Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, was on Friday conferred with the title “Ebe-Ebidou Owei” (one who desires progress of the clan) by the Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King Richardford Koroye.
The conferment of the high chief title, which took place at the monarch’s palace in Toru-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, was part of activities marking the king’s 83rd birthday.
The governor was quoted in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, as expressing appreciation to the monarch for finding him worthy to be conferred with such an exalted title in the kingdom.
Governor Diri promised to preserve the traditional institution and the sacredness that it stands for.
He assured the Tarakiri Clan and other kingdoms in the state of his government’s support, expressing the belief that the younger generation would take a cue from their elders to honour the sacredness of the throne and the traditional institution.
His words: “I thank our royal father for finding me worthy as one of your sons to also be honoured on this day that we have come to celebrate you.
“May I on behalf of the government of Bayelsa State thank you and pray that God will continue to keep you for us as our father, our king and as our elder.
“Today that you are 83 years, we are not only celebrating your birthday and your reign as the king of Tarakiri. God in His infinite wisdom has brought one of your sons to also be the captain steering the ship of Bayelsa. That to my mind is double celebration to you and to me, it is a gift to you and the people of Tarakiri Kingdom.
“As a government, we will continue to preserve the traditional institution. We will continue to preserve all the sacredness that the Tarakiri Kingdom stands for.”
Praying God to grant him more years on the throne, Senator Diri thanked the other chiefs of the clan for their support to the king and the stool and urged them to continue to strengthen the traditional institution of the clan.
Speaking earlier, King Richardford Koroye urged the governor to always honour and stand by his allegiance to the Tarakiri Kingdom as one of its high chiefs.
The royal father prayed for God’s blessings and guidance upon the governor and for the success of his administration.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the cutting of the king’s 83rd birthday cake alongside the Ibedaowei of Kolokuma/ Opokuma Clan as well as the Ibedaowei of Gbarain Clan.