EPUKIRO POST 3 - The Hoveka Royal House at Epukiro Post 3 in the Omaheke Region on Saturday inaugurated Turimuro Hoveka as its new chief.

He succeeds his older brother, Sylvanus Hoveka, who died in a car accident in the Omusati Region in November 2011.
Turimuro is the son of the late Chief Gerson Hoveka, and the fifth chief to lead the Hoveka Royal House which was founded in 1896 by Chief Nikanor Hoveka in the area of Epukiro. He has nine siblings and is married to Nguriko Hoveka.

Hundreds of Otjiherero-speaking people and traditional leaders gathered at Epukiro Post 3 to witness his inauguration, which was carried out by a senior traditional councillor of the Otjikaoko Royal Traditional Authority, Paulus Uziruapi Tjavara.
Tjavara reminded the 49-year-old chief to always maintain peace and stability in his community.

“Your task is not easy as chief. Remember to unite your community and avoid division,” he said through interpreter Rudolph Kamburona.

Amongst other traditional leaders who were present at the occasion were acting OvaHerero Paramount Chief, Tumbee Tjombe, and Ovambanderu Traditional Authority Chief, Queen Aletha Karikondua Nguvauva.

The new chief promised to lead his clan in a manner which will also bring development to the community, saying that since it is the same community that selected him to lead them, he will make time to listen to them.
“You have crowned me as your new chief today. Don’t abandon me, I will always listen to your advice at all times,” he said.

A number of cultural performances like horse riding, traditional rituals and the singing of celebratory songs formed part of the inauguration ceremony.
- Nampa