THERE was a mild drama yesterday morning at Alifekede, a border town between Edo and Delta states where the visiting President Olusegun Obasanjo was received by his host, Governor James Ibori, dignitaries and cross section of Deltans as the Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I almost walked out because he was not allowed to maintain the number one position among the line-up of traditional rulers that filed out to welcome the President.
Shortly before the president arrived the boundary at 11.20 am, the protocol and security men asked the personalities expected to have a handshake with Mr. President including traditional rulers to file out in readiness for the presidential handshake when he arrives.
Confusion then arose when the youthful Dein of Agbor wanted to maintain the number one position in the line up of the traditional rulers present because the reception was taking place in his territory, but the much older Interim Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi Emmanuel Efezeomo I, who had taken that position insisted that he would not shift for the Dein to have the number one position.
There was an exchange of words and at this stage, the Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Emma Ejiofor waded in and passionately appealed to the fuming Dein to file after Efezeomo. He bluntly told Ejiofor that he would rather prefer to leave the venue but later conceded after much pressure.
The boundary ceremony was however colourful with President Obasanjo and his host governor, James Ibori wearing the traditional Anioma attire of Akwuocha (white cloth).
Chairman of the PDP Board of Directors, Chief Tony Anenih, senators, and other dignitaries in the state graced the occasion.
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