Top Dignitaries Storm Okpoma as Governor Otu's Deputy CoS Bags Chieftaincy Title

Top Dignitaries Storm Okpoma as Governor Otu's Deputy CoS Bags Chieftaincy Title 

By Ebriku John Friday

It was a day of celebration, culture, and pride as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Chief Hon. Boniface Okache Ogrinya, was honoured with the traditional chieftaincy title of Oyame 1 by the Utukpo Ada community of Okpoma in Yala Local Government Area.

The event, which attracted dignitaries from across Cross River and neighbouring states, was described as a “historic moment” for the community and the celebrant.

Chief Okache was formally decorated by Chief Moses Oko, the Ogbuole of Utukpo Community, and received blessings from the Paramount Ruler of Yala, HRM Ogamode Eje Ipuole, alongside other first-class traditional rulers from the Yala nation.

Top Dignitaries Grace the Occasion

Among the many distinguished guests were the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Sam Odey; Executive Director of Finance, South-South Development Commission, Chief Ambassador Sony Abang; and Commissioner representing Cross River State at the South-South Development Commission, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey.

Also present were the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Chief Sen. Prof. Stephen Adi Odey; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, represented by Ogoja LGA Chairman Hon. Chris Agbeh; and the State APC Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, represented by the APC Yala Chapter Chairman, Hon. Solomon Ogar.

Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly in attendance included Hon. Brian Odey (Yala 1), Hon. Martin Ochadu (Yala 2), Hon. Dr. Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), and Hon. Charles Omang (Bekwarra).

Traditional rulers such as HRM Ogamode Eje Ipuole, Ogamode Onah Ipuole of Okpinya Echuchu-Ada, Ogamode Odey Ipuole of O’oh, HRH Okache Ipuole of Edebia, Ogamode Adoga Ipuole of Yeka, and Ogamode Odaji Ipuole of Okuku Kingdom also graced the event with their royal presence and blessings.

“A Historic Day for Me” — Chief Hon. Boniface Okache

In his remarks, Chief Hon. Boniface Okache expressed deep gratitude to his community for the honour bestowed on him, describing the day as a turning point in his life.

“I am glad that today is very historic, not just for me, but for my entire political journey. It shows that my community recognises my efforts and has counted me worthy to be admitted into the council of elders. This is indeed very special,” he said.

He thanked notable Yala leaders for their support and mentorship, particularly Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, whom he described as “a father and mentor”.

“Rt. Hon. Larry Odey was one of those who nurtured me to this level. The people have crowned me today, and I believe leadership comes from the people. Those here today are our true leaders,” he added.

“He Has Washed His Hands Clean” — Chief Dr. Peter Ojie

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Dr. Ntufam Peter Ojie, commended the community for recognising one of their own who has contributed significantly to governance and development in the state.

“There’s an old saying that when a child washes his hands clean, he can dine with the elders. Today, Utukpo community has decided that their son, Boniface Okache, has washed his hands clean enough to join the elders. This is a well-deserved honour,” Ojie said.

He further encouraged the new chief to continue to serve with humility and dedication.

“This honour comes with higher expectations. The demands on you will be greater, but we are confident you will meet them. When you shine out there, the glory will first go to God and then to your people,” he added.

Community Presents Requests to the Governor

In a welcome address read on behalf of the Utukpo Okpame community, the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Otu and his administration for their support and for appointing their son to such a high office.

“We are grateful to our amiable People First Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and his beloved wife, for mentoring our son. We also appreciate the Deputy Governor and other political leaders for their confidence in our community,” the statement reads.

The community, while thanking the state government for its support, presented five key development requests: 1. Construction of a town hall. 2. Tarring of the community’s ring road. 3. Comprehensive renovation of Yala Secondary Commercial School. 4. Employment opportunities for qualified graduates. And5. Electrification of the community.

“Today, Utukpo Okpame feels close to heaven. We believe that God sends prophets to lead and liberate His people. We remain hopeful and prayerful for the continuity of this visionary administration beyond 2027,” the statement concluded.

Cultural Display and Celebration

The ceremony drew a large crowd of community elders, women, youths, children, friends, political associates, and well-wishers from across Ada communities.

Several cultural troupes added colour to the day with traditional performances, including the Ijosi Dance Group of Abachor Okpame, Egugu Boys of Olachor Okpoma, Okonache Dancers of Okpoma, Wohi of Oba, and the Story Dance Group of Ayeko.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to the celebrant by the Utukpo Okpame Women, the Prince Is Coming Movement (Yala Chapter), and members of the Oja Ugu Foundation.