How Oni, Emirs, Keyamo, Lokpobiri honor Tompolo at Amaseikumo Festival in Gbaramatu Kingdom

How Oni, Emirs, Keyamo, Lokpobiri honor Tompolo at Amaseikumo Festival in Gbaramatu Kingdom

Oyinbi Onduku 

Warri ______ Oporoza Community, the traditional headquarters of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State was filled with dignitaries from all works of life across the Northern, Western, Eastern and Southern Nigeria to honour the invitation of the renowned Niger Delta born ljaw great freedom fighter cum philanthropist, High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo in celebration of the famous Annual Festival of Gbaraun Egbesu, lbolomobo-Ere and Amaseikumo 2024 edition.

The highly respected dignitaries that grace this years Gbaramatu Kingdom popular Amaseikumo Festival include, the Ooni of lfe, His lmperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (CFR), Emirs from Kogi, Taraba, Niger States, traditional rulers from South -South Nigeria, especially the lbenana-owei of Ogulagha kingdom who is the Chairman ljaw Traditional Rulers Council of Delta State, HRM. Capt. (Dr.) Joseph Timiyan JP joined their Gbaramatu counterpart, His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun ll JP, Aketekpe Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Kingdom's annual festival.

Other traditional rulers are His lmperial Majesty, (Barr) Zaccheus Doubra Egbenunu (JP) Opukutu lll, the Agadagba of Arogbo ljaw-lbe Kingdom, HRM. Egbesuwei Gbanraun X Agadagba, the Pere of Gbanraun Kingdom, HRM. Joel Ekeni lbane (JP), the Ogiobo lX, the Pere of Iduwini Kingdom, Bayelsa State, HRM. Gbebokedi Ajiri-Oba Oguruyeke Diamond Okirimini 1st, the Agadagba of Tubotoru Kingdom, Ondo State, HRM. Beri Apoi Ogudumu, Oki, Kalasuo lll, the Agadagba of Okomu Kingdom, Edo State, HRM. Godwin Ogunyebo Alagbabunafa lll, the Agadagba of Olodiama kingdom, Edo State among many others too numerous to mention.

Meanwhile, some of the political class in attendance include, the honourable Minister for Aviation, Hon. Barr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), distinguished senator Heineken Lokpobiri, honourable Minister for State Petroleum Resources, High Chief. Dennis Otuaro, Special Adviser/ Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme on Niger Delta, and the honourable Minister for culture and Tourism was ably represented.

And the distinguished members of the National and State Houses of Assembly who graced the occasion include, Sen. Joel Thomas Onowakpo, the senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief. Thomas Ereyitomi JP, member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, the Speaker Delta State House of Assembly who was accompanied by the Speaker Anambra state House of Assembly and that of the Bayelsa State Speaker respectively. Other honourable members are, Hon. Amb. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Burutu North Constituency, Hon. Chief. Peres Oloye, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Burutu South Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Patani Constituency, Chief. Favour lzoukumor, ED DESOPADEC, Hon. Spencer Okpoye, Commissioner representing ljaw ethnic nationality in the board of DESOPADEC, Hon. George Ekpemupolo among others.

From the business class, Double Chief. Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta, Sir. Matthew Tonlagha, MD FENOG, Comrade Chief. Sheriff Mulade, CEO CEPEJ, the great Joshua McIver, Coordinator Tantita Security Services Bayelsa State, Sir. Godfrey Tare Pondi, GM Tantita Security Services and a popular Lagos base social critique cum rights activist, the Very Dark man was also present at the event.

Speaking to our reporter at the event, the Chairman Organizing Committee of the 2024 Amaseikumo Festival, High Chief.(Engr.) Kestin Pondi said the over all significance of the Amaseikumo Festival is to foster unity, cleaning, healing, charity, purity, sharing of love, peace, protection and restoration for the purpose of getting rid of and preventing evil upon the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in particular, and ljaw nation at large.

Engr. Kestin further stressed that Amaseikumo Festival is one of the ancient traditional celebrations handed down by their ancestors to be observed annually by the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom by the founding fathers.

He emphasized that the word Amaseikumo means good living, peace, unity, prosperity and protection to the people of the Communities that make up the kingdom.

