Installation of Paramount Chief, Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo of Ogu Kingdom Rivers State, Nigeria

  Installation of Paramount Chief, Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo of Ogu Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria.

The 19^{th of} April ,2025, was a milestone in ancient Ogu Kingdom, headquarter of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. On that blessed day, Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo was installed and crowned as Paramount head, Alabo of the newly created Chieftaincy War Canoe House in Offiamani Group of War Canoe Houses, to be henceforth known as, Alabo (Chief) Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo, Obuoforibo the 11, Ogunu Feni 1^st. This was done by the Ogu Divisional Councils of Chiefs (ODCC) and admission into the Ogu Se Ala-Ogbo at Town Hall, Ogu amid cannon shots signalled the arrival of the Alabo-Elect and cultural displays to herald the event in accordance with customs and traditions of Wakirike bese (Okrika) communities of the Eastern Ijaws of the Niger Delta Region.

At the installation ceremony inside the hall, the Ogu Divisional Councils of Chiefs ably led by its Chairman, Chief Adokiye Ochiemiebia Chuku. The Chiefs council used the opportunity to administer the oath of office on him and then decorate him with his new chieftaincy regalia and staff of office handed to him.

Shortly after the installation proper, charged the new Chief to be courageous and firm in the discharge of his responsibility especially in the administration of justice and protection of the kingdom always. In his address, lauded all members of Obuoforibo War Canoe House for their proactive measure in chosen a vibrant and intelligent personality who will represent their House in Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs.

Chief Chuku appealed to all members of Obuoforibo War Canoe House to work as a team when it is required for the interest of the House, he added.

In In his acceptance speech, Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo   thanked the Chairman and the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs for the conferment of the chieftaincy title on him. I know that without the approval of the Ogu Se- Ala Ogbo ; the chieftaincy would not have been given to me,” he said. He dedicated the chieftaincy title to God and his dedicated and patriotic members of the Obuoforibo Chieftaincy War Canoe House, explaining that the name of the title, Ogunu Feni   , means “ , Peacock, distinguished for its beautiful ; legend has it that its feathers sing that is, probably when it clacks; a good singer or revered personality is nicknamed ògùnú in Wakirike (Okrika) dialect of the Ijaw language. God crowns or makes the King   ” “Without God I wouldn’t be here and wouldn’t be crowned with the chieftaincy title,” he said to the Glory of God Almighty.

Thereafter, he was escorted to the Magistrate Court field, Ogu and admitted into Ogu/Bolo Se Ala-Ogbo (Local Government Area Council of Chiefs) by various cultural groups led by Agiji Ti (matchets display) Amase Awo cultural musical group of Ogoloma Town in Okrika Local Government Area and Eremini Ogbo women singing group in Ogu kingdom, the Offiamani women’s group representing the War Canoe Houses and subsequently, reception at the same venue, where their waiting guests were lavishly entertained.

Among the dignitaries that graced the event at Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo were Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and Deputy Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro Town in Bayelsa State, and the Chairman of the occasion, Chief. Hon. Barr Boma Iyaye Esq and Executive Director of Finance and Administrations NDDC and Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Se-Alabo Ogbo, the former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Paramount Head of Etem War Canoe House; distinguished Senator Chief (Dr) George Thompson Sekibo CON, Hon. Akuro Tobin former Executive chairman of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers state and Hon. Barr. Vincent Nemieboka former Executive Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Dr. Kio Tams a prominent Politician in Ogu Kingdom, University Teacher and Clergyman, Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Amatemeso CEO - Mercy Divine Properties Ltd, High Chief Tobin a highly respected politician and Traditional Chief in Koni-Ama and a bosom friend to the installed Chief Obuoforibo late father, Chief Dr. Faith Amaso JP a former Civil Commissioner and  CTC Chairman of Ogu/Bolo  , traditional rulers , Captains of industries, political associates and Clergymen and others.

