The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HIs Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II (JP), Aketekpe, Agadagba, played host to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) CFR, who paid an historic visit to the riverine Ijaw kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

The Ooni who spoke at the palace in Oporoza, headquarters of the kingdom, said the visit is aimed at further deepening the existing relationship between the Ijaw and the Yoruba ethnic nationalities, just as he commended the host for securing national assets as well as accommodating Yorubas doing business in the region.

"Gbaramatu is located between two major terminals. Your Majesty, we are here to associate with your kingdom and also to continue to tell our government that there is nothing as good as local involvement in economic emancipation," the Ooni said after a grand reception ceremony from his host.

"We saw what the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom is doing for the country, keeping the assets of our country. We saw the great things you have done by bringing the natural habitat back and we are very appreciative of all the good things you have been doing," he added.

The Ooni who also reiterated the fact that the Ijaws can be found in Ondo, Ogun, Lagos and other Yorubaland across the country, commended the Pere of Gbaramatu for the synergy with local communities to secure oil assets and added that sons and daughters of the kingdom deserve to benefit from the natural endowed resources in the area.

"We have a component of Ijaw people in Ife, Ondo, Lagos and some parts of Ogun state. Wherever you see water bodies you will find the good people of Ijaw. Water is life. Thank you your Majesty. We will continue to remember the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom," the Ooni proclaimed.

Earlier, the Pere of Gbaramatu, in company of the Pere of Tubutoru Kingdom in Ondo State, HRM Pere Gbebokedi Ajirioba, Oguruyeke, Okirimini 1; and the Pere of Furupagha Kingdom in Edo State, HRM Pere Roman Bohan, the Atunkpokubu, had entertained the Ooni and his entourage.

Oboro Gbaraun II, in his welcome note, and with reference to the historic visit by the Ooni, said they have been expecting such a visit. His Majesty however lamented that though the Ijaw Nation feeds the country with its natural resources of oil and gas, they have been neglected by the government, more especially as traditional rulers are not given their fair share of recognition.

"This is Nigeria, we are one, we are brothers. But on the other hand, are we living as brothers?" the Pere of Gbaramatu asked. "Ooni, I will say, we are not! Because, we have politicians everywhere, they rule the affairs of our country.

"We, the traditional rulers here, should be carried along, not with money. If the politicians have respect for us, I tell you today that the country we are, is settled. They undermine us, ignore us, abandon us, but we are the ones to play the bigger part as far as Nigeria is concerned. We know how we can make peace in our kingdoms," the Pere added.

Addressing the press later, Chief Sheriff Mulade, the Ibe Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, said for the Ooni to identify the kingdom for a visit is a welcome development and that the visit will further cement the relationship between the two ethnic nationalities, especially as the workers in the multinational companies are majorly Yorubas.

The peace ambassador also called on the multinational companies and the government to desist from neglecting the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom saying "it is our right, not a privilege, to be employed by oil companies" and that the federal government should give maximum attention to the development of Gbaramatu and other riverine communities in the region.

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