The people of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom has called on the state government to intervene in the ongoing crisis facing the community involving their Obi, HRM Obi Chukwuma Noah Akaeze who has abandoned his throne for his uncle’s to perform his royal duties.
The situation facing the Obi Chukwuka has continues to generate concern among his subjects as some of the king’s uncles are alleged to be exerting influence over the kingdom in his absence, a situation that has reportedly caused tension and controversy.
The Obi who ascended the throne at the age of 15 in 2016, following the tragic killing of his father, Obi Akaeze Edward Ofolue III. has since remained abroad while his uncle’s are causing crisis in the community with mischievous ways of rulling the community
According to some community members, the Obi has remained largely unreachable, with efforts by the kingdom, the Council of Chiefs, and even government authorities reportedly blocked.
Other people in the community alleged that his uncles and few chiefs have positioned themselves as intermediaries—even to the Delta State Government.
Speaking to one of the indigene, Mr Obinna Uwana gozi Emma, he, lamented the situation: “As it stands, the kingdom is suffering because no one can communicate with the Obi. If he is not ready to lead, he should say so, rather than abandon the people who crowned him. The Council of Chiefs cannot reach him, and it is becoming disturbing.”
Others insist that the king should lead from home, not from the diaspora, and accuse his uncles of manipulating the situation and disrupting the kingdom’s peace.
Another indigen, Mr Ofulue Chukwuweike, claimed that the Obi’s mother has also distanced herself from the kingdom and has discouraged the king from returning.
He further accused the Obi’s uncles of exploiting the situation for personal gain. His uncles are busy selling land and developing property for themselves, while the Obi does not even have a house in his own kingdom.
“The Umu Uzi and Umu Obi royal family have also tried talking to the uncles to stop interfering in the palace activities but they have refused thereby causing division in the kingdom.
“We love our king. We want him to return and lead without interference,” he said.
The community has called on the Delta State Government and relevant traditional conflict resolution bodies to intervene urgently.