Ovie Richard Layeguen, Delta Monarch Who Reads Without Glasses

UGHELLI—INDIGENES of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State have every reason to celebrate their revered monarch, HRM Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro I JP, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom.

Interestingly, the Ohworode, the oldest educated monarch in the state, who turned 99 years in January is so blessed that he still reads without glasses, walks unaided and displays the strength of a horse. The monarch in company of his immediate family recently caused a stir when he drove himself in a black Lexus jeep to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ogoni- Olomu for a special thanksgiving service.
Secret of longevity Acknowledging God as the secret behind his longevity, the monarch urged all Nigerians, especially Urhobos to turn to God in solving her problems stressing that no human effort can permanently eradicate the problems plaguing the country. According to him, “God has been magnanimous to us as a people, yet we are crawling and sleeping. Am urging every one of us to learn how to give our hearts and soul to God as this is the only way we can succeed in life.” Speaking on the secret of his longevity, the monarch said: “God is the secret of my longevity and that is why at my age, I can still drive.” An epitome of God’s gift Governor Ifeanyi Okowa described the royal father as an agent of change while presiding over the activities of his people for the past 28 years as Ohworode of Olomu kingdom.

The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Sir Fidelis Tilije a grand reception by the Urhobo Social Club, Lagos in honour of the monarch at Olomu, stated that as an epitome of God’s gift to Nigeria as a nation, all Deltans should emulate the leadership qualities of the monarch, adding that as an agent of change, there are lessons to be learnt from his life and times. Radiates excellence On his part, president of Urhobo Social Club, Chief Simeon Ohwofa while giving reasons for the honour bestowed on the monarch, said: “The Owhorode as a king, radiates excellence in his leadership for the past 28years on the throne and this excellence is what the club stands for, hence we have decided to celebrate him.” In his paper presentation titled, “The progressive leadership in a traditional setting,” the guest speaker at the reception, Prof. Samuel Ibodje, described the monarch as a colossus whose image transcends the frontiers of Urhobo into the international arena while remaining visibly endearing to his people as their monarch for the past 27years.

Dignitaries present at the event include the Olu of Warri, Obi of Onitsha, Pere of Seimbiri Kingdom, government officials and Ivie from the various Urhobo kingdom.