By Ika Mirror
Obi Ikenchuku Road is one of the most popular and oldest roads in the ancient Kingdom of Agbor, Delta State. The naming of the road in 1979 was to immortalize His Royal Majesty Ikenchuku who ruled Agbor Kingdom from 1940-1979. His glorious and successful reign took Agbor Kingdom to a higher height. Therefore, the naming of a popular road stretching from the Orogodo River in Boji-Boji to Obi-Olihe in Ime-Obi, Agbor was completely one of the best ways to keep evergreen the memory of a great king.
It was however a great surprise when the news came that Obi Ikenchuku Road has been annexed with the Old Lagos/Asaba Road and both roads renamed, “Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa Road”.
The decision to name a road after the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa was not a bad one because he has contributed meaningfully to the development of both Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas. He performed well as governor, so, he deserves any honour accorded him by his people. However, the renaming of the Old Lagos/Asaba Road and Obi Ikenchuku Road as Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa Road would be a slight to “our revered Obi Ikenchuku of blessed memory”. This article was not aimed to kick against naming of a street or road after Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa but it should not be done at the detriment of anyone.
While I commend the executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on the good decision to honour his predecessor, I humbly request that he should use his exalted office to rescind his decision of renaming of Obi Ikenchuku Road.
Our people are peaceful, hospitable, loving and law abiding. Obi Ikenchuku was a great and dear king, cherished and loved by the whole Agbor people. So, renaming the road that was used to immortalize him is an insult to our people, which will not be acceptable in any way.
From Chief Sunday Solomon Ibude,JP.
The Mebuzor Sonme Dein of Agbor Kingdom.
