By Austin Ogwuda
Village heads (Diokpas) including Chiefs, Elders of Issele-Azagba community in Aniocha North local government area of Delta State have kicked against the planned installation of Obi Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka Ugboma as the Obi of Issele-Azagba kingdom inview of subsisting interlocutory injunction over the stool.
They warned that any attempt to go ahead with the installation might lead to breakdown of law and order in the community which is sharply divided over the matter.
A petition dated June 23, 2025, addressed to the Governor by the Izuani of Issele-Azagba stated, “Sir, it is also our belief that since this matter is still subsisting in the court of competent jurisdiction, we shall be very grateful if you will listen to voice of reason and allow the court to determine the matter at hand in the interest of peace, justice and development of the community”.
The petition was signed by Chief Ngozi Johnbest Akpubuiyi, Ogbele-Ani of Issele-Azagba; Chief Christopher Nwadiaju, the Onogwu of Issele-Azagba; Chief John Abugo, Ihaza of Isseie-Azagba; Prince Andrew llloh, Umuojeagu Royal Family; Chief Emmanuel Isichei, Akogwu of Issele-Azagba; Chief ]ohn Onwuemene, the Osodi of Issele-Azagba; Chief. C. Ikediashi, Diokpa of Idumu-lsor Quarters and Hon. Peter Ike Okwonkwo, Chairman Anyaobodo of Issele-Azagba.
They stated that the petition was informed by approval recently granted by the Delta State Executive Council to install Christopher Ikechukwu Adigwe Ugboma as the Obi of Issele-Azagba Kingdom contrary to the subsisting Interlocutory Injunction Order from an Issele-Uku High Court in Suit No, HCl/36/2023 made by His Lordship, Hon. Justice E.G Timi (Mrs.) on Tuesday 10th Day of June, 2025.
While saying that the letter was to draw the attention of the governor to the misnomer as championed by an indigene, who is a politician, and the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Council, they reiterated that the planned installation will surely lead to breakdown of law and order in the community.
They referred to the Chieftaincy Law of Delta State 2008 Section 19 Subsection 3e on the approval of appointment to the position of the traditional rulership in any community, adding that the section tacitly spelt out that within a period of 21 days a protest can be held by submission and the position of the law, and pleaded with the governor to ensure that truth is revealed.
In conclusion, the petitioners pointed out that the Section was clear and needed no interpretation as the governor had the capacity to stop any planned installation until the court of competent jurisdiction decides.
Recall that the Delta State government after a recent Exco meeting, announced, “We approved the appointment of several traditional rulers, including Obi Michael Ogochukwu Osemedua Isichei as the Obi of Ubulu-Okiti; HRM Obi Cletus Nkeakam Ochei as the Obi of Ukwu-Oba Kingdom; HRM Okorocha Emoghene Osuokpa I as the 39th Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom; HRM Obi Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka Ugboma as the Obi of Issele-Azagba Kingdom; HRM Patrick Okpomor Agre as the Ovie of Igbide Kingdom; and HRM Michael Avwerotakpo Eyareya (Eyareya II) as the Orovworere of Effurun-Otor Kingdom”.
*Source: The Pointer
