The first-ever Otorho-Idjerhe Marathon, organised by FENCSO Event Sports Management and Marketing in partnership with Seplat Energy and D’Life Dynasty, has been successfully held in Delta State.
The race, tagged “Legacy Run to Promote the Rising of Idjerhe Kingdom,” was staged in celebration of the fifth coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP, PhD, Udurhie I, the Ovie of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom.
Athletes from all 36 states of the country including personnel from the Army, Navy, and Police competed for the top prize of ₦300,000.
Engr. Usman Sanni, co-convener and sponsor representing D’Life Dynasty, described the marathon as part of the organisation’s CSR efforts to introduce a unifying sporting event to the community while honouring the monarch’s legacy.
He noted that the “Legacy Run” was created to promote good health, unity, and development within the kingdom, adding that the organisers plan to make it an annual event with even better features in the future.
Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Engr. Sanni said: “At D’Life Dynasty, we wanted to bring something fresh to our people, and this marathon reflects that goal. We felt the best way to foster unity was through a run dedicated to our traditional ruler’s legacy.”
In his address, King Obukowho Monday Arthur Whiskey expressed deep gratitude to the organisers especially Engr. Longlife Eko of D’Life Dynasty for pioneering the historic race.
He highlighted the event’s ability to strengthen unity, drive development, raise awareness, and boost political engagement among the people. The monarch also pointed out that merit guided the competition, noting that the top four runners came from Plateau, Delta, Ondo, and Idjerhe, proving that the race was free and fair, not tilted in favour of locals.
Looking ahead, King Whiskey said: “This initiative will deepen unity, development, awareness, and even political participation among our people. With representatives from almost all 36 states here today, we hope to welcome participants from West African countries in the next edition.”
Congratulating all runners, the king praised their resilience: “Your courage, endurance, and determination reflect the true spirit of Idjerhe. Whether you ran to win, to challenge yourself, or simply for the joy of running, crossing that finish line is a victory on its own.”
He urged his people to continue upholding peace and unity to attract more development to the kingdom. He also assured that the marathon would become an annual festival, possibly expanded to include free medical outreaches and cultural exhibitions.
The event attracted many prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom, including Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, the Crown Otota (Iyasere) of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, and former House of Representatives member Hon. Halim Agoda.
Read also: Ondo FA Suspends Coaches Association Chairperson Tayo Onilude, Appoints Caretaker Committee
