THE Traditional Ruler of Umeh Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ambrose Odiri Owhe, I, J. P, has joined his ancestors after 50 years on the throne at 103.
His transition was revealed by the Umeh Kingdom Traditional Council of Chiefs (Ogbedion) at Umeh community on Thursday.
Eldest son of the departed Monarch, Prince Rock Owhe, the Azano of Umeh Kingdom will now take charge of the Palace and Kingdom as the Regent of Umeh Kingdom according to the announcement.
The announcement signed by High Chief Chief James Omobor, Adheise of Umeh Kingdom, Prince Meshack Owhe, Azano of Umeh Kingdom was read by Chief Philip Utoro, Secretary, Ogbedion Council.
“Our Dear Sons and Daughters of Umeh Descent, both home and in diaspora, Fellow Nigerians Resident in Umeh kingdom, Gentlemen of the Press.
“It is with heart filled with Grief but a deep sense of Gratitude to God, for an illustrious, magnificent reign that we gather here today to announce the journey home to God of our distinguished Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ambrose Odiri Owhe, I, J. P to be with the ancestors. He embarked on this journey of no return, recently.
“His Royal Majesty, Ambrose Odiri Owhe 1,J.P was our very first king recognized by Government of then Bendel state, now Delta State. He ascended the throne in 1975, gazetted in 1984 by the Bendel state Government, reigning for 50 years.
“He was a symbol of our cultural traditions and customs. His reign propelled profound development, harmony and unity to Umeh kingdom. It was during his reign that Umeh transformed from a rustic village perched on the bank of the river, to one of the fastest developing towns in Delta State.
“As we bid farewell to our king on this journey of no return, we remember his sterling qualities of honesty of purpose, humility, love for family and indigenes of our kingdom.
Fare thee well Our Royal Majesty
“Everyone should look for food and all other essentials from now till Sunday, June Ist. 7 days of mourning will be from Monday June 2nd till Sunday June 8th,2025. There shall be no market, farming, or any ceremony throughout the Kingdom.
“From now, Prince Rock Owhe, the Azano of Umeh Kingdom will take charge of the Palace and Kingdom as the Regent of Umeh Kingdom.
“All social media platforms associated with Umeh should use his Majesty’s picture as display picture (D.P) Individuals are also encouraged to do same. All titled chiefs, notables and other interested indigenes and residents should put on a black band on their left arm during the mourning period All public institutions in the kingdom should have their flag at half-mast.” It added.
Fourteen cannons shots were released before the announcement, a minute of silence was observed for the late monarch which was followed by seven cannons shots as the monarch’s stool was covered by three Edions (Quarter heads) as a week long mourning period was declared.
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