Former governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori has been honoured with the chieftaincy title,Opu-Ekie of Ogboin clan, in Amassoma, Bayelsa state for his contributions to the peace and development of the Niger-Delta region .
Chief Ibori was conferred with the title by the Ijaw community as part of activities marking the 20th Coronation Anniversary of the traditional ruler, Ebenanowei of Ogboin kingdom HRM King Oweipa Jones-Ere III.
The ex-governor was received at the ceremony by a tumultuous crowd of supporters including members of Ijaw national congress INC,Ijaw Youth council IYC ,women group as well as Delta community in Bayelsa.
Speaking at the occasion,Chief Ibori who led the clamour for resource control and fiscal federalism for the people of the Niger- Delta,during his tenure as governor between 1999-2007 expressed gratitude for the honour.
” I will continue to be with you.Take me as one of yours.I don’t take this lightly. I know with this you expect more from me and I will do it .Whatever I can do,don’t hesitate to ask me.I am for our people all the time”
Ibori said.
Chief Ibori was earlier welcomed by Bayelsa governor, Senator Douyi Diri and son of a former
governor of the state late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha,Tara Alamieyeseigha.
On the entourage of Chief Ibori were several dignitaries including the chairman of the Niger -Delta Development Commission,NDDC Barrister Chiedu Ebie.
