Wike becomes first governor to drive into Opobo Kingdom

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has made history as the first governor to drive into the ancient city of Opobo.

The governor was handed the ‘Golden Key’ to the city on Wednesday by Amayanabo and Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja.

King Douglas-Jaja was full of thanks to the governor for constructing the road leading to the kingdom.

“Opobo people are happy that you have constructed this road into our town. This is a historic moment that the governor is the first to drive into the kingdom.

“This is the Golden Key into the historic city of Opobo. With this key, you are now a citizen of Opobo. You have all the rights of an Opobo citizen,” he said

Alabo Godwin Bupo revealed that no governor had driven into the kingdom since it was founded in 1870.

“By this singular act, you have made history which cannot be equaled. We remain grateful to you for keeping your promise to our people that they would drive home in December 2018,” he said.

Mr Wike, visibly elated to be honoured as such, said, “I give God the glory that during my time, Opobo people can drive into their beautiful kingdom. Sir Peter Odili started this road, but could not complete it. The immediate past administration could not complete it. We are happy that we are the administration that will complete the road.”

Wike also said that King Jaja insisted that he drove into the ancient island instead of flying in a chopper to the area.

The governor thanked the Opobo Council of Chiefs for the recognition and assured that the Opobo axis of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road would be completed.