The story of the pride of the White Elephants reigned in
Southeast Asia for centuries. Royals in Cambodia and Thailand kept the
luxurious creature as symbols of flamboyance. In fact, scholars who wrote on
monarchical politics in the Second Millennium; spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th
centuries, has added that the possession of a white elephant by a Monarch
symbolizes the reign of peace, progress and tranquility. The sumptuousness
anticipated of anyone that owned a quadruped of that caliber was great.
Olorogun Evance Ivwurie, today holds the prestigious title of
the Eni O’fua’fo (White Elehpant) of Agbon Kingdom. That the traditional
institution of his people chose such an expensive title for him was never a
mistake. Since the conferment of that prestigious title, Ivwurie has never
acted less. Like the White Elephants of Babkok, Ivwurie has brought tremendous
pride to his people. Even as a private individual, he has empowered more people
than any political office holder of Agbon extraction at that time. And now as a
lawmaker representing the good people of Ethiop East, his footprints could be
felt in every corner of his constituency and beyond.
The rehabilitation of the Abraka – Agbor road by the Federal Ministry
of Works is one among several instances where Ivwurie sprung beyond the
limitations of state government apparatus to bring federal presence to his
people. Through robust advocacy and constructive engagement, Ivrurie wrote
several letters to the Works Ministry, and even at some point met physically
with the authorities. He decried the challenges faced by his people as a result
of the bad state of the road and appealed that the government came to their
aid. Today, even though some of those who sat in their posh offices in Abuja
drinking champagnes while Hon. Ivwurie toiled, are laying claim to the project,
the people of Ethiop know exactly who is responsible.
The story of how Hon. Evance Ochuko Ivwurie personally led a
team of community volunteers to banish marauding Fulani Herdsmen from Abraka
and Ethiope East in general is still fresh in the minds of many. He didn’t just
give instruction to the people to “go and die”, he personally led the offensive
and banked heavily on the protection of God almighty in the daring trip.
Irrespective of his status in the society, his relationship with his root has
remained firmer than ever. There is hardly a weekend that he is not seen in his
palatial mansion in Abraka; a place he assembled long before coming into government.
His effort in combating and ensuring the recovery of Agbon piece
of land in Ovre’ Eku, Ovre’ Igun and Ovre’ Okpara which has been hitherto
annexed by Presco Plc is legendary. Hon Ivwurie has likened this vast parcel of
land to the Jerusalem of Agbon clan and believe that it is not only the sacred
and ancestral land of the Agbon Kingdom but he has vowed never to allow Presco
Plc or any other company for that matter to take away the land because of the
abundance of crude oil in the land.
His outstanding performance as a State Legislator is a matter
for another day. In the state House of Assembly, the intellectual content of a
legislator is often assessed with his contributions during Committee of the
Whole House. As a great alumnus of the prestigious Harvard University where
Ivwurie bagged his Master of Science in Public Administration and the Edward
Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Management prior to an Executive Education
Certificate in ‘Senior Manager in Government both from the Harvard Kennedy School
of Government, he was more than prepared for governance. Having personally
sponsored over 18 pro-people and pro-development bills for the smooth
administration of the State, Ivwurie’s name has appeared as a co-sponsor in
almost all of the intellectually-wired and people-driven bills passed so far by
this Assembly.
As he celebrates another remarkable year in his life, let it be
known that the White Elephant of Agbon Kingdom has truly brought unfathomable
pride and honour to his people. In every area of human endeavours, Eni O’fua’fo
has touched humanity in ways that cannot be explained by mere assembling of
words. He has shown leadership and in clear manners and has demonstrated
clearly his readiness to do more for his people. As the clock tick towards
2019, I am defiantly sure that people of Ethiop East will once more present one
of their best in the person of Hon. Evance Ochuko Ivwurie. The reward for one
immensely successful tenure; should be another tenure in the House. If the
people could queue behind him while he sourjoned in a relatively unknown
political platform, I doubt if they will do otherwise now that he is in the
mainstream Delta.
Hon. Ivwurie has been asking his constituents to embrace the
responsibility of active citizenship and to take action– to get involved in our
political process. And over the course of last year, We’ve seen thousands of
people answer that call and his efforts made a difference.
Together with his people, he stood up for development and their
security, protection and against anyone who hate his people; he has struggled
for women’s rights and protested a divisive Federal agenda against youth.
Hon. Ivwurie is doing the hard work for his constituency and
pushing erring contractors to their limits in Delta State and he has inspired
more Deltans all over again and he reminds us of the energy that will fueled
our campaigns and elections in 2018 and 2019. And I know that once again, we
can turn that grassroots energy into real, lasting change for our dear country.
Better is not good enough, expect the best from your
quintessential representative and the Eni’ O’fua ‘fo of Agbon Kingdom.
Courtesy: Palmer
Ogheneyole Nathaniel, Media
Consultant and Public Commentator, published in the Advocate
Comments
Post a Comment