Former senator, Francis Alimikhena, has been appointed the Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, with his coronation scheduled for August 22.
The appointment was approved by the Edo State Executive Council on July 6, according to a statement issued by the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Coronation Planning Committee, High Chief Tony Akiotu.
As part of the coronation ceremony, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is expected to present the staff of office to Alimikhena, formally confirming his ascension to the traditional throne.
Alimikhena represented Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2023. He was first elected into the 8th National Assembly in 2015, where he served as Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate during his first term.
Following his re-election in 2019, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, overseeing legislative matters relating to customs administration, tariffs and trade.
The Coronation Planning Committee said the event would bring together eminent sons and daughters of Uwanno Kingdom, alongside dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora, to celebrate the installation of the new traditional ruler.
According to the committee, the coronation marks a significant milestone in the history of the kingdom and is expected to herald a new era of peace, unity and sustainable development under the reign of the new Okumagbe.
The committee also expressed optimism that Alimikhena’s leadership, drawing from his years of public service and legislative experience, would contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of the kingdom.