The ancient city of Okrika, was set aglow today, as His Royal Majesty, King Michael Ateke Tom, the Amayanabo of Okochiri, marked his 61st birthday in a grand celebration befitting a monarch of his towering stature.
In a dazzling display of royal symbolism and cultural depth, the event featured two monumental cakes, each a masterpiece echoing the dual essence of the revered king.
One of the cakes, sculpted into the form of a roaring lion, boldly captured His Majesty’s strength, fearlessness, and indomitable warrior spirit, a living testament to his legacy as a defender of his people. The second, shaped into an ornate royal crown, stood as a resplendent symbol of his exalted throne and enduring authority as the paramount ruler of the Okochiri Kingdom.
“These are not just cakes,” a close palace aide remarked, “They are tributes carved in icing and gold reflections of a king who embodies both courage and kingship in equal measure.”
The celebration drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the Niger Delta and beyond, all united in honoring a man whose life continues to be a beacon of pride and cultural heritage.
“King Ateke Tom is more than a monarch,” a guest declared. “He is a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the undying spirit of the Ijaw people.”
With drummers thundering ancestral rhythms and dancers swirling in traditional regalia, Okrika reaffirmed its place not just as a town, but as a throne room of history, identity, and legacy.
As the lion and the crown took center stage in cake form, they echoed a deeper message: The king lives on mighty, majestic and unconquerable at 61.
