Leaders and members of the Ejesume family in Owhelogbo community, Isoko North Local Government Areaof Delta State, have petitioned the eldest (Odion) man of the Ekrueje Quarters over what they described as unlawful and clandestine move by some unscrupulous persons to change the traditional name of the quarter from Ekrueje to Uwhuteme.
Contained in the copies of the petition made available to newsmen, the leaders and members of the Ejesume family stressed that they were a peaceful people, adding that no where in the age-long history of the Ekrueje Quarters was the name changed to Uwhuteme.
“As law-abiding citizens we write to you about the activity of change of the name of the quarter from Ekrueje to Uwhuteme which is not welcome by us because it is a long existing name before now.
“We oppose the change of name, we are the Ejesume family of Ekrueje Quarters, that is we write to inform you to use your good offices to stop this act to save the quarter from chaos”, the family cautioned.
They further assured they will resist any attempt to change the name stating that, “there is the need to stop this act to avoid crisis in the quarter because we will resist the act of changing the age&long name that symbolizes who we are.”.
They further explained that the quarter has been known name Ekrueje for well over 300 years, Uwhuteme has not been associated with the Ekrueje quarter, adding that Uwhuteme has never existed anywhere in the area before now.
The family warned that whoever liked Uwhuteme as a name “can create a new Street and name same as Uwhuteme Street’ adding that they expect a timely response from the Odion. A stitch in time saves nine”, they concluded.
Leaders of the Ejesume family who signed the petition include: Pa. S. I. Idu (Odion), Mr. Ighelegbe Lucky (Oletu-uzo), Mr. Monday Edede (member), Mr. Isaac Idu (member), Mr. Vincent Ewuvie (Secretary), Mr. Avuwa Ofio (member), Mr. Benedict Oziwele (member), Mr. Isaac Uruigo (member), Mr. Benson Afoke (member) and Mr. Sunday Imoniero( member),
Other members who signed the petition include: Mr. Godons Omosor (member), Mr. Samson Adams (member), Mr. Godstime Ughegbe (member), Mr. Samson Idu (member), Mr. Bright Oziwele (member), Mr. Godspower Ozor (member), Mr. Akporobaro Usi (member) and Mr. Eugene Oziwele (member).
