…As Monarch Recognises His Role in Restoring Peace
History was on Friday rewritten in Irri, one of the largest and most influential clans in Isoko Nation, as the Odiologbo of Irri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I, conferred the revered title of "Clan Otota" on Sir Itiako Constantine Onoriode Ikpokpo.
The Clan Otota which is traditionally the official spokesperson and highest-ranking chief next only to the monarch, is a position reserved for individuals of proven integrity, exceptional service, and deep commitment to the progress of their people. For the chiefs and people of Irri, the honour bestowed on Ikpokpo was not just symbolic; it was the affirmation of a legacy.
Irri, a land blessed with natural resources and a community of accomplished sons and daughters, had not always enjoyed the peace it boasts of today. For many years, the kingdom was torn apart by leadership tussles and bitter struggles for control of community resources. The crisis escalated, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of property, and the displacement of families. Without a functional constitution or an acceptable leadership structure, Irri became a fractured kingdom.
It was against this backdrop that a turning point emerged in October 2014, when Sir Ikpokpo assumed office as Chairman of Isoko South Local Government. Coming in with a firm resolve to restore peace across the LGA, he insisted that Irri must return to order, harmony, and strict adherence to tradition.
One of his earliest and most impactful decisions was to ensure the rightful emergence of a new king. Despite stiff resistance from entrenched interests, he stood his ground that only due process must be followed. His stance paved the way for the installation of HRM J.F.E. Aghagba, Amathovo I, as Odiologbo of Irri Kingdom—a throne long denied to its rightful occupant.
Ikpokpo’s peace mission did not end there. He insisted that community leadership must reflect the will of the people through a transparent and credible process. Months of consultations, conflict resolution meetings, and reconciliation efforts culminated in the drafting and ratification of a new constitution for Irri. Under his supervision, the kingdom held its first peaceful elective conference in over a decade. Leaders emerged freely, and the long-lost calm returned to the land.
Irri has since consolidated that peace, conducting successive elections without rancour. Following the passing of HRM Aghagba, the kingdom again upheld due process, leading to the ascension of the current monarch, HRM Simon Wajutome Odhomo, Igbogidi I, described by many as an upright and forward-looking traditional ruler.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to peace and justice, the late HRM Aghagba had earlier conferred on Ikpokpo the title of *Atanaru* (Promise Keeper). On Saturday, the new king and the entire traditional council took that honour further by elevating him to Clan Otota—the voice of the kingdom.
For the chiefs, elders, youths, and women who gathered for the ceremony, the moment was more than cultural; it was emotional. It was the homecoming of a man they described as “a prophet honoured at home.”
Sir Ikpokpo’s elevation, many say, signals a new dawn for Irri Kingdom. It is a reaffirmation that integrity, courage, and service are still valued—and rewarded.
Congratulations to Sir Itiako Constantine Onoriode Ikpokpo, Clan Otota of Irri Kingdom.
—By Okah Akpotha Fidelis, Chief Press Secretary to Sir Itiako Constantine Onoriode Ikpokpo