 

     High Chief Tobin JP. of Koni Ama, Okrika LGA

 

High Chief.  Engr. Stephen Tamunodiepiriye Anga, Owiya-Kune

Another, elderly Respected Traditional Paramount Chief in the community, High Chief.  Engr. Stephen Tamunodiepiriye Anga, Owiya-Kune, an uncle to the newly installed Chief and a descendant of Obuoforibo said Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo is a direct descendant and his late father, a respected Patriot, Community leader, Politician and Clergyman Hon. Maxwell Tamunomie Iyama JP, was during his lifetimes was once a chairman of the great Obuoforibo family in Ogu kingdom. He added that the chieftaincy installation is well deserved, stressing that the celebrant has very valuable qualities like is Braveheart father who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the growth of the Ogu community and the Wakirike-Se (Okrika) of the Eastern Ijaws of the Niger Delta Region and urged him to continue with those qualities that have identified him as a great leader especially in his present assignment for the peace ,stability and  development of Ogu Kingdom.

Background

This historic event honours the rich cultural heritage of the Obuoforibo War Canoe House of Ogu. And so, as God-fearing and peace-loving people, the members of Obuoforibo Furo (Family) moved for a peaceful approach by adopting the name of their Patriarch, the Legendary OBUOFORIBO for a new War Canoe House in Ofiamani Omuaru Wariyingi Se Group of Houses in 2024.

Consequently, Ibiso T. Iyama was presented to the Ofiamani Wariyingi Se on 19^th October 2024. He was accepted and the traditional raising of his hands was done by the Chairman of Ofiamani Wariyingi Se, Chief Israel Iboms Eleni to the applause of everyone present. Thus, a new OBUOFORUBO War Canoe House came into existence on that day.

Thereafter, the Chief-Elect, Ibiso Tam Iyama was also presented to the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs (ODCC) on Friday, 1^st November 2024 to the glory of God.

Significance of the Installation

The installation of the esteemed Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo. The Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs inaugurates the newly created Chieftaincy House. This event marks a new chapter in Ogu’s history. This event underscores the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage, tradition and ensuring continuity of Ogu’s great legacy of the Wakirike-Ijaw communities dating back centuries.

The ODCC Chairman, Chief Adokiye Ochiemiebia Chuku said that God's blessings will continue to manifest in newly created traditional Chieftaincy House for the continues peaceful progress of Ogu kingdom.

 

 In a short speech, Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who is the Chairman of the occasion, congratulate the newly installed Chief for allowing himself to be chosen and inform him to be submissive, peoples servant and do all he could to ensure Obuoforibo stool attain it height and to improve the living standards of the good people of Ogu Kingdom.

In his speech, Se Alabo Boma Iyaye Esq, the Chief of the Chiri War Canoe House of the Loko Group of Houses in Kingdom, Rivers State,

lauded members of Obuoforibo’s House for their most excellent and genuinely chosen Alabo Ibiso as the Chief and Head of Obuoforibo War Canoe House.

Alabo (Hon) Boma Iyaye, charged all members of Obuoforibo War Canoe House to sincerely work with the new Chief. Adding that the Chief cannot work alone without the general co-operation of his subjects. He commended all stakeholders who collectively and individually have rendered their selfless support to make Obuoforibo House achieves its target goals.

 

Alabo Rev. Francis Ada-Ebenezer- Onye, JP

Alabo Rev. Francis Ada Ebenezer- Onye advised the new chief to cooperate with all the entire members of Obuoforibo War Canoe House for the development of the people. According to him, that he believes that Ibiso Chieftaincy installation is inspiration from God Almighty, that his very happy that I have a brother chief who will be supporting me in Ogu chief’s council in times of argument and deliberation for the good and development of our beloved kingdom into greater height.

