Aboh kingship crisis: Delta govt sets up Committee to mediate ahead of December 4 presentation of Staff of Office

By Austin Ogwuda

AHEAD of the formal presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III, as the 20th Obi of Aboh kingdom coming up on the 4th of December 2024, Delta State government on Friday held a peace meeting to mitigate the raging tension in the community since the emergence of the new King.

The meeting with representatives of Aboh kingdom was held on Friday at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, presided over by the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Conflict Resolution/Peace Building, Chief Edwin Uzor.

Although the meeting was boycotted by some key leaders opposed to the installation of the king, the meeting went ahead and at the end of the day, a three-man Committee was set up.

The Committee is comprised of Chief George Ugbomah, Barrister Tony Uti and Chief Chris Ogboh, who according to Edwin Uzor are reputed leaders known for their credibility and capacity to manage sensitive issues.

Uzor who spoke on behalf of the State Government passionately called on all parties involved in the kingship dispute to sheathe the sword, embrace peace and work towards stability in the community under Obi Oputa’s reign.

He also urged the king to, as well, address complaints raised by the Umu-Iwele Quarter and ensure that all quarters in the kingdom are adequately represented in his administration by ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people.

Recall that the Secretary, Aboh Traditional Council, Ndupu Major Imegwu and five others, had in an Open Letter outrightly turned down an invitation to the ODUAH-IN-COUNCIL requesting for a peace parley with the Governor’s Aide on Conflict Resolution fixed for Friday 29th November, 2024, at Government House, summoned by the Senior Special Adviser, Peace Building/Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.

The Open Letter, copies of which were sent to the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Delta State; Delta State Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General; Delta State Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Security DSS titled, ‘RE- BRIEFING ON INTERVENTION IN KINGSHIP TUSSLE OF ABOH KINGDOM’, reads in part:

“Following your letter of invitation to the ODUAH-IN-COUNCIL on the above subject matter dated 21/11/2024 , for a meeting with you on Friday 29th Nov, 2024, at Government House, I have been directed to inform you that after due consultation with all concerned, and reviewing the spiritual steps taking in the kingdom, we resolved to communicate you through this medium on our position.

1. That their is no gainsaying the fact that you and your office have demonstrated high sense of responsibility , commitment and seriousness towards resolving the Aboh Kingship crises since your attention was drawn to the ugly development. The ODUAH-IN-COUNCIL , Relevant Stakeholders and the good people of Aboh Kingdom appreciate you and your office for your efforts, determination and zeal.
2. However, we are perturbed with the decision of the State Government by recognising Mr. Gregory Oputa, who they saw in a viral Video, the degree of disrespect and inhuman treatment he meted on the Leader, Spiritual Head and Oldest Prince of Aboh Kingdom, ODUAH THOMAS UGBOAKU AGHA and the open desecration of Aboh Customs and Tradition.
3. That from all indications, it is clear that some persons in the Government of Delta State has taken side and for that reason disregarded Court Orders and other available records and evidences tendered by Aboh people showing obvious abuse of the process and indicting an individual especially on issues that are against the established State Chieftaincy laws.
4. That the State Government by allowing Mr Gregory Oputa to terrorise Aboh indigenes with 18 trucks loaded with Armed police, State vigilantes and Federal Hunters unchallenged despite the loud cry by the peace loving Aboh people clearly confirms the position of the State Government.
5. That after your fact finding to Aboh and hearing from the four Okpala of the four quarters including other stakeholders, the Government still went ahead to issue letter of recognition to Mr. Gregory Oputa. We are highly touched and not comfortable with this development and stand of yours. The ODUAH-IN-COUNCIL and all they govern once again reject the approval of Mr Gregory Oputa as ‘Obi of Aboh’ in all totality and distances its self completely from him. *Source: Part of the report from The Trumpet