Engr. Kestin concluded by saying, the festival has three distinctive spiritual, sociocultural and thanksgiving dimensions at the end of the carnival. The peculiar and trado-spiritual activities that make up the Amaseikumo festival include Gbaraun -Egbesu Ogele, lbolomobo-Ere, the Amaseikumo proper and a befitting thanksgiving ceremony at the end of the seven days long one week programme, he stated.

However, other side attractions featured during the grandfinale of the Amaseikumo festival include, Wrestling competition between Delta/Bayelsa ljaws, cultural dance competition, football competition, comedy session, draft competition, eating competition and live performance of ljaw owigiri highlife music display by various ljaw owigiri highlife musicians.

Other spectacular moment at the carnival like colourful event was when the ljaw Publishers Forum, IPF ably led by its National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo alongside the Vice President, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, elder Cletus Opukeme, Mike Ugedi, Ekpegha Preye, Francis Abai, Anthony Demebide, Kagbala Ezekiel, Emmanuel Keneware stormed the arena in a grandstyle to the admiration of the different spectators at the historic event massively put together by Gbaramatu Kingdom.

The biggest youth organization in West Africa, the great ljaw Youth Council, lYC Worldwide was fully on ground led by its National President, Sir. Jonathan Lokpobiri alongside the Vice President, Comrade Freedom Atikpi, the capacity Spokesman, Amb. Princewill Binebai, the Financial Secretary, Comrade Tare Victor-Gow and other members of the Executive Council.

The ljaw National Congress, INC was not left out as its National President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba was also present to witness this years historic Amaseikumo Festival in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Alapala invite friends as he sets to bury mother on 18-20 April in Burutu

Alapala invite friends as he sets to bury mother on 18-20 April in Burutu 

Hon. (Dr) Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, minority whip, ranking member representing Burutu constituency 1, Delta State House of Assembly, used this medium to respectfully invites friends, colleagues, business partners and well wishers to the final Burial rites of his beloved Mother, Late Mrs Esther Genegenkoro Ebitonmo at Gbekebor Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the funeral arrangement:

Day 1). Thursday 18th April, 2024. Service of Songs at her residence @ NBTC Road behind BEDC high tension Uvwian Udu LGA, Delta State by 4pm prompt. Music to be supplied by JK Alfred lzon-ebi.

Day 2). Saturday 20th April, 2024:  Church Service at New Jerusalem City, Gbekebor, Burutu LGA, Delta State by 12:noon. 

On same day, interment and entertainment of Guests by 2pm. Thereafter by 6pm, there will be traditional social wake keep till dawn. 

Signed:

Alapala Media and communication Unit

Sunny Consults Enekorogha, solicits for support ahead Burutu LG Poll

Sunny Consults Enekorogha, solicits for support ahead Burutu LG Poll

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ A frontline chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme on Monday paid a consultative visit to one of the most respected Burutu leader and former member House of Representative Burutu Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Engr). Frank Penakeme Enekorogha.

The visit according to Prince Sunny Perekeme, said was to formerly inform his elder brother of his intention to serve Burutu people as council Chairman.

Prince Sunny emphasized that he has come to seeks for his elderly brother's advice, support and connections to enable him actualize his political ambition to emerge as the next Burutu Council Chairman.

He however, promise to serve the collective interest of Burutu people, adding that he has the framework and practical working experience to deliver the real dividends of democracy to the masses when given the opportunity to serve as the next Executive Chairman of Burutu LGA.

Reacting to the development, Hon. Frank Enekorogha warmly received Prince Perekeme and his campaign team with joyful heart, saying he values relationship and respect more than money.

Leader Enekorogha described the incoming Burutu Council Chairman as a very humble and straight forward person with proven integrity, adding that he never heard any complaint neither negative report from Burutu people about sunny while he was Secretary to the Council.

Hon. Enekorogha acknowledge Prince Sunny Perekeme as his younger brother and son from Obotebe kingdom, stressing that he is very dedicated to duty and respects constituted authority, the statement added.

Finally, Engr. Enekorogha sincerely pours out wonderful prayers from the bottom of his heart for Prince Sunny Perekeme to succeed, adding that his doors are always open for him to come at anytime, anyday.

