Royal fathers in Edo state, weekend, conferred a traditional title of Oshiosimua (Divine Redeemer) Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
The royal fathers in Edo North, were led by the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe 111 to confer the title on the Governor.
The Crown Prince and Edaiken of Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa who was Chairman of the ceremony which attracted the cream of the State including traditional rulers, members of the National Assembly, state lawmakers, the academia and others said the title showed that “his people in Edo North, and indeed all people of Edo State appreciate him for his achievements and say they are solidly behind him to do more for the state.”
He said: “we must commend His Excellency Adams Oshiomhole for demonstrating that a free and fair election can hold in Nigeria without the attendant violence. Oshiomhole has become a shining touch bearer and flagship of democratic practice in Nigeria that Nigeria can get to the promise land of a desired level of democracy.
He recalled, “When I was serving as an Ambassador in Rome I heard that the Comrade had introduced taxes. I spoke to some of his critics on phone that the governor was only implementing existing tax laws, that the payment of tax was a sine qua non in developed countries. I said payment of tax was a necessity for development and that I had confidence the governor will use the tax money judiciously.”
In his words, “today we are all witnesses to more of the project the governor has done with tax payers money in the state.”
Also speaking on the occasion, the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Momoh on behalf of the Edo North Traditional Rulers said the reception was in recognition of the outstanding performance of a son of the soil and Edo State at large.
“We are here today to celebrate a young man who has served his nation. God says you look at the past to determine the future and the present. Now, what is the past of this young man. He was the foremost pioneer of a detribalized Nigerian Labour Congress and was the famous pioneer of the fight to finish of the rights of man.
“He has delivered this most successively before ever he thought about going into politics. Like I said this occasion is grounded in the spirit of Edo State that is why we invited the Crown Prince to be the Chairman of this occasion to analyze and itemize the profile of the governor which he has delivered today,” he noted.
According to him. “All I need now to say is that in tandem with the Almighty Allah, we have here in Edo North what the Crown Prince described as a messiah and he has analyzed three areas to demonstrate crystallize and pinpoint his speech.
“The man we are celebrating today is not Oshiomhole, is not Adams, not the comrade but Almighty God who has made him what he is and given him the soul to do what he did in the NLC and his first term in office which everybody in the state has bought into,” he added.
The Otaru of Auchi disclosed that the traditional rulers of Edo North in appreciation of this good delivery which has been categorized, “we now wish to declare as witnesses for these outstanding performances as witnesses to God for the truth which has been embedded in Edo State.
Responding, the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole promised to do his best to meet the expectation of the people.
“Let me thank our Royal fathers from different local governments in Edo North for your decision to honour me this afternoon and like the Crown Prince said, it is not everyday you find respected royal fathers from various kingdoms and domain coming together in unison to acknowledge and to give honour to their son.
“By your action you have increased my burden because as they say to whom much is given much is expected. Last year I had the fortune of being recognized and appreciated by the royal fathers from Edo Central, from Esan land when they all agreed to confer on me the Adolor of Esanland. When I understood the full interpretation in English and that which you confer on me today it will appear that the minds of our royal fathers are working the same way.
“I am humbled and I am grateful, I am indebted and committed to continue to do my best using the instrument of my privileged office to deliver joy and happiness and prosperity to the greatest number of our people in Edo state,” the Governor added.
