Asaba, Delta State – In a glowing display of respect and admiration, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm and heartfelt felicitations to His Royal Majesty, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), CFR, Orhue I, the revered Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, as he marks another milestone in his illustrious life on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
The governor’s message, conveyed through a statement personally signed and released in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, was replete with praise for the monarch’s lifelong dedication to peace-building, cultural preservation, and the overall development of both his kingdom and the nation at large. Governor Oborevwori described the Orodje as a rare gem in Nigeria’s traditional institution – a bridge-builder of unassailable integrity whose influence transcends the boundaries of Okpe Kingdom and resonates powerfully across Delta State and the entire country.
In his tribute, the governor highlighted the monarch’s decades of distinguished service, first as a decorated military officer who rose to the rank of Major-General before retiring, and subsequently as a traditional ruler whose reign has been defined by an unwavering commitment to harmony, progress, and the safeguarding of the rich cultural heritage of the Okpe people. “His Royal Majesty has, over the years, made remarkable and indelible contributions to the growth and advancement of Okpe Kingdom, Delta State, and indeed our great nation, Nigeria,” Governor Oborevwori stated.
The governor particularly lauded the Orodje for his exemplary leadership as a custodian of Okpe traditions and customs, noting that the monarch has remained a steady guiding light for his subjects and a respected voice of wisdom within the comity of traditional rulers in Delta State. He pointed out that the monarch’s counsel and interventions have been invaluable in fostering unity among the diverse ethnic groups that make up the state, thereby creating an atmosphere conducive to sustainable development.
Governor Oborevwori did not mince words in acknowledging the monarch’s steadfast support for his administration since its inception. He expressed profound gratitude for the Orodje’s role in rallying the traditional institution behind the government’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. “As a government, we deeply appreciate Your Royal Majesty’s exceptional support in various areas, and we have no doubt that you will continue to uphold your domain as a shining symbol of peace, unity, and progress,” the governor affirmed.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Orodje has, according to the governor, consistently demonstrated rare humility, impeccable leadership, and an unyielding passion for peace advocacy. These qualities, Governor Oborevwori stressed, have helped to strengthen the traditional institution and align it with the broader developmental objectives of the state government.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate His Royal Majesty, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), CFR, Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, on the auspicious occasion of his birth anniversary,” the governor declared. He joined the entire Okpe Kingdom – from the elders and chiefs to the youths and women – in celebrating what he described as “an extraordinary monarch whose life has been a blessing not only to his immediate community but to the entire state and nation.”
Governor Oborevwori seized the opportunity to applaud the monarch’s tireless efforts in preserving the rich cultural identity of the Okpe people while simultaneously promoting socio-cultural cooperation and peaceful coexistence among the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and other ethnic nationalities that coexist in Delta State. He described these efforts as critical to the social cohesion that has made Delta State one of the most peaceful and investment-friendly states in Nigeria.
The governor further portrayed the Orodje as an inspiration and mentor to both his peers on the traditional council and younger leaders across various sectors. “Your Majesty stands as a role model whose life of service, discipline, and dedication continues to motivate generations,” he noted.
In a solemn prayer, Governor Oborevwori asked the Almighty God to grant the celebrant many more years in sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom so that he may continue to provide selfless leadership to his people and the traditional institution in Delta State. “May the good Lord who has kept you thus far continue to bless you with long life, robust health, and the grace to witness even greater achievements in your kingdom and our dear state,” he prayed.
The birth anniversary celebration, though low-key in keeping with the monarch’s known preference for modesty, has elicited an outpouring of goodwill messages from far and wide. Traditional rulers from across the state, political leaders, business moguls, and ordinary citizens have all acknowledged the Orodje’s unparalleled contributions to peace and development.
As Delta State continues on its trajectory of rapid transformation under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the harmonious relationship between the government and the traditional institution – exemplified by the mutual respect between the governor and the Orodje – remains a vital pillar in the state’s success story. The governor’s elaborate tribute on this special day underscores the high premium his administration places on the role of royal fathers as custodians of culture and partners in progress.
Indeed, as the Orodje of Okpe adds another year, the people of Delta State join in celebrating a monarch whose life has been a testament to service, peace, and selfless leadership – a true father of the state and a pride of the Okpe nation.
