The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Non-Indigenes Affairs, Nze Francis Onuora, was among the notable personalities present at the installation of the first batch of Ambassadorial Chiefs in Warri Kingdom.
The historic ceremony was conducted by His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri.
The colourful event took place on Saturday at the Olu’s Palace and coincided with the 16th edition of Ghìghó Aghófén, the traditional quarterly change of palace guards. It attracted a large and diverse gathering from within and outside the kingdom.
The ambassadorial chieftaincy titles were introduced to honour individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the unity, growth, and development of Warri Kingdom. Representatives of various ethnic groups were present, including Urhobo, Itsekiri, Hausa, Yoruba, Edo, Idoma, Ilaje, Igbo, and Igala communities. The attendance of five traditional rulers from different states further highlighted the national and cultural importance of the occasion.
Among those conferred with chieftaincy titles were Anthony Akoji (Igala), Ezekiel Oyetakin (Ilaje), Oluwasoji Akinwale (Yoruba), Okwudili Ugochukwu (Igbo), Stephen Amalili (Ikwerre), Captain John Okpeyojade, and Rt. Hon. Daniel Riyieneju.
Speaking to journalists, Nze Onuora who is also a former Ohaneze chieftain for Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts commended the Olu of Warri for recognising non-indigenes, especially members of the Igbo community. He described the move as progressive and inclusive, noting that it would help deepen unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in Delta State. He urged the newly installed chiefs to live up to the honour bestowed on them by serving the kingdom with integrity and commitment.
In his remarks, Chief Ambassador Ndidi Aminu Joel (JP) the Uvwie-Fome of Uvwie Kingdom, President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Delta Central and Delta South, and Orikere of Agbor Kingdom described the ceremony as historic. He expressed joy that two Igbo sons received chieftaincy titles during his tenure as Ohaneze leader, adding that such gestures would promote peace, harmony, and conflict resolution in the state. He also advised the recipients to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mu’azu Mohammed, Commandant of the Police College, Maiduguri; Lady Florence N. Ngonadi, President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Delta Central Senatorial District (Women Wing); High Chief Livinus Nwokeji (KSJI), Chairman of NUPENG, Delta State; Hon. Nnaemeka John Ndulue, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation; Assistant Superintendent of Police Aminu Gabriel; and Dr. Austine Uroye of DTHA Constituency I, Warri South Local Government Area, among others.
Overall, the ceremony was widely applauded as a powerful symbol of cultural inclusion, unity, and shared identity within Warri Kingdom and Delta State as a whole.
