…Suspension of Gazetted Chiefs Lies with Delta State Executive Council
By Lucy Ezeliora
The Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, under the Deputy Governor’s Office in Asaba, Delta State, has confirmed that Chief Asika James Onwordi remains the Onishe Ezemu and Traditional Prime Minister of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom.
An official statement, signed by Mr. Henry Demesi, Permanent Secretary of the Directorate, was sent to the Chairman of the Aniocha South Traditional Rulers Committee, the Ubulu-Uku Traditional Rulers Council, the Obi in Council, and other stakeholders. The statement notes receipt of a letter dated August 19, 2025, addressing this matter, clarifying that the suspension of any gazetted chief is exclusively the responsibility of the Delta State Executive Council in cooperation with the state House of Assembly. While the authority of His Royal Majesty, the Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, Agbogidi Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, is respected, the suspension of Chief Asika James Onwordi, cannot be upheld as the proper procedures were not followed.
The Directorate pointed out that no report or minutes of any investigation committee convened by the Obi, which would have given Chief Onwordi, a fair hearing, were submitted to them. As a result, the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs insists that the status quo be maintained to ensure continued peace in the kingdom. Chief Asika James Onwordi, remains the officially gazetted Onishe Ezemu and Traditional Prime Minister of Ubulu-Uku. The statement also thanked the people of Ubulu-Uku for their resilience and encouraged them to continue their commitment to peace and unity in the community.