WSW Chairmanship Crisis: Ycom calls on Gov. Sheriff to intervene

WSW Chairmanship Crisis: Ycom calls on Gov. Sheriff to intervene 

.....warn ljaw, ltsekiri desperate, selfish politicians against looming crisis 

Francis Tayor

Warri ______ The National Coordinator of the lndependent Grassroot Liberators, IGL, a human rights/political pressure group in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, popularly known as Ycom has issued a stern warning to some ljaw and ltsekiri self centered  leaders he reffers to as desperate politicians and war mongers to as a matter of public importance desist from brewing another round of ethnic crisis in Warri over their sinister moves to sublet the Council Chairmanship position to the ltsekiris again having them produced the council Chairman in the last six years.

Hon Company noted that the peace enjoyed in Warri and its environ was as a result of the peaceful coexistence between the ljaws and the ltsekiris, stressing that the youths will never allow themselves to be used as escape goat by those desperate politicians that are currently nursing war in Warri.

The peoples advocate reminded the general public that immediately after the Warri crisis, there was a mutual gentleman rotational agreement between the ljaws and the ltsekiris in Warri South-West to share the council Chairmanship seat among the two ethnic groups for peace, equity, fairness and justice to reign in the council.

He reiterated that according to the gentlemen arrangement, the ltsekiris just have their two terms and now it is the turn of the ljaws in Warri South-West to produce the next council Chairman. " It is very unfortunate that some forces are working behind the scene to mortgage the ljaw turn to the ltsekiris for their selfish future political ambition", he asserted.

The immediate past Councillor who well represented the people of ljansa ljelejele Ward 13 Ogbe-ljoh has called on those desperate politicians in Warri South-West to prepare for the consequences of any break down of law and order in Warri as result of who to produce the next council Chairman in the forthcoming LG elections.

Hon. Company further draw the attention of the tireless, hardworking and peace loving executive governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori to know that some criminal elements are trying to cause crisis between the ljaws and the ltsekiris in order to disturb his government, adding that His Excellency should quickly intervene on the matter so as to avert any perceived preventable crisis in Warri.

Late Pastor (Mrs) Jane Ukori for Burial April 27, in Burutu

Late Pastor (Mrs) Jane  Ukori for Burial April 27, in Burutu 

The families of the late Pastor (Mrs.) Jane Jemima Jude Ukori (Nee Orubebe) have announced the funeral order of their beloved mother, daughter, wife, sister and aunt. 

According to the burial committee chairman Engr. Pius Ominije, late pastor Mrs Jane Ukori will be buried on  Saturday April 27, 2024 in her home town, Ogbogbagbene community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The families further announced that on Thursday April 25, 2024, her service of songs would be held at her husband's residence, No. 7 Egbeide Lane, Poposi Close, off Oil Field Road, Warri, Delta State, at 3pm.

More details coming.....

Ngbilebiri Kingdom fixed August 12-18 to bury late Bigborogha ll in Delta

Ngbilebiri Kingdom fixed August 12-18 to bury late Bigborogha ll in Delta

....... Sets up burial planning committee 

Francis Tayor

Warri ______ There was a wild jubilation in Kiagbodo Community, headquarters of Ngbilebiri Mein-Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State as the various autonomous Communities as well as royal families that made up the kingdom met to announce date for the final burial rites of their departed King, HRM. Late King Samuel Hitler Perekeme (JP), Bigborogha ll, Pere of Ngbilebiri Mein-Kingdom.

This is coming after seven years the reverend traditional ruler joined his ancestors in 2017, putting to rest the various controversies following the demise of Pere Bigborogha ll.

According to the resolutions reached at the end of the general meeting held on the 9th April, 2024 at Ngbile Hall in Kiagbodo, the one week burial programme is scheduled for August 12th-18th, 2024. 

This was immediately followed by setting up of burial committee chaired by Pastor Dode while Mieyeseigha Okpe, Chairman Ayakoromo community as Secretary.

Some of the autonomous Communities and royal families present at the meeting include; the host Kiagbodo, Bikorogha, Ayakoromo, Oyangbene, Akparemogbene, Bigborogha royal family, Kakah royal family among others.

