Agbarha-Otor kingdom in Ughelli north local government area of Delta State and home of the first democratically elected governor of the state, Olorogun Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru, is presently in six years blackout with no hope of power restoration soon.
It was gathered that since 2015 when the incumbent governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa assumed office, the kingdom which produced Nigeria’s architect and former Senator for Delta Central Senatorial District, has been plugged into darkness.
It was learnt that the darkness has been as a result of personal and political interest of some highly placed individuals in the kingdom due to political affiliation.
The kingdom in spite of it being blessed with so many greatmen, women and oil wells has been in total blackout for these number of years with no effort to restore power.
The kingdom so powerful and highly respected in Urhobo nation, has the late Felix Ibru as a one time
President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), but lacks government presence.
Findings revealed that there has been promises and assurances from various leaders and quarters for the restoration of the light and yet these promises and assurances have not produced positive results.
An indigene of the community, Comrade Ibebe Rufus Akpobome, who spoke, tongue lashed the state governor, elected office holders from the area and political appointees for their inability to tackle the power challenge that has bedeviled the kingdom for six years.
Hear him: “While we condemn the state governor for not leaving up to expectation on this issue, we cannot exonorate any elected or appointed government officer which has jurisdiction over Agbarha-Otor from this show of shame.
“That we have no Agbarha-Otor son or daughter who can either influence or enforce the restoration of power back to the kingdom, six years after it has been thrown into darkness is something that we (Agbarha-Otor people) should be worried and shameful about. I think it’s time to break the silence and offend ourselves by speaking the truth if truly we wish to move out of this pitiable and shameful state.
“Let’s ask ourselves some serious questions; who or what is responsible for the continuous blackout in the kingdom? Why are we still in darkness after the many promises and assurance from various leaders and quarters that power would be restored soonest?
“Why are we not holding those that promised to restore our light and failed accountable for their actions? Are we comfortable with the darkness or merely afraid to speak up so as not to offend the powers that be? These questions should be answered sincerely as that is one of the ways to move out of this situation.
“Am aware that some of us are saying we should come out and protest against this blackout. I stand with those calling for this massive protest against this prolong and shameful blackout. I agree totally that we should as a people come out in our large numbers to demand for an end to this blackout but if we must protest we must do so peacefully.
“But let’s also not fail to ask ourselves why the earlier protest failed to actualize it’s major purpose; restoration of power in our kingdom. If we know why the first protest didn’t yield the much needed result, then we can plan well and ensure that we not only protest this time but do so and get the needed result.
“Let me state it clearly that the blackout would continue if we keep quiet or fail to speak in order to avoid being hated. Six years is not six days. It’s time we as a people come together and say; Enough is enough”, he added.
