The people of Sokebolou and Youkiri Federated Communities in the ancient oil-rich Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu local government area of Delta State have reaffirmed their loyalty to the Ebenanaowei of the ancient riverine kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM Elder Capt. King Joseph Ijawperebo Timiyan (JP) Ph.D., Torububou 1, Agbonu.

The people of the land of peace, hospitality, and goodness—as the Sokebolou and Youkiri communities are fondly known—made the pledge during the royal tour of His Majesty as part of the lined up of activities marking the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the Ebenanaowei, on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the people, the Chairman of Sokebolou community, Comr. Anumu Believe, in his welcome address warmly welcomed the king and his entourage to the communities.

"On behalf of the good and peace loving people of Sokebolou Youkiri Federated Communities, I, Comr. Anumu R. Believe, Chairman of Sokebolou Community warmly welcome Your Royal Majesty and Your Royal entourage.

"Today is a day of pride and thanksgiving as we receive our father and king on his royal tour in celebration of your 20th coronation anniversary. We say with joy and reference, a royal welcome to Sokebolou Youkiri," Comr. Anumu stressed 

Speaking further, he prided the people of both communities for their unity, hard work, respect for authorities and dedication to upholding traditional values, while also praising the communities for their reputation in hospitality among others.

"Our Federated Communities are richly blessed with fertile land, abundant oil resources, and long beautiful shorelines. Yes, our greatest wealth lies in our people—hardworking, united, and respectful of tradition and authority.

"Sokebolou Youkiri stands as the very nucleus of the Ogulagha Kingdom, the cradle of our people. We are united by our unity, heritage, and progress, guided by a well-structured leadership system and a functional constitution.

"We uphold peace, order, and transparency. We also take pride in our hospitality that has continued to draw people of different tribes and tongues to our land. Sokebolou Youkiri is home to the Ijaws, Illajes, Urhobos, Hausas, and those who call our land home," he added.

Going down memory lane, Comr. Anumu also hailed the Ebenanaowei's role in fostering peace within the Sokebolou community by resolving land disputes, an act he noted has helped to unite the people more.

"Your Majesty, we fondly remember your fatherly intervention in time past when you personally helped to resolve land disputes among families in Sokebolou. We equally remember with gratitude your intervention in the Ogulagha family's land case against the community and how that intervention contributed greatly to the community winning the case.

"Your wisdom, patience, and fairness has continued to restore peace and strengthen the bond of brotherhood in our land. For this, we remain forever grateful."

In congratulating His Royal Majesty on behalf of the people, Anumu said, "As we celebrate your royal visit today, we affirm our unwavering loyalty, respect and love for your throne. We join the entire Ogulagha Kingdom in celebrating your 20 years of peaceful, purposeful, and progressive union—a reign marked by justice, humility, development, and divine wisdom. May the Almighty continue to bless you with long life, sound health, and strength to lead your people to greater height in peace and prosperity," he prayed.

His Royal Majesty, in company of the Queen of Ogulagha Kingdom, Nurse Timiyan (JP), and other traditional personalities, offered prayers of blessings, peace, unity and prosperity on the people.

Earlier, in demonstration of their allegiance, the communities presented gifts to the King, as well as entertained His Majesty and his guests . View photos of the royal visit here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GFk27ruhA/

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