The Obol Lopon of Ugep and paramount ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, says traditional rulers and those who take traditional titles have a shared responsibility to ensure that peace and security are upheld in our local communities.
Beyond the ceremonies of taking titles, he continued, “if the communities giving out these titles are at war, will it be possible for whoever to go to any of these communities and take titles? We must be deliberate and embrace clear actions to ensure that our communities are peaceful and secure. Begin from the day you take a title to see what you can do and commit yourself to adequately doing that, in the interest of peace”, he added.
The monarch spoke at his palace in Ugep, during the chieftaincy installation of Edo State – born Samuel Kayode Aigboje Imoukhuede, as the “Obol Lotumajo I” of Ugep.
Imoukhuede, described as “a devoted and great in-law of Ugep”, in his response, expressed respect for the monarch and the community exclaiming that he was surprised and delighted at such an honor from his in-laws. He added that in his 48 years of marriage to their daughter, Magdalene Obla Imoukhuede, he has prospered beyond measure and remains grateful that he married his wife from Ugep.
Imoukhuede declared in his response that he will, in consonance with the monarch, chiefs and people of the community, work for the growth and development of Ugep, just like he will encourage deliberate and specific actions that secure and bring peace to the community.
Born in 1949, to late Robert and Victoria Imoukhuede, the new Obol Lotumajo I of Ugep, studied General Science Laboratory Technology, between 1969 to 1973 at the University of Ibadan. Under his belt are extensive and concluded research works on cassava, soya beans, sugar cane and other cereals. In 2005, he relocated to the United Kingdom and worked at the Teddington Memorial Hospital. His marriage is blessed with with children.