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By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the newly crowned Pere (king) of Tarakiri Clan to sustain the peace, which he said is the panacea to development and progress in the kingdom.
Governor Diri gave the charge on Saturday during the coronation and presentation of staff of office to Dr. Seiyifa Koroye as the new Tarakiriowei VIII (Pere of Tarakiri Clan) at Ebedebiri town in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.
High Chief Koroye, a renowned educationist, former lecturer, administrator and traditionalist was elected to the stool after the death of King Richardford Koroye in December 2022.
Tarakiri Clan is one of largest kingdoms in Ijaw land, comprising of communities across Sagbama, Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas of Bayelsa State and some communities in Delta State.
Our correspondent reported that the governor noted that the kingdom had been generally peaceful and without any major crisis that required government’s intervention.
Describing Koroye as a square peg in a square hole, Diri urged the king to use his wealth of experience to promote the existing peace in the kingdom.
He said despite being a High Chief of the kingdom, he did not interfere in the selection procession and implored people of the kingdom to support the new king, describing Tarakiri as one of the biggest and proud kingdoms in Ijaw nation.
He said: “Tarakiri kingdom has been very peaceful. Unlike few kingdoms in the state where we had to intervene to restore peace, we have had no cause to intervene in Tarakiri.
“I believe Dr. Seiyifa Koroye will sustain the existing peace in the kingdom. I also believe that the people of Tarakiri will give him their full support. Tarakiri is one of the largest kingdoms in Bayelsa State, and as a very proud kingdom, you will not let Dr. Koroye fail.
“My charge to you is that you keep the existing peace in the kingdom. You have to cooperate with the Bayelsa traditional rulers’ council ably led by Bubaraye Dakolo, the king of Ekpetiama Kingdom. I expect that you will bring your knowledge and wisdom into that council so it will benefit from your wealth of experience.”
Governor Diri equally commended the regent of Tarakiri, High Chief Fidelis Agbiki, and other chiefs over the successful election, smooth transition and the subsequent coronation of the new king.
In his acceptance speech, after taking the oath of office and oath of allegiance, King Koroye pledged to serve in the interest of the clan, having served in different capacities in the kingdom and in the state.
He promised to reach out to and carry along all the Tarakiri communities in Bayelsa and Delta states.
The monarch noted that his reign will promote guidance and leadership that will be pleasing to everyone in the clan.
In a welcome address, the former regent, High Chief Agbiki, stated that although there were challenges during the process of electing a new king, they got encouraging support from the Tarakiri Council of Chiefs.
He equally thanked Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson, for their support and roles in ensuring the successful coronation of the new Pere.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of the staff of office to King Koroye by Governor Diri and arrival of Ade wrestlers from Ohoror community in Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State.
The coronation was witnessed by chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ebenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty Shadrach Erebulu, Adou lll, the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi and his Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency counterpart, Mrs. Marie Ebikake and other traditional rulers and chiefs from the variuos Takiri communities.
Others were the Deputy Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, titled chiefs of the clan and top government functionaries.
