Azande kingdom leads cleaning exercise of foundation site for his royal palace

The King of Azande kingdom His Royal Highness, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue on Wednesday led a cleaning campaign of clearing the foundation site where his palace will be situated in Bazungua Payam.

Azande King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue  (Middle) participates in the clearing of the site where the royal place will be built in Bazungua payam [photo by Waure Eddy]

By Waure Eddy

The King of Azande kingdom His Royal Highness, Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue on Wednesday led a cleaning campaign of clearing the foundation site where his palace will be situated in Bazungua Payam.

The event comes as the kingdom prepares for its 3rd Anniversary celebrations, scheduled for February 9, 2025.

Speaking at the event, King Peni welcomed all 64 tribes of South Sudan, emphasizing that the Azande Kingdom is a place for everyone.

“The kingdom is not just for one tribe. As we open this foundation stone today, all the tribes who have supported the kingdom since day one will continue to be part of this journey. We will work together until the palace is fully established,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including leaders from the Azande Kingdom’s Ministry (Abanyaki), state government officials, church leaders, local chiefs, women’s groups, school representatives, and youth leaders.

His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiboro, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio, encouraged all members of the Azande Kingdom, as well as the 64 tribes of South Sudan, to work together in harmony.

“God himself created heaven and earth and declared that there must be a house for the king. Today, we witness the opening of the place where His Majesty will reside and work with his people. May those who build this palace do so with one heart,” said Bishop Hiboro.

For his part, Archbishop Samuel Peni Enosa of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECS) commended the King’s effort to bring together religious leaders for the occasion.

“It is a great step for the king to unite all tribes under one kingdom. This approach is similar to other great nations in the world, such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the United Arab Emirates, where different groups coexist in unity,” he stated.

John Majok, the Representative of the Dinka Community said that the Azande kingdom is for all South Sudanese, adding that they will continue to support the Kingdom.

“We are all happy because the Kingdom brings us together. We will work tirelessly, day and night, until we see the palace fully built,” said Majok.

Salah Badagbu, a businessman in Yambio town said he expects the business community in Yambio to contribute towards the construction of the royal palace.

“We are going to work here with all the 64 tribes to see this kingdom in a good shape,” he said.

As the kingdom gears up for its 3rd Anniversary celebrations on February 9, 2025, the official launch of the palace construction marks a new chapter in the history of the Azande Kingdom. With the collective support of the people, leaders, and religious figures, the vision of a strong and United Kingdom continues to take shape.

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