Madam Bernice Obuoforibo, Grandmother of the installed Chief

 

Background

PAST/PRESENT LEADERS OF THE OBUOFORIBO FURO

1.   Late Chief James Kalaonye Ebenezer JP

2.   Late Elder Johnny George Obuoforibo

3.   Late. Tamunotonye Bennett Opuda, DSCS of Correctional service

4.   Later Elder Gordon Dike Aaron Atemie

5.   Late Elder Onumodu Dabipi

6.   Late Supt. Apostle General Hon. Maxwell Tamunomie Iyama JP

7.   Chief Clinton N. Olungwe

8.   Chief. Engr Stephen Tamunodiepiriye Anga, Owiya Kune

9.   Late Professor. Josiah Atemie

10.                Elder Samuel Tamuno-Irowarisima, Assistant Director-General (ADG), DSS.

10. Elder Supt. Apostle George Anaka Obuoforibo JP

11.  Bishop Dr. King-David Ebenezer JP

   12.  Late Professor George Johnny Obuoforibo

   13.  Alabo Rev. Francis Ada Ebenezer-Onye JP.

    13.  Late ArchDeacon Samuel Nathan Dokibo

    14.  Bishop Daniel Adieboye Fienemika

    15.  Elder Ibisiki Opuogoloya

    16.  Elder Dr. Joachim Atemie

    16.  Elder Jinbobarayesebietonma   Karibo-Nelson

    17.  Elder Alade Aguru Yikabo

     18. Madam Bernice Obuoforibo, Grandmother of the installed Chief

    18. Late Madam Chukubo Ibifuro Abbey

      19. Late Madam Tamunoene Sunday Bennett Opuda.

     20. Late Madam Blessing Igbikinemi Daso Kalaiyo

     21. Madam Oribi Eugene Wakama JP

21. Mrs. Comfort Chukubo Ekaro, a former Federal Permanent Secretary Permsec, in Nigeria.

 

CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY OBUOFORIBO WAR CANOE HOUSE

1.   Elder George Anaka Obuoforibo              -                  Chairman

2.   Elder Jinbobaraye Karibo-Nelson            -           Secretary

 

BRIEF BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHIEF-ELECT

The Chief-Elect Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo was born on 1^st December 1978, He is the son of the respected Community Leader, Politician and Clergyman, Late Supt. Apostle General Hon. Maxwell Tamunomie Iyama son of Late Madam Bernice Obuoforibo. Madam Bernice was a biological Granddaughter of our revered Patriarch of the Obuoforibo Dynasty.  

 

The Chief-Elect Ibiso Iyama attended Port Harcourt Primary School, Rivers State College of Education Demonstration Secondary School. He also attended the University of Port Harcourt where he obtained a B.Sc. Degree Certificate in Geology. He also obtained an MBA from Business School Netherlands, Holland.

He had held the positions of Territorial Sales Manager, Globacom Limited Nigeria’s Multinational Telecommunication Giant.

He has held various Senior Management positions in Multi-national Organizations in Airtel Nigeria, Celtel Nigeria Limited, Visafone Communications Nigeria Limited, Vee Networks Nigeria Limited and Universal Trust Bank.

He is currently the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Director of Finance and Administration in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He is a seasoned Communication Consultant with 18 years practical experience spanning virtually all sectors of business endeavours.

Chief-Elect Obuoforibo’s commitment to Community Development is evident in his involvement in various organisations. And he was awarded by his beloved Ogu Community Good Companion Social Club in December 2017 for recognizing his dedication to the welfare, peace and development of Ogu Community.

 

He was the first Chief of Obuoforibo Omuaru Wari and Inaugurated into the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs (ODDC) on, Friday, 1^st November 2024.

Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo is happily married to Engr. Mrs. Ani Ibiso Iyama. The Union is blessed with three (3) Children. Ibiso is a devoted Christian with unshakable belief, trust and faith in God. 

 

He is sincerely grateful to all for the rare privilege given to him to serve and firm support for making the occasion a huge success to the glory of God.

