Academic Dr. Hoze Riruako has been coronated Ombara Otjitambi by one faction of the Ovaherero Traditional Authority (OTA).

The coronation took place at Okahandja, where his message centred around unity and genocide reparations.

A faction of the Ovaherero community has anointed Dr. Hoze Riruako as their new Ombara Otjitambi.

This follows the appointment of another paramount chief, Professor Mutjinde Katjiua.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Riruako chose peace and working together in unison as his themes.

"I've stated that since this inner fighting has taken root within the Ovaherero people, what we have seen of late is ridiculing, ostracising, one fraction threatening the others, degrading, dehumanising, and attacking the persona of the other side, on the other equation. And what I said vividly is the fact that, as the leader, I urge people to rather choose the path that is not threatening or ostracising the other side."

He reminded the government of its historical responsibility towards the descendants of the genocide survivors while also taking issue with the German government, saying it is taking the community for granted.

"When we speak about genocide, we are not looking for pity from the Germans. When we ask about reparations, we are simply asking for the return of what belongs to us. The other issue is how the Germans confiscated our cattle, used us for farming, and confined us to our villages. So the Germans are not doing us a favour. We just want what is owed to us. I'm asking all the Ovaherero and Ovambaderu to put all differences aside and speak with one voice when it comes to the genocide issue."

Speakers at the occasion say they have thrown their trust in Riruako as the person who has the capacity to unify the community and has their best interests at heart, be it politically or traditionally.