The Otakeme community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has elected the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renew Empire Nigeria, Mr. Gospel Obolo, as its new paramount ruler, bringing to an end a 55-year interregnum in the traditional institution of the ancient community.

The election, which was recently conducted by the community, marked the restoration of the royal stool after more than five decades without a substantive paramount ruler.

Otakeme is one of the neighbouring communities to Otabagi, the host community of the historic Oloibiri oil wells where crude oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with community stakeholders, the monarch-elect said his reign would be anchored on consultation, inclusiveness and unity, stressing that rebuilding the community would require the collective efforts of all indigenes.

He expressed regret that despite producing notable professionals and accomplished sons and daughters across various fields, Otakeme had remained without a traditional ruler for 55 years due to internal divisions.

Obolo disclosed that he had commenced consultations with stakeholders and indigenes living in major cities across the country to foster reconciliation and mobilise support for the community’s development.

He said, “It is sad that our community, Otakeme, has been without a king for 55 years.

“Otakeme is supposed to be one of the communities in Ogbia that others should emulate in terms of communal living, but regrettably we have lost a lot due to disunity, which resulted in the absence of a paramount ruler for this long.

“We have begun consultations with our people in the diaspora to solidify our unity and continue on the path of development. There is a lot to do for our people, and I want to assure every indigene that we will work together to develop Otakeme community.”

The monarch-elect appealed to community leaders, elders and stakeholders to consolidate on the prevailing peace and support efforts aimed at restoring harmony and accelerating development in the area.

He also urged youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding, describing his emergence as the beginning of a new chapter for the community.

According to him, the restoration of the traditional institution offers an opportunity for renewed unity, innovation and sustainable development in Otakeme after decades of leadership vacuum. (PUNCH)

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