The Benstowe Chieftaincy House has eulogized their in-law, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Grand Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Dr Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI, for his efforts at entrenching peace and progress across his kingdom.

Chairman of Benstowe House, Warisenibo Tamuno-Opubo Boma Benstowe, came out with this on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at a special event organized by the Benstowe House Stakeholders Group to celebrate the 58th birthday of the Bonny Kingdom Monarch at the Benstowe House Opuwari adjacent to Ikuba Nungo in Bonny, Rivers State.

“He’s a very good king, and he loves the Kingdom of Bonny. Since he became King, there has been no problem or riot or anything.”

“He leads us well and being our in-law and our daughter is in his hand. Therefore, we believe that he is a good in-law and he is taking care of Bonny well. Everybody, our youths, everybody is getting jobs, things are working in line.”

“Therefore, we are celebrating with all our happiness because he is a good King to us and being our in-law. God bless you.”

He stated that the decision to celebrate the King was unanimous as all strata of the House were involved in felicitating with the King on his birthday, praying for God’s blessings, mercies and graces on him.

“We are celebrating our King’s birthday, and the King, being our great in-law; therefore, we, the members of Benstowe Chieftaincy House, decided with our youths, that as he is celebrating in Port Harcourt, we are here to celebrate with our in-law too.”

Speaking, the Mayor of the Benstowe House Stakeholders Group, Kalada Benstowe said the event was organized to celebrate the Bonny Kingdom Monarch as a way of identifying with his proactive posture to development issues, peaceful disposition and inclusive leadership style.   

“We’re the organizers of this programme on behalf of His Majesty, King of Bonny, our in-law who happens to be our father and our in-law in the person of His Royal Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple.”

“One thing that captures our interest about His Majesty is the man’s foresight. There are many times we enjoy today that before time was not there. He planned to achieve them and today we’re seeing them physically, everybody is enjoying them.”

“Again, he has this quality in him, he’s a very gentle person. He doesn’t approach issues with violence. The little time I’ve had the privilege of a one-on-one discussion with him when he invited me, he will always teach us how to approach things in a friendly mode.”

“So, that’s why we have never recorded any act of violence or unrest in the kingdom with our guests or the companies and all of that, he has this characteristic or quality of relating with everyone mutually and friendly.”

He expressed gratitude to all members of the House and other guests who came out for the occasion, noting that their presence was a clear indication of their love for the King, pledging the support of the House to the King as their in-law.

“It is my privilege and great pleasure on behalf of this great house stakeholders group to welcome you all here today. We are delighted to have you here with us as you participate and share in this special occasion, the 58th birthday ceremony of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple, who happens to be the King of this Kingdom, our in-law and our father.”

“You are all welcome. Thank you for coming. Many of you came from all nooks and crannies just to grace this occasion; that shows how important His Majesty is to you.”

Also, speaking, a member of the House, Abiekiri Benstowe said the Benstowe House is celebrating the developmental strides of the King, noting that during his reign, Bonny Kingdom has witnessed several development activities, stressing that there was enough reason to pour encomiums on him on his birthday.

“Yes, we are celebrating him for his good leadership. He has brought tremendous development to Bonny Kingdom, that’s why we are celebrating him.”

“Considering all developments that he has brought into Bonny Kingdom today, and by extension too, the Benstowe House, we are enjoying developmental activities.”

“We are here to celebrate our father, the King of Bonny Kingdom, and by extension, our in-law. We came together to celebrate him today – today is his birthday and we are here to celebrate him, join him and wish him a happy birthday.”

Highpoint of the event was the offering of special prayers for the King, presentation of food items and other support package to some elderly members of the House and entertainment of guests, among others.