The book, “Before The Mantle”, authored by the traditional ruler and Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, His Majesty King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX, was launched last week with a charge for people to trace their historical dynasty and put on record for generations yet unborn.
Speaking at the epoch ceremony held in Port-Harcourt, Thursday, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, said when records are kept, the issue of distorted historical facts would be a thing of the past and commended the Ogu Monarch for his efforts in tracing and putting on record the dynasty of Ogu Kingdom.
Senator Sekibo noted that oral history by the forebears had not done any good to the society and charged all to take it as a point of duty to write down historical records for better society.
He, however, called on the monarch to set up a committee to harmonize the historical facts of Ogu Kingdom from the various publications, in order to put the records straight and correct for posterity.
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, expressed delight with the author who is one of their first class traditional rulers in the State for his desire to write the book, saying it is worthy for emulation.
King Jaja, who was represented by His Majesty, King J.W. Okuruket-Nnabiget XIV, Okaan-Ama, Ngo land said that many traditional rulers do not write about their dynasty in the past and stated that the State government and the traditional council is very proud and happy with their colleague and commended him and the people of Ogu for having an intelligent monarch.
In his speech, the author and Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom, his Majesty, King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX, disclosed that it had been his desire to put on record his life experiences from tender age for future generations to read and digest it for their knowledge, and thanked all for the encouragement, adding that the book will be beneficial to all Wakirike ethnic nationalities and the people of Ogu Kingdom in particular.
King Nimenibo, Loko IX, noted that if history is put together in record, there would be no fighting amongst communities and people of the society, and thanked all for the honour done him by attending the ceremony. The book was reviewed by Prof. Abi Derefaka.
The highlights of the occasion were a lecture titled “Political Dynamics and Leadership Issues in Niger Delta: Role of Traditional Rulers” by Prof. Ibaba Samuel, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, choral music performance by Okrika Unity Concert Choir and cutting of book launch cake.
