The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, on Monday congratulated His Majesty, retired Major General Felix Mujakperuo, CFR, Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, as the monarch marked 20 years on the throne of his forefathers.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor described the 20-year milestone as a testament to the monarch’s commitment to peace, cultural preservation and service to the people of Okpe and Delta State.
“Your Majesty, two decades on the throne is a testament to God’s grace and your dedication to the service of your people. Your reign has been one of peace, cultural preservation, and unity,” Guwor said.
The Speaker, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, called the Orodje “a father to all, a custodian of culture, and a pillar of peace and unity in Delta State and beyond.”
Mujakperuo, 78, ascended the throne in 2006. He is also Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, the apex body that advises the state government on matters relating to customs and community relations.
Guwor said that in that capacity, the Orodje had “provided exemplary guidance, bridging tradition with modern governance for the good of the people.”
The statement noted that the monarch’s reign had coincided with efforts by the Delta State government to strengthen the role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, particularly in the Niger Delta where communal and land disputes are common.
“The Orodje’s reign has brought tremendous development, harmony, and pride to Okpe Kingdom, and has strengthened the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace across the state,” Guwor said.
Before his enthronement, Mujakperuo served in the Nigerian Army and attained the rank of Major General. He commanded the Nigerian contingent of ECOMOG, the West African peacekeeping force in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s.
As Orodje, he presides over Okpe Kingdom, one of the major ethnic kingdoms in Delta State. The kingdom is located in the central part of the state and is predominantly Urhobo-speaking.
Traditional rulers in Nigeria do not hold executive power but wield significant influence in their domains on issues of culture, land and community cohesion.
Guwor said the Delta State House of Assembly joined the people of Okpe, Deltans and well-wishers to celebrate the monarch’s “remarkable service to humanity.”
He prayed for the continued good health and wisdom of the Orodje.
“May your throne be established forever, and may your reign continue to bring prosperity to Okpe Kingdom and Delta State, to the glory of God,” the Speaker said.
Celebrations to mark the 20th coronation anniversary are expected to hold in Orerokpe, the headquarters of Okpe Kingdom, in the coming weeks