The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (retd.), Orhue I, has urged his subjects to stop indiscriminate sale of ancestral lands and embrace the lease system to safeguard their heritage for future generations.
The monarch also called on sons and daughters of the kingdom to promote peaceful coexistence with their neighbours and sustain the unity of the people, as Okpe prepares to celebrate his 20th coronation anniversary.
The appeal was made known by the Traditional Prime Minister of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman of the 20th Coronation Anniversary Committee, Chief Michael Affe, during a press briefing at the Orodje’s Palace, Orerokpe, on Friday.
Affe said the monarch made the appeal during his recent tour of the kingdom’s districts, where he interacted with residents, listened to their concerns and encouraged them to protect their ancestral inheritance.
He said the tour formed part of activities leading to the 20th coronation anniversary, which is being celebrated under the theme, “Two Decades of Peace and Progress in Okpe Kingdom.”
According to him, the monarch visited Aghalokpe, Amukpe, Arhagba, Elume, Mereje I and II, Oha, Orerokpe, Ughoton, Ugolo, Ugborhen, Ozue and Sapele districts.
Affe explained that the anniversary, scheduled for November 13 to 22, 2026, would provide an opportunity for the people to reflect on the monarch’s two decades of traditional leadership and achievements in peace, unity and development.
He said, “During the tour, the Orodje admonished the people to preserve their ancestral land. He also advised them to stop the indiscriminate sale of lands, rather they should embrace the lease system to secure the land for the incoming generations.
“He also implored all sons and daughters to maintain peace with their neighbours and remain united with one another.”
The traditional prime minister said the monarch’s reign, which began on July 29, 2006, had strengthened harmony, administrative coordination and development across the kingdom.
He noted that Okpe Kingdom, comprising about 200 communities across Okpe and Sapele local government areas, had been divided into 14 districts to improve traditional administration and ensure that the palace received firsthand information about developments and challenges in different communities.
He said the monarch initially created 13 districts and recently added Ugolo II as the 14th district.
Affe also highlighted the reconstruction of the Orodje Palace Annex in Sapele as part of efforts to bring the traditional administration closer to the people.
He explained that the facility had served as an administrative centre since the colonial era and was used by previous monarchs, Esezi II and Orhorho I, to administer Sapele and adjudicate matters relating to the customs and social activities of the people.
However, its deteriorating condition prompted the present administration to embark on its reconstruction.
The Orodje, who belongs to the Orhue ruling house, is the traditional head of a kingdom whose throne rotates among four ruling houses: Orhue, Orhorho, Evbreke and Esezi.
Before ascending the throne, Mujakperuo served as a Major General in the Nigerian Army, where he held several senior positions, including Director of Army Legal Services, Provost Marshal, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and 82 Division, and ECOMOG Force Commander in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
His contributions to regional peace and security earned him recognition from the Economic Community of West African States and the Chief of Army Staff.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Chancellor of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, and Chairman of the Association of Traditional Rulers of Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria.
The anniversary celebration will feature religious activities, cultural displays, sporting competitions, drama, awards and the conferment of chieftaincy titles.
The programme began on Friday with prayers by the Okpe Christian Assembly at Udogun Hall, while the monarch’s golf tournament and award presentation will hold on Saturday at Sapele Athletic Club.
Other activities include a seminar for prospective chiefs on November 16, a command performance of a drama titled “The Yoke” and awards to distinguished Okpe sons and daughters on November 17.
The football competition finals and cultural displays will take place at Sapele Township Stadium on November 18, while chieftaincy titles will be conferred on prospective chiefs on November 19 and 20.
The grand finale is scheduled for November 21 at the Palace Pavilion, Orerokpe, followed by a thanksgiving service at St. William’s Catholic Church on November 22 at 11am. Payment of homage by the new chiefs, the four ruling houses and other groups will take place on November 24 and 25.
Affe assured residents and visiting dignitaries that security and traffic management arrangements had been put in place for a peaceful celebration.
He described the anniversary as a collective celebration of the people rather than an event restricted to the royal family.
“This anniversary is not just for the royal family but for every son and daughter of Okpe Kingdom who has witnessed the monarch’s unwavering commitment to peace, development and unity,” he said.
He appreciated the Delta State Government, the chairmen of Okpe and Sapele local government areas, the Okpe Union, traditional chiefs, district heads, corporate organisations and other supporters for their contributions towards the celebration.