Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has presented the staff of office to Sen. Francis Alimikhena, as the new Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.
Okpebholo presented the staff of office to the new traditional ruler at about 2:39 p. m., on Saturday in Uwanno.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Alimikhena was two term Senator, who represented Edo North Senatorial District.
The governor, while delivery his speech, said it was a great honour to witness the historic occasion of the coronation of His Highness, Alimikhena, as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom.
According to him, on behalf of the government and good people of Edo, I warmly congratulate you on your rise to this revered throne.
"Your Highness, you come to this throne with a wealth of experience gained from decades of distinguished public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"You have served at the highest levels of government, and your experience in leadership, governance and community development will surely be valuable in your new role," he said.
He, however, said that traditional leadership carries a unique and sacred responsibility.
"As the Okumagbe, you are now the father of all. I therefore urge you to govern with wisdom, humility, fairness and an open heart.
"Please, carry everyone along and ensure that no son or daughter of Uwanno feels left behind.
"I also call on every son and daughter of Uwanno to give His Highness their support, cooperation and loyalty. Let us put aside our differences, and unite around the common good of Uwanno Kingdom," he added.
The governor noted that the strength of any kingdom lies in the unity of its people, adding that where there is unity, there is peace, and where there is peace, there is progress.
Okpebholo expressed confident that his reign would usher in a new era of peace, unity, progress and prosperity for Uwanno Kingdom.
Earlier, Senator representating Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, while congratulating Alimikhena as the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, also commended him for all his development strides attracted by him to his people and state.
Oshiomhole prayed that may God continue to bless him and enrich him with wisdom to pilot his new responsibility as a traditional ruler.
Delivery his speech, the new traditional ruler, Alimikhena, said that today's event marks a new beginning and a turning point for the people of Uwanno Kingdom.
"It is a new dawn, an era of peace, love and development, I will establish an Uwanno Development Fund (UDF) for the purpose of mobilizing resource for the ultimate development of Uwanno Land," he said.