By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Urhobo Traditional Rulers in Delta State have congratulated the newly installed Ohworode of the Ancient Olomu Kingdom, HRM Albert Akpomudje SAN, while calling on the Federal Government to constitutionally assign official responsibilities to monarchs across Nigeria.
The monarchs noted that traditional rulers are closest to the grassroots and should not be expected to respond to societal concerns without clear statutory roles recognised in the Nigerian Constitution.
According to them, assigning defined duties to royal institutions will strengthen peace and enhance security management in local communities.
“The insecurity in the country will be adequately addressed if there are constitutional responsibilities,” the Urhobo Traditional Rulers said.
Speaking on their behalf, the Ovie of the Idjerhe Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area, HRM King Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Urhie I, emphasised that traditional rulers remain the most accessible tier of leadership.
“The governor is in Asaba but I am in my kingdom. We have 774 LGAs in Nigeria. If there is peace in the 774 LGAs, it is the traditional rulers that make things possible. So, we desire a constitutional duty from the Federal Government,” he said.
He congratulated HRM Akpomudje on becoming the 14th Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, describing his emergence as culturally significant and a privilege to the Urhobo nation.
“Culture has beckoned on him and it is in tandem with the tradition of his people. No honour is more greater than this. We are happy that one of our members is a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Vice Chairman of the Body of Benchers. I congratulate him, the Olomu Kingdom, Urhobo Traditional Rulers and Deltans,” he added.
Also congratulating the new monarch, Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion of Nigeria, Bishop (Dr.) Odiboroghene Cyril Odutemu, described the coronation as divinely orchestrated.
He said the new reign would usher in growth and opportunities for the kingdom, the church and the legal community.
“This is an opportunity not just for him as a person, but for the Church and the learned cadre of men in the society to pilot the affairs of the kingdom. We believe greater things are coming,” he said.
He disclosed that HRM Akpomudje SAN is the third Anglican member to ascend the Olomu throne, stressing that the church remains grateful to the kingdom.
Meanwhile, HRM Akpomudje has clarified that no existing law bars him from continuing legal practice even as a monarch.
He, however, hinted that he may seek a special dispensation for limited court appearances in exceptional cases.
“No law prevents me from going to court as a king, and I stand to be corrected,” he said. “But if I want people to give that position the respect it deserves, it may be difficult for me to practice like before. I am thinking of applying to the Bar Council for an exception so that I can appear in very high-profile cases at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria was coronated on Saturday, November 15.