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Omo-Agege, Keyamo Absent As Osinbajo Storms Delta, Seeks Constitutional Role For Nigerian Kings

Published

3 years ago

March 5, 2022

BIGPEN

Two prominent bigwigs of All Progressives Congress (APC) from Delta State playing high-wired politics in Abuja, the nation’s capital, were conspicuously absent on Saturday as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his entourage stormed Delta State.

BIGPENNGR reports that Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and his archival, Minister of State Labour and Productivity, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, were no-show as Osinbajo was in Delta State for a thanksgiving service to celebrate the life of late Chief Patrick Emurode Sito Ideh.

Speculations are rife that all might not be well with the camps of the APC chieftains. Sources said that Omo-Agege was doing everything possible not to offend the camp of Osinbajo and the political bloc of APC national leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

BIGPENNGR reports that a recent statement made by Omo-Agege manfriday, Hon Ejiroghene Waive calling on Osinbajo to run for the Presidency had caused serious stir in the corridor of power with some powerful forces calling to ask if Waive was speaking for Omo-Agege or secretly siding Osinbajo’s presidential ambition.

The Vice President arrived Warri via the Osubi Airstrips in company of President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Mr. Akpata and was received by Delta State Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro.

He later visited the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III, and the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1 where he was treated to a warm reception.

At the palace of Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Osinbajo was told of how the Senate thrashed presentation made by traditional rulers who are seeking constitutional role for Nigerian monarchs.

Omo-Agege is the chairman of the 1999 constitutional review committee of the upper legislative chamber.

The Uvwie monarch told Osinbajo that traditional rulers were highly disappointed when their request for entrenchment of constitutional role for Kings was not mentioned by the Senate in the constitutional amendment, saying ‘traditional rulers were not happy about it’.

He therefore appealed to Vice President Osinbajo to ensure the role of traditional rulers was entrenched in the constitution by the National Assembly owing to the important role of peace making at the grassroots.

In his response, Prof. Osinbajo acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in peace making in the society and

commended the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom; HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso for his role in sustaining the peace in Uvwie.

He assured that he would reintroduced the issue before the National Assembly for consideration.

Specifically, the Vice President said that in view of the fact that traditional rulers were more in touch with the grass roots there was need for the National Assembly to give them constitutional roles.

He prayed that with the level of politics gathering momentum the National Assembly would be able to finish their constitutional duty and amend the constitution.

According to him, ‘the President also wants some constitutional role for traditional ruler’.

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, said the existing peace in the state was achieved with the collaboration of the traditional rulers.

Governor Okowa thanked the vice president for the visit to the state and assured him that Delta State will continue to remain peaceful so as to attract more attention and development projects from the Federal Government.

Chief Ideh died 22 December 2021 and was buried since January 1, 2022 but his interment reception was held on Friday and outing service slated for Saturday.

The elder statesman who died at 95 year, was one of those who fought for Nigeria independence and had been practicing law since 1961.