By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
The Chief Executive Officer of Renew Empire Nigeria, Engr. Gospel Obolo, the Obanena-Elect of Otakeme community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has pledged to prioritize unity, peace and inclusive governance as he prepares to take the throne after 55 years without a paramount ruler.
Speaking in an interview after a meeting with the Council of Chiefs, community leades, women and youths, Obolo said the task ahead is significant given the long period the ancient community has existed without an Obanena.
“Not how do I feel but how will I work for a people who have stayed 55 years without an Obanena is a lot of work to do,” he said. “So it’s not like a political appointment, it’s a service to your people. You have to think of how to carry everybody along the old, the young, the needy and the rich. You need to balance everything, both those that are bereaved and those that are angry. It’s like a father that has so many children. It is not an easy work.”
On why the community went 55 years without a king, Obolo attributed it to internal disagreements despite the people’s shared ancestry, citing community history, he noted that Otakeme people are from “the same family, the same blood,” and expressed regret that such closeness had not translated to harmony.
“For me I felt it has happened in a lot of places. It is only unfortunate that Otakeme is not supposed to be in that way,” he said. “If they are to carry a genetical test of the people, you can see that people must have up to 70% to 80% close. If we are that close, maybe the story of the Bible is repeating in Africa. God knows the reasons. It is painful that a community of that nature that came from the same womb will start hating themselves.”
Addressing concerns about sustaining peace, the Obanena-Elect said his background in project management and sports administration had prepared him for leadership and conflict resolution.
He disclosed that he is Project Director of an oil company and former Vice President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, where he managed personnel across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and civilians.
“I am not new to crisis because I am project director of an oil company,” Obolo stated. “When you are in a federation like Kickboxing you rule the army, the Navy, the Airforce, the police and civilians, so you must balance the way you rule. I have up to a Brigadier General under Kickboxing Federation and I managed it well. Till today I still hold the record as the best President that has ruled Kickboxing.
“Different courses that I have done HSE, management, project management, safety courses have already prepared me for this time. Apart from my personal business, it is not a new thing to me. These ones are my people and luckily I am from the three ruling families, so I didn’t see the person I can’t talk to. That’s the advantage I have.”
On his strategy to bring aggrieved persons on board, Obolo said he has commenced a “unity tour” to reach Otakeme indigenes across the country.
He said he has already met with the oldest man in the community in Port Harcourt and other stakeholders, with planned visits to Lagos, Abuja and Yenagoa.
He also cited the support of prominent indigenes including the mother of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“We are exploring every avenue to settle, even the people that are in court,” he said. “I don’t believe that if the court says you have won, leave them. They have their reasons. The best thing we have to do is to see how we can bring them to the winning side. When you have 95% of the people behind you, then you are on the winning side.
“Otakeme is supposed to be a case study. We have what we call the deputies, and the deputies are not arguing. They are ready to deputize. It is painful that all of them came from the same family. With time all will be well.”
Obolo said his administration will be guided by the motto “Peace, Unity and Progress,” and will seek to harness the community’s pool of professionals in medicine, engineering, law and public service for development.
“Otakeme is blessed with professionals from different fields. We have medical doctors, engineers, lawyers and those who have served in public service to the highest level. It is a community that is easy to manage. With God it’s easy to manage. We are looking at bringing them on one page to harness them,” he added.
