Delta community kingship sparks violence

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the government would only recognise the occupant of Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local council of Delta State traditional rulership stool that has been selected through the duly recognised process and enthroned according to the traditional rites of indigenous political office in the community.

Dr. Okowa, who said his government was not aware of a new occupant on the traditional throne of Idumuje-Ugboko kingdom, urged those aspiring to the throne to adhere to the tenets of peace and security in the state.

The Delta chief executive spoke in Issele Uku against the backdrop of crisis in the Idumuje-Ugboko Royal Family, during a Town Hall meeting in Aniocha North local government.

It would be recalled that Idumuje-Ugboko has been in crisis ever since HRM Albert Agbogidi Nwoko III, the Obi of Idumuje Ugboko, joined his ancestors early this year.

At least one person has been killed amid series of abductions of elders and Chiefs by suspected cultists and militants allegedly imported into the community by one of the claimants of the stool.

Addressing a press conference in Asaba recently, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu, who was abducted, said the pathway for peace to return in the crisis-ridden community involves a peace meeting of stakeholders to resolve the feud.

“The crux of the matter centers on the controversy in the sudden death of the monarch, Obi Albert Nwoko 111, the choice of his successor, the ejection of two wives of the late Obi from the palace and the alleged rape of 15-year old princess in the palace,” he said.