to the house of one Fabian Nwosu, on meeting his presence, they vandalized his house.”

  • How traditional rulers, security operatives connive with criminals to cause mayhem in Bauchi – Gov Mohammed

    How traditional rulers, security operatives connive with criminals to cause mayhem in Bauchi – Gov Mohammed

    Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Tuesday alleged that criminals are conniving with some traditional rulers.

    Speaking during the State Executive Council meeting in Bauchi, the governor said some bad eggs in the security circuit also collude with criminals to unleash mayhem on communities in the state.

    According to Mohammed, his administration is having sleepless nights over renewed criminal activity in the state.

    This is even as he charged the newly appointed state commissioners and special advisers to be on the alert and security-conscious in their various local governments.

    “Security, we are having sleepless nights. There is no time I am not talking about security,” the governor told his political appointees. “You are my representatives in your own right; we will have to change our style.

    “These people are coming, and they are conniving with our traditional institutions and even bad eggs within the security agencies.

    “We have to work very hard because everything in this world is about life and property. If you are dead, then there is nothing in it. The fact that we are being mentioned as the most peaceful state in northern Nigeria is giving us more challenge.”

    Bauchi, just like other states in the north-east has had its fair share of the security challenges, especially as the nation battles a 12-year insurgency.

    Boko Haram’s Islamic State-allied rivals have been consolidating their grip on the northeast after the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau this year, in a major shift in Nigeria’s 12-year insurgency.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen open fire on traditional rulers during meeting in Imo, five feared killed

    BREAKING: Gunmen open fire on traditional rulers during meeting in Imo, five feared killed

    No fewer than five traditional rulers have been reportedly killed during an attack by gunmen at Nnenasa community Headquarters of Njaba local government area of Imo State.

    According to sources, the traditional rulers from the area numbering over 20 were in a meeting at the local government headquarters in the community when gunmen invaded the the place, interrupted the meeting with sporadic gunshots and killed at least five traditional rulers on the spot.

    When contacted, the Imo state police public relations officer, Mike Abatam conformed the attack saying two of the traditional rulers had died with some were in a come while another was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    The murdered traditional rulers include the Obi II of Okwudor, Eze Anayo Durueburoe and the ruler of Ihebineoweri, Okwudor, Eze Samson Osunwa.

    Meanwhile, the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma condemned the killings and commiserated with the affected families.

    He promised to bring the perpetrators to book and urged Imo indigenes to remain calm as the state government is on top of the situation.

    The attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes being perpetuated across the South-East.

  • Akeredolu backs constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Akeredolu backs constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has advocated for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country in view of their contribution to peace building.

    Akeredolu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, made the call during the 4th Birthday Symposium of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    ”As a result of the roles traditional rulers play in engendering peace in their various domains, a place should be provided for them in the constitution of the country.

    ”This will also strengthen the present informal roles of the royal fathers to continue to mobilize their subjects to maintain security,” he said.

    The symposium is titled: “Addressing Security Challenges As They Affect Grassroots Development in Nigeria: Need for Constitutional Empowerment of Traditional Institutions”.

    ”Let me say that inspite of the fact that 1999 Constitution did not accord our traditional institutions any constitutional function, they have been very effective in the informal sector of our various societies.

    “Their effectiveness in this sector could not be eroded as they are highly respected and revered as their words are like laws to their people.

    “It is my firm belief that giving them constitutional recognition and authority will give them the needed impetus to carry out their hitherto informal roles more effectively and efficiently.

    “Inspite of the fact that Royal Fathers do not have constitutional functions at the moment, Traditional Rulers in Ondo State have continued to creatively take some salutary steps to stem insecurity in parts of the Sunshine State and equally get the import of government policies and programmes effectively communicated to the grassroots,” he said.

    Akeredolu advised the organisers of the programme to ensure that consensus at the symposium be made available to the National Assembly.

    He used the occasion to appeal to traditional institutions to speak up in unity in the ongoing agitation for resource control which he said would be a credible pathway to economic prosperity for states in the country.

    “At my arrival in your palatial palace for this historic programme, your Palace Traditional Secretary directed that the Curator at the Palace Museum Gallery has exciting historical monuments on display.

    “Of great significance, Kabiyesi is the the display of precious stones in Ife with mouth-watering monetary value.

    ”What struck my mind therefore is that, if Ife or Osun State has control over this resource, the multiplier effects of the exploration and exploitation value chain on productive engagements of our restive youths and the economy of Ife and Osun State can better be imagined.

    “May I therefore suggest that Kabiyesi should kindly rally his fellow Royal Fathers to support the agitation for Resource Control”, the governor said.(

  • VAT, insecurity top agenda as Northern Governors, traditional rulers meet in Kaduna

    VAT, insecurity top agenda as Northern Governors, traditional rulers meet in Kaduna

    The Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers from the region are holding an emergency meeting in Kaduna State.

