THE DAY OVUOZOURIE MACAULAY BAGGED OKIRORO OF ISOKO LAND CHIEFTAINCY TITLE

It was amazing and colorful as there were large turnout of people from all walks of life at the ancient town of Otor-Owhe in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State on Monday, Jun1, 2015, was not only massive but also unprecedented in the annals of the town.
​Other towns and villages in Isoko nation were literally deserted as the people converged at Otor-Owhe to give honour to whom honour is due.
​Indeed Otor-Owhe became a Mecca of some sort as all roads led to the community for a historic and epoch making event that will remain indelible in the minds of the people.
​There was excitement in the air as the people beamed with smiles in appreciation to God for giving them an illustrious and worthy son with whom they are well pleased.
​Expectedly, Otor-Owhe community wore a new look as it hosted very important dignitaries from far and near who came to rejoice and felicitate with one of their own Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, the immediate past Secretary the Delta State Government who was being honoured by the traditional rulers, the youths and the people of Isoko nation for a job well done and for being an ambassador of Isoko nation during his 12 years sojourn in the government of Delta State.
​The royal Palace of the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, venue of the heroic welcoming royal reception for the Owhelogbo in Isoko North Local Government Area born Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, a great philanthropist, administrator, astute politician, team player and visionary leader, had the trappings of royalty.
​The palace was indeed alluring with royal chairs and artifacts that depict royalty. The traditional rulers of Isoko nation, who also gathered at the palace of the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, were gorgeously dressed in their royal attire, beads and crowns.
​The climax of the event was when Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay was conferred with the chieftaincy title of the “Okiroro of Isoko land” by the Isoko traditional rulers.
​Decorating the immediate past SSG with royal beads as a symbol of dignity and honour (new status), the Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, HRM, Okpuzo Romanus Ejiromeme Inana I, said the conferment of the chieftaincy title on Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay was in recognition of his selfless, meritorious service and contributions to Isoko traditional institution and the development of Isoko nation in particular and Delta State in general.
​The Monarch, on behalf of other royal fathers, thanked God for giving Isoko nation Comrade Macaulay, saying that the former SSG is an illustrious son of Isoko nation with whom “we are well pleased”.
​“Having served Isoko nation and Delta Sate meritoriously and creditably, we, the traditional rulers of Isoko nation decided to honour the former SSG. It is our duty to royally welcome him back home from Asaba”.
​Responding, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, while thanking the traditional rulers for the honour, said that he would stop at nothing in contributing his quota to the betterment of humanity and the development of Isoko nation, Delta State and Nigeria in general in whatever position he occupies in future. “I am humbled and overwhelmed by this honour. I thank you for finding me worthy of this great honour”.
​He thanked God for seeing him through his 12 years sojourn in government and Isoko people for their support, saying that he would continue to play politics aimed at impacting positively on the lives of the people.
​In complimenting the royal hosting of Comrade Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay by the royal fathers, Otor-Owhe and Otor-Igho communities also saw the need to give the immediate past SSG a heroic welcome/reception.
​At a reception ceremony to honour the Okiroro of Isoko land for making them proud and for attracting developments to Isoko nation while in government, the people sang his praises, describing him as a worthy son of Isoko nation.
​At the two communities, several canon shots were fired to herald the triumphant entry of Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay.
​Addressing the people at the two communities, Comrade (Chief) Macaulay thanked them for their support and cooperation over the years, assuring them that he would continue to contribute his quota to the development of Isoko nation.
​From Otor-Igho, the train moved to St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Owhelogbo, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay’s home town for a thanksgiving service.
​In his sermon at the thanksgiving service tagged: A Heroic Welcome/Thanksgiving, the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, while thanking God for the life of comrade (chief) Macaulay, urged the people to live exemplary life worthy of emulation.
​He equally charged Christians to always do the will of God to attract God’s blessings and favour.
​The Cleric commended Comrade (Chief) Macaulay for his meritorious service to Isoko nation and Delta State in general.
​Describing him as “Our great son and worthy Ambassador of Isoko nation, he prayed God to grant him success in all his future Endeavour’s.
​In his remarks the former SSG gave God the glory for His faithfulness, favour, protection, mercy and blessings which enabled him to impact positively on the lives of his people.
​His words, “I have done my best over the years to move Isoko nation forward. We should stop the pull him down syndrome but encourage those who are committed to the development of Isoko nation”.
​As a true leader, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Macaulay, has seen it all. The honour done him by the royal fathers in Isoko nation was well deserved. As the pioneer Chairman, Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he left his footprints in the sands of time. As the former Chairman, Delta State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), his achievements speak volume which is evidence in the building of the Labour House in Asaba, a legacy that stands tall.
​As the former Commissioner for Inter-Ethnic Relations and Conflict Resolution under former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, ethnic crisis that raged on in Warri for years was brought to an end, he also did his best as former Chief of Staff Government House and Protocol, commissioner for power and energy. He finally restored peace to Warri. As the immediate past Secretary to the Delta State Government, (SSG), he brought his experience to bear in running the “Engine Room of Government”.
​As a firm believer in the words of John Wesley – “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can as long as ever you can”, Comrade (Chief) Macaulay is also aware that “Today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope”.
​As a politician he believes that politics is a tool to bring about changes that impact positively on the lives of the people and not self-serving venture.
​In fact, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay came, saw and conquered.
​According to Tuesday Lobsang Rampa, “it is better to light the candle than to cause the darkness”.
​Indeed, comrade (Chief) Macaulay, the “OKiroro of Isoko land” has lit the candle and the light is shining brightly for the betterment of humanity and society in general.
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