The people of Ido, an ancient community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area have an age long and laid down tradition of selecting a king of the town.
This was contained in a letter the community sent to the Secretary, Rivers Chieftaincy Committee, Military Office, Port Harcourt in 17th February 1972.
The letter which was entitled, “Chief Eweile of Ido”, was jointly signed by Chief Felix I. Owukio (Amanyanabo of Ido), Chief B. Okoro, Chief P. S. Alawarifa-a, Mr. G.D. Owukolo, Mr. E.I. Harry, Mr. J.S. Bibi.
Others include: Mr. B.S. Bagshaw, Mr. Melford Agala, Mr. Q. B. Owukio and Mr. C. B. Prabo.
They traced their history by recalling that, “the Ido people, led by Chief Ewelle, in their own case, migrated from Andoni during the reign of king Amachree”.
According to the community, Chief Eweile’s Chieftaincy was recognized by King Amachree 1 and his Council of Chiefs, and that his war canoes had joined other Kalabari Chiefs and people in fighting many wars for the Kalabari clan.
The letter reads in part, “whenever the stool becomes vacant the town as a whole selects an eligible successor”, adding that, “besides Chief Eweile who is the Paramount Chief of the town, there are also sub-chiefs representing the different family groups.”
Meanwhile, three contenders are eyeing the prestigious Chief Eweile stool. They are Chief Damiete Dokubo, Chief Sylvanus Prabo and HRH Deacon Kroma Sagbe. According to information reaching our news desk, HRH Deacon Kroma Sagbe has been selected by the community to be on the most revered Ido kingship stool. HRH Deacon Kroma Sagbe was duely selected. According to the tradition laid down method of selecting a paramount in Ido Community. ##
