By DADA AYOKHAI
Basking in the euphoria of reclaiming his throne as the Aidonogie of the South Ibie Kingdom, Oba Kelvin Danesi has expressed his gratitude to Gov Monday Okpeholo for having the courage to correct past wrongs.
Oba Danesi was recently reinstated as the Aidonogie of the South Ibie Kingdom following the revocation of the appointment of Umoru Musa who was earlier given legal recognition by the Godwin obaseki administration.
An elated Oba Danesi praised Gov Monday Okpeholo highly, thanking him for restoring dignity to the traditional institution.
He spoke in his domain, South Ibie, Etsako West council area, during a media parley with a group of journalists who were present to hear his thoughts on his sudden reinstatement.
With every word reflecting his heartfelt gratitude towards the governor, reinstated Oba Danesi extolled Gov Okpeholo’s virtues, describing him as someone who has come to deliver justice to those who were wronged.
Among the three monarchs deposed in the shakeup was the former Aidonogie of the South Ibie Kingdom, Alhaji Inusa Umoru, which led to Oba Danesi’s reinstatement.
The state government, in justifying the deposition of the former Aidonogie, stated that the selection process was flawed, asserting that there was no vacancy for the throne at the time of his selection.
Oba Danesi echoed this sentiment during the media parley, telling reporters that there was indeed no vacancy on the throne at the time of his deposition by the previous administration.
He extended his thanks to Gov Okpeholo for revisiting the issue.He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during the harrowing period of his deposition
In particular, he singled out the deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the esteemed Oba of Benin, and the former comrade governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is now a Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly.
Among the others, he extended special gratitude for their good counsel and support including Hon. Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Regional Development; Secretary to the Edo State Government; Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice; and the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
He waxed philosophical in thanking those who ensured the injustice meted out to him was rectified.
Additionally, he commended the patience, maturity, and unwavering support of the people of the South Ibie Kingdom during this challenging period.
He stated, “I accept this responsibility with gratitude and a solemn dedication to serve our people with wisdom, fairness, justice, and courage.”
Regarding the newly enacted law that stipulates the demolition of any house or property used for cultism or as a hideout for kidnappers, Oba Danesi stated that the state was on the right path to eradicating crime.
He further noted that the new law is not just a mere declaration, but a reality, adding he fully supports the government’s decisive actions.
As a note of warning, he said that the South Ibie will no longer be a haven for criminals, including cultists and kidnappers, stressing their resolve too. We will root them out of our land.
He also warned that anyone who allows his or her property to be used for such evil should be prepared to face the full consequences of the law.
He urged landlords, parents, community leaders, and the youth to take this warning seriously, emphasizing the need to refrain from shielding wrongdoers or renting properties to criminals.
