Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki Pays Tribute to Okuokpellagbe of Okpella

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki

Obaseki pays last tribute to Okuokpellagbe, pledges roads, water projects to honour late royal father

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured that the Iddo-Imiegiele Road will be reconstructed and renamed Andrew Yesufu Eshioramhe Dirisu Road in memory of the late Royal Father's contributions to the state.

He gave the assurance at a Fidau prayer in honour of the late Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, late Alhaji Dr. A.Y.E Dirisu, at the Okuokpellagbe’s Palace in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.

The governor decried the state of Iddo-Imiegiele Road, noting, “Driving here, I was disappointed by the state of road. In memory of our late father, I will construct this road with street lights and other furnishings. The road will be renamed after our late royal father.”

He assured that the water project in the area would be completed as an honour to what the late royal father stood for, adding, "we will not forget Okpella, the economy and overall development of her people."

Obaseki lauded the late royal father for his role in managing tensions and challenges in the area particularly on issues relating to mining operations.

“Our royal father represented the old order. He believed in the truth, fairness and justice. A man that stood for the liberation of his people and kingdom. We are here to celebrate his life and what he stood for,” he said.

He urged other traditional rulers to emulate the late Okuokpellagbe of Okpella’s legacy by suing for peace in their domains always.

Earlier, the Secretary, Okpella Traditional Council, High Chief Richard David, described the late Okuokpellagbe, as "a great iroko whose absence would be greatly felt." 

He appealed to the state government to construct roads to link the entire Okpella communities.

Late Alhaji Dr. Dirisu died on February 19, 2019, serving 48 years as Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.