Buguma, Nigeria: The Asari Toru Local Government area is preparing for the final journey of natural ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State. The activities leading up to the royal burial started on November 1, 2023. The leadership of the LGA, Onengiyeofori George has shared some new directives with the traders and businesspeople.
The businessmen must follow the new set of rules leading up to the burial of the most respected royal of the Kalabari Kingdom. The officials have shared some glimpses from the townhall meeting where Chairman of the Asari-Toru LGA made the announmcement.
Events before and after the burial would include celebratory and tributary initiatives that pay respect to the royal’s life and legacy.
As activities build up to the final passage of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, His Serene Majesty, King TJT Princewill, the Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Onengiyeofori George, DSSRS, has called on all traders, market men and women selling along the King Amachree road to remove their tables and keep off the both sides of the road.
The chairman made this call at the ASALGA Hall of Fame on November 9. At the time, he was attending a town-hall meeting with traders, market women, and shop owners who sell and do business along the King Amachree road in Buguma from KNC to the jetty at ‘Owu-sera.
George pleaded with those affected to see the order as a sacrificial gesture to keep the sanity of the King Amachree Road, which is the major entrance and exit pathway of the traditional headquarters of the Ancient Kalabari Kingdom, and seat of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari.
He also stated that all drainages and business environments be cleaned to keep a neat and healthy environment, before, during, and after the funeral rites of the Kalabari Monarch.
By this order, all extra projections from stalls and shops should be cleared of their items, and sellers are to make use of the Buguma Ultra-Modern Market.
According to the Asalga helmsman, the order takes effect from November 15, 2023, while notithe burial rites has already begun.
Responding to the call, two representatives who spoke on behalf of the traders, affirmed their support for the order, and beckoned on fellow traders to adhere to the stipulations of the order