The Supreme Monarch of the Ancient Ahoada Kingdom, His Majesty King (Amb.) Noble Friday Uwoh, CSP (Rtd.) JP, UN-EPA, on Sunday received a high-powered delegation of respected Ekpeye leaders at his palace in Ahoada, Rivers State.
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to engender peace, unity and reconciliation across Ekpeye land.
The delegation was led by HRH Eze Nnodi Michael as Chairman. Other members included High Chief Hon. Stephen U. Ihua, Co-Chairman; Bishop Prince Odukwu of First African Church; Lady Prof. Ozioma Ekpete; HRH Eze Ikaki Ikaki, Eze Okobo I, who served as spokesperson; Comrade Ogboka Umeda, Secretary; HRH Macaulay Esunwor; HRH Eze (Hon) B. O. Nwuche; High Chief Grace Ade; High Chief Hope Nwoka- Ada Olukwor; and other stakeholders.
Introducing the delegation, HRH Eze Ikaki Ikaki said their mission was simple: “to seek peace in Ekpeye land.”
HRH Eze Nnodi Michael explained that the committee voluntarily came together to engage traditional rulers across Ekpeye land, listen to their concerns and grievances, and help identify a peaceful pathway forward.
He stressed that the delegation was not visiting to judge any traditional ruler.
“The Ancient Ahoada Kingdom remains the headquarters of Ekpeye and therefore has an invaluable role to play in efforts toward reconciliation and development,” he stated.
High Chief Stephen U. Ihua corroborated the group’s position and highlighted some factors he believes have contributed to the current disagreements facing the Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality.
He noted that some of the recent happenings being witnessed are alien and inconsistent with traditional Ekpeye norms and culture, and called for a return to values that have held the people together for generations.
Responding, the Supreme Monarch welcomed the peace initiative and addressed key areas of grievance raised by the delegation.
King Uwoh outlined practical steps for lasting peace, emphasizing truth, integrity, dialogue, respect for traditional institutions, adherence to agreed resolutions, and a collective commitment to restoring unity in Ekpeye land.
He also expressed concern over comments and actions aimed at de-marketing the Ancient Ahoada Kingdom.
“The Ancient Ahoada Kingdom is not only the headquarters of the Ekpeye Ethnic Nation but a major fulcrum of her development,” the monarch said.
Commending the delegation for choosing dialogue over division, King Uwoh reaffirmed his readiness to support genuine efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and progress among the Ekpeye people.
“The Ancient Ahoada Kingdom, as the headquarters of Ekpeye, has a historic responsibility to champion this process. The Palace is prepared to play its part, but lasting peace will require truthfulness, courage, sincerity and commitment from all sides,” he stated.
The meeting ended with prayers for peace and a renewed pledge by both the Palace and the delegation to continue consultations with all stakeholders across Ekpeye land.