    Top on the agenda at the meeting are issues relating to the Value Added Tax (VAT), insecurity and economic problems confronting the region.

    The meeting, which is taking place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Kaduna State Government House, is chaired by the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong.

    Those in attendance include the governors of Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, Borno, Nasarawa, Jigawa and Gombe.

    The governors of Niger, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Zamfara and Taraba states are represented by their deputies.

    Also present are the Sultan of Sokoto and the Chairman of Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Abubakar Saad.

    The Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, Estu Nupe, Emir of Kano and other royal fathers are also attending the meeting.

    In his remark, the host governor, Nasir El-Rufai said the northern region is facing severe economic and security challenges that require the convening of the emergency meeting between the governors and traditional rulers.

    According to El-Rufai, the forum will help chart a way forward to deal with these issues.

    While highlighting the agenda for the meeting, the chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong, disclosed that the governors will take a common position on VAT collection and the surrounding controversies.

  • Battle over who is a first class king rages among monarchs in Delta State

    Battle over who is a first class king rages among monarchs in Delta State

    A battle over who is a first class king in Delta State is presently raging among monarchs in the State.

    Trouble started when the Dein of Agbor referred to himself and the Olu of Warri as the only first class kings in the State.

    The development forced a meeting of traditional rulers in the State under the aegis of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, following which the traditional rulers released a communique.

    In the communique obtained by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), the traditional rulers faulted the position of the Dein of Agbor.

    The traditional rulers especially cautioned the Dein of Agbor over the comments he made on the classification of kings in the State.

    The monarchs said the Agbor king would have sought more information and education on how kings are graded in the State before making such a comment.

    The council, arising from its monthly meeting at its secretariat in Asaba, the State capital, frowned at the comments of Dein of Agbor wherein he was alleged to have stated that the Olu of Warri and Obi of Agbor were the only first class kings in Delta State.

    The monarchs, who picked holes in the assertion, condemned the action of the Dein in a communiqué jointly issued and signed by the Chairman of the Council, His Majesty Dr. E O Efeizomor II, the Obi of Owa; the Vice Chairman of the Council, His Majesty Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe, and the second Vice-Chairman, His Majesty S P L Kalanama VIII, Pere of Akugbene-Mein.

    In a letter titled: ‘Rejoinder: The unfortunate and the regrettable claim of being a first-class king in Delta State by the Dein of Agbor, properly and legally known as Obi of Agbor’, the traditional rulers said: “The attention of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council has been consistently drawn by the public to the rather unfortunate publication made by the Dein of Agbor, properly and legally known as the Obi of Agbor, referring to himself and the Olu of Warri as the only first-class kings in Delta State in a recent newspaper report.

    “The council had initially assumed that the Obi of Agbor was quoted out of context in the said publication and dismissed same with a wave of the hand, but after a careful and thorough investigation, it became clear that the publication is properly attributed to the Obi of Agbor.

    “In view of the above confirmation of the publication accredited to him, the council will respond as follows: ‘That by the express provision of Section 45(3A) of the traditional rulers’ council and chiefs law CAP T2, Delta State, upon which the Obi of Agbor is operating and functioning as a king, declares all traditional rulers of the state as co-equals.

    “The in view of the law cited in paragraph (A) above, there is no rating or special classification of traditional rulers in Delta State as claimed by the Obi of Agbor.

    “That all traditional rulers in Delta State and indeed the public are advised to ignore and disregard the said publication of the Obi of Agbor, as same is only targeted at self-aggrandizement to the irritation of the traditional institution in Delta State.”

    The Monarchs also used the occasion to laud Governor Okowa’s developmental strides in the state saying it has helped to provide democratic dividend to the three senatorial districts in the state.

    They urged the state government to consider the creation of a local government monitoring project performance committee to ensure effectiveness.

    They also threw their weight behind the State government directive which ordered all political appointees to return to their constituencies to mobilize their people on the essential working of government.

    No less than sixty traditional Rulers in the state attended the meeting.

  • Governors, traditional leaders responsible for security, we won’t do their job, Buhari insists

    Governors, traditional leaders responsible for security, we won’t do their job, Buhari insists

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said the federal government will not take responsibility of insecurity in states where there are governors traditional leaders.

    Speaking in a presidential media chat on Thursday, the president expressed his displeasure over the ineffectiveness of the traditional rulers whom he said are more knowledgeable of their terrain more than anyone. He also insists the various state governors know the security situation of their states more than the federal government.

    “Gone are the days that the traditional institutions and leaders where very effective. I sent back two governors who came to complain about their states, you campaign to be elected and you were elected, then you are responsible for your state” the president said.

    “Governors and traditional leaders know all the crooks (referring to criminals).They meet either monthly or quarterly for security meeting.The governors know what is happening to them, but they just sit down and win election and expect somebody to do their job for them.” He added