Chief Benjamin Abusemieka of Ogoloma, Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State was recently conferred with the chieftaincy title of Opu-Ibanibo War Canoe House.
Being the first to be installed as the chief of Opu-Ibanibo War Canoe House (Omuaru), is a clear testimony of the fact that virtue pays.
Elder Iyere Enenemibo-ofori Ibanibo dropped the hint during the the installation ceremony at the Ogoloma Town Hall, attributing the honour done to Chief Abusemieka to his honesty, transparent life and appreciation of his zeal to take the Opu-Ibanibo Omuaru to greater heights that earned him the title .
He disclosed that the Opu-Ibanibo Omuaru was borne out of the necessity to have their own war Canoe House, as conceived since 2019, adding that the Omuaru was carved out of Okolobo Omuaru to become an independent body.
Still speaking, he informed that Ibanibo’s decided to come out of Okolobo Omuaru due to increasing number and the need to manage their own affairs.
Elder Ibanibo called on all and sundry to give him the needed support to enable him succeed as he has done in the past especially as an accomplished intelligent leader with over 18 years of experience in leadership position.
He prayed God to guard and strengthen chief Opu-Ibanibo as he carries on as the a member of the reverred decision making body in the area and grant him the wisdom of Solomon to succeed.
Performing the epoch-making event, Alabo Martins Ateli. J . Kunumgbe (JP), described the honour bestowed on chief Opu-Ibanibo as well deserved in the light of his meaningful contributions in his family, the community and to humanity.
The chairman of Ogoloma Council of Chiefs admonished the newly installed chief to remain steadfast in discharging the expectations of the people, as he has been officially inducted into the decision makers of the ancient Ogoloma Kingdom and equally advised members of Opu-Ibanibo Omuaru to cooperate and support their chief to succeed, saying the progress of the family should be a collective responsibility.
Chief Opu-Ibanibo in his response thanked the Ibanibo’s, the council of Chiefs, particularly the Amayanabo of the ancient Ogoloma Kingdom for finding him worthy for the exalted position in the kingdom.
He assured that his reign as the Chief of Opu-Ibanibo Omuaru would be open to useful suggestions for the betterment of the family and the community at large.