The historic meeting was graced by some notable sons and daughters of Ngbilebiri Mein-Kingdom, including the immediate past Secretary Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Sunny Perekeme, Hon. Paul Kurugbe, Hon. Chief. Godwin Masah, the Peretunteri-Owei of Ngbilebiri Mein-Kingdom, Dr. Ahmed Saibakumo, Engr. Henry Yeigagha, Princess (Chief). Beauty Perekeme, Prince Christopher Perekeme, Hon. Joe Sojaowei among many others too numerous to mention.

More Burutu leaders expresses confidence on Sunny chairmanship ambition

More Burutu leaders expresses confidence on Sunny chairmanship ambition

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ The atmosphere to serve the good people of Burutu as the next council Chairman becomes more favourable to Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme as more Burutu PDP leaders expressed confidence on his chairmanship ambition.

This time is coming from the immediate past Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Prince. Emmanuel Amgbaduba, the Chairman PDP Delta South Senatorial District, Chief (Dr.) Julius Takeme and the former Chairman PDP Burutu Local Government, Hon. Godwin Edumogiren as they give credit in Prince Sunny Perekeme's undisputable capacity to serve Burutu people well when given the opportunity.

The leaders gave their credence to Prince Sunny Perekeme on Tuesday in Warri as he paid them consultation visit.

Speaking during the visit, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba described Perekeme as a very humble and honest person who had perfectly served many leaders in Burutu Local Government Area, especially Hon. Asupa Forteta, Hon. Frank Ekioemi Zoukumor, Hon. Godknows Angele, Chief. Combolous lkisa, Hon. Godwin Edumogiren and Chief. Julius Takeme who has testified about his integrity and respectful attributes to constituted authority whenever responsibility is given to him.

Prince Amgbaduba asserted that Sunny Perekeme having served the above mentioned leaders without blame, he is tested and trusted, hence he will do better when given the opportunity to serve as Burutu Council Chairman.

In his remark, the former Chairman PDP Burutu Local Government, Hon. Godwin Edumogiren confirmed that Sunny Perekeme is trustworthy and dedicated person who respect elders, adding that his past working experience in the public sector and the party is a great advantage for him to serve better as council Chairman.

While the current Chairman PDP Delta South, Chief (Dr). Julius Takeme acknowledge that Prince Sunny Perekeme has served both the umbrella party PDP and the Local Government diligently, adding that couple with his humility and honest background, he can do well when given higher responsibility.

He noted that Sunny is very obedient to party leadership, while urging him to reach out to more leaders in Burutu as possible.

However, Hon. Sunny Perekeme has reaffirmed his desire to operate all inclusive government whereby critical stakeholders, especially the leadership in Burutu, traditional rulers, the clergy, women groups and youth bodies would be consulted to seek their opinion before any important decision of public interest could be taken to move the council forward.

He pledge to be transparent, honest and accountable to the good people Burutu, adding that he knows the basic needs of the council and will address them one after the other holistically.

Meanwhile, the man Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme is a household name in Burutu politics, tested and trusted with proven integrity of practical working experience in the public administrative business.

He was first appointed in 2003 as Transition Committee Member/Supervisor for Agric and Natural Resources under Hon. Asupa Forteta led council Chairman. In 2008, he was reappointed as Supervisor for Agric and Natural Resources by Hon. Frank Ekioemi Zuokumo led council Chairman. 

In 2018, he was appointed as Secretary to Burutu Local Government Council by Hon. Godknows Angele led council Chairman.

In 2021, he was reappointed as Secretary Burutu Local Government Council by Hon. Godknows Angele, where he humbly and faithfully served both Angele and Combolous lkisa. 

He was also appointed as head of Administration of the PDP election management committee in Burutu Local Government Area during 2023 general elections.

And he was recently appointed as Secretary 2024 Burutu North Constituency Delta State House of Assembly Re-run election management committee that was ably chaired by Chief. (Dr.) Julius Takeme in Burutu Local Government Area.

It is on record that Hon. Prince Sunny Ebiboloukaemi Perekeme is the first man to bagged the Meritorious Award as the most humble and honest Council Secretary in the history of Burutu Local Government Council.

Among those in the campaign team of Prince Sunny Perekeme include; Mr. Funpere Numupeide, DG Hon. Prince Sunny Perekeme campaign organization, Hon. Asiayei Eregu, woman leader Maureen Bolo and many others.