Two Decades on Throne: Okpe Monarch Set to Host Governors, Top Traditional Rulers

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Agho Mujakperuo (retd.), Orhue I, is set to host governors, prominent traditional rulers and other distinguished personalities as celebrations marking his 20th coronation anniversary get underway.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, is expected to lead other governors to the historic celebration, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II; and the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, are among the prominent traditional rulers expected at the event.

The announcement was made by the Traditional Prime Minister of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the 20th Coronation Anniversary Committee, Chief Michael Affe, during the unveiling of the programme at the Orodje’s Palace in Orerokpe.

The anniversary celebrations, themed “Two Decades of Peace and Progress in Okpe Kingdom,” commenced on Friday, November 13, with a prayer session organised by the Okpe Christian Assembly at Udogun Hall, Orerokpe.

The monarch was crowned on July 29, 2006, following the death of his predecessor, HRM Orhorho I.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Affe described the monarch’s 20-year reign as a period of remarkable transformation, citing improvements in peace, unity, urban development and education across the kingdom.

He also highlighted the monarch’s efforts to strengthen traditional administration through the division of the kingdom’s approximately 200 communities into administrative districts to improve governance and communication with residents.

The Orodje recently created Ugolo II as the kingdom’s 14th district, following the establishment of 13 earlier districts.

Born into a royal family, Mujakperuo also had a distinguished military career before ascending the traditional throne. He retired from the Nigerian Army with the rank of Major General and held several senior positions, including Director of Army Legal Services, Provost Marshal and General Officer Commanding the Army’s 2nd and 82nd Divisions.

He also served as the ECOMOG Force Commander in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Beyond his traditional responsibilities, the monarch currently serves as Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu.

The anniversary programme features several activities across Orerokpe and Sapele, including a golf tournament, a seminar for prospective chiefs, a theatrical command performance titled The Yoke, awards to distinguished Okpe sons and daughters, football competitions and cultural displays.

Chieftaincy titles will also be conferred on deserving individuals on November 19 and 20.

The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at the Palace Pavilion in Orerokpe, while a thanksgiving service will hold at St William’s Catholic Church on November 22.

Additional traditional homage ceremonies involving newly installed chiefs, the four ruling houses and other groups will take place on November 24 and 25.

The anniversary committee has assured residents and visitors of adequate security and traffic management arrangements, while encouraging Okpe sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to participate in the celebrations.

The event is expected to bring together traditional institutions, political leaders, community stakeholders and members of the Okpe diaspora to celebrate two decades of the monarch’s reign and reflect on the kingdom’s cultural heritage and development.