The state Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has been coronated with the chieftaincy title of Izon-Ibe-Sibeowei 1 of Tuomo Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State during the weekend.
The Ebenana- Owei of Tuomo kingdom, HRM, Justice Francis Tabai described the title, as “the man that carries the whole of Ijaw nation,” because he has being a true leader of the Ijaw people for years.
Diri said, he was happy to be associated with the renowned jurist, whose personality cuts across the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
“It was a great privilege to be honoured by a legend like the retired Justice, who is highly revered by the Ijaw stock despite the administrative boundaries that breaks up the states, which does not change the fact, that both Bayelsa and Delta states share similarities in language and culture”, he added.
He emphasised that, regardless of the boundaries that separated the Ijaws into Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the people should have the spirit of love and unity.
“I met Tuomo monarch before Bayelsa was created in 1996 and had known him as one with the true Ijaw blood. Tabai had always played great roles in protecting, promoting and developing the Ijaw nation, am glad to be among the crowd celebrating a living legend, an icon, a man that has added value to his life and to the people of Tuomo kingdom and his state generally, he is quite to emulate”, he noted.
“We have artificial and administrative boundaries as enunciated by the Federal Government of Nigeria. And, we accept them. Administratively, Tuomo is in Delta, but by language and culture we are all ijaw people, whether you are from Delta, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo or Bayelsa. We remain as one and that is the spirit that brought me here. And I believe that every one of us will continue to love one another”, he added.
He promised to construct a one kilometer concrete road in the community and that he would consult with his Delta counterpart, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on issues of common interest, such as a bridge to connect both states from the Bolou-Toru axis for easy movements.
Diri, appreciated Governor Oborevwori for carrying the Ijaws along, in terms of developments, appointments and urged him to do more, as the Ijaws had always supported and embraced leaders irrespective of their tribe.
In conclusion, King Tabai thanked those who graced the event, stating that their goodwill, support and love demonstrated by their presence means a lot to him. He also acknowledged both present and past leaders of Delta in the area of human and infrastructure development, particularly the Bomadi bridge constructed by former Governor James Ibori, which he said had attracted other forms of development and enhanced the livelihood of the Tuomo people.
Speaking on behalf of other recipients, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appreciated the monarch for the honour bestowed on him as the Ebe-di-Owei of Tuomo and promised to always identify with the traditional stool and people of the kingdom.