Conclusion

As Alabo Ibiso Tamunomie Iyama Obuoforibo assumes his new role, he embodies leadership and responsibility. Ogu kingdom looks ahead to his guidance and visionary approach, through contemporary times while honoring ancestral traditions of the Braveheart Ogu-apu (Peoples) to the founding fathers of this Traditional institution upon which it was established

In his vote of thanks, the Chief (Alabo) installed sincerely assured to work with his Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs for the peace and development of the blessed Ogu community and promise to carry the entire members of Obuoforibo War Canoe House, taking everything into account, without hesitation.

In his comments, the Chairman of Obuoforibo’s War Canoe House, Warisenibo Elder George Anaka Obuoforibo noted that their Wari Alabo (House Chief) Ibiso has been upright dutiful and diligent in his dealing since he was chosen as their Paramount Chief and continue to maintain the standard and promise to work as a team with their Chief. He however, thanked all those who came 

together to grace their Braveheart Chieftaincy installation.

Elder Jinbobaraye Karibo-Nelson, Secretary of Obuoforibo House.

In his remarks, Elder Jinbobaraye Karibo-Nelson,1^st Cousin to the newly installed Chief and Secretary of Obuoforibo House maintain that our true foundation lies in Peace, Unity, Love and transparently. His grateful to Almighty God for his mercy and grace to make this blessed day and installation come to pass, into fruitfulness in Jesus name Amen.

May the Almighty God richly bless the Alabo Ibiso Obuoforibo, Chiefs and people of the Ogu Kingdom Traditional Area.

To God be the Glory!  Congratulations to the Obuoforibo War Canoe House of Ogu Kingdom on this historic and epoch-making occasion.

In the mid-20t^h century, the Obuoforibo family had greatly expanded in size and influence in Ogu Kingdom and Wakirike se (Okrika) clan of the Eastern Ijaw of the Niger delta region. Our great revered Patriarch Obuoforibo ‘s Descendants continue his courageous and Patriotic legacy establishing themselves as prominent figures, personalities in politics, community leaders, Government administrators and religious institutions.

On the late 20th century Obuoforibo Descendants held various kingship and Traditional Chieftaincy titles and were utmost involved in the administration of the Ogu Island for the peace, stability and development to the present status of peninsula.

In the 21^st century, the Obuoforibo Descendants remains a major pillar of the Ogu Kingdom and continues to uphold their legacy in community leadership, and economic development of the Kingdom.

Presently, Six of Obuoforibo Descendants are Paramount Heads, Traditional Chiefs namely, Opudere, Owiya-Kune, Onye, Ali-Igonibi, Gbobbo and Obuoforibo Chieftaincy War Canoe Houses in Ogu Kingdom to the Glory of God for the abiding great legacy in Ogu, Wakirike se, Ijaw-land and Nigeria as a beloved nation.

JINBOBARAYE KARIBO-NELSON, JP, SCIPM, FECRMI.CPSS, A grandson of the late Madam Bernice Obuoforibo, Great grandson of Ma Fiedinpeleka Silverline Obuoforibo and Great-great grandson of Obuoforibo. The great Patriarch of our Obuoforibo dynasty.

 A Social Commentator, freelance writer, and Security Analyst, an Alumnus of University of Port Harcourt, a registered member of many professional organizations such as, Fellow of Emergency, Crisis and Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, Senior Member Chartered Institute of Public Management Nigeria, Nigerian Legion, International NGO Safety and Security Association (INSSA), United States Institute of Peace (USIP) and a Veteran of Armed Forces of Nigeria (Navy).

 He also, an Elder of Ijaw Youth Council Eastern Zone, Secretary and Elder (Warisenibo) of Obuoforibo Chieftaincy War Canoe House in Ogu Kingdom and member of Wakirike National Congress (WNC) in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Writes from Obuoforibo compound in Obuoforibo War Canoe House, Ogu Town, Rivers State, Port Harcourt.

karibonelson@gmail.com

karibonelson.com

www.jinelkaribonel@gmail.com, www.karibonelson.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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