DELTA MONARCH DIES @ 103
Read Time:2 Minute, 7 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
After 50 years in power, His Majesty Ambrose Odiri Owhe I, the traditional monarch of Umeh Kingdom in Delta State’s Isoko South Local Government Area, passed away at the age of 103.
As the first king of the Umeh Kingdom to get official state recognition, the monarch, who took the throne in 1975, was gazetted by the Bendel State Government in 1984.
The traditional ruler’s death was announced by the Umeh Kingdom Traditional Council of Chiefs (Ogbedion) on Thursday.
The Secretary of the Ogbedion Council, Philip Utoro, who spoke on behalf of the family and the council, read a statement jointly signed by the Adheise of Umeh Kingdom, High Chief James Omobor and the Azano of Umeh Kingdom, Prince Meshack Owhe.
According to the statement, the community mourns a monarch celebrated for his humility, integrity, and deep love for his people, noting that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
As part of the traditional rites, fourteen cannon shots were fired before the announcement, followed by a minute of silence and an additional seven shots. The monarch’s royal stool was then ceremonially covered by three Edions (quarter heads) to signal the start of the official mourning.
The council then directed that in preparation for the period of mourning, all residents are to prepare necessary supplies by Sunday, June 1 while a seven-day mourning period will begin on Monday, June 2 and end on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
The statement partly reads, “It is with hearts filled with grief but deep gratitude to God for an illustrious and magnificent reign that we announce the transition of our distinguished monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ambrose Odiri Owhe I, J.P.
“No markets, farming activities, or ceremonies will be permitted during the mourning period.
“All public institutions in the kingdom are to fly their flags at half-mast.
“All social media platforms associated with Umeh should display the king’s photograph, and individuals are encouraged to do the same. All titled chiefs, notables, and residents are to wear a black armband on their left arm.”
Described as a symbol of Umeh’s cultural heritage, the late king’s reign witnessed unprecedented development, peace, and unity in the kingdom. Under his leadership, Umeh kingdom transformed from a rustic riverside village into one of the fastest-growing communities in Delta State.
Meanwhile, his son, Prince Rock Owhe, the Azano of Umeh Kingdom, has been named as the Regent and will oversee palace and kingdom affairs pending the installation of a new monarch.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0