By Austin Ogwuda
A reputable entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Greg Nnamdi Oputa has been crowned the 20th Obi of Aboh Kingdom after the conclusion of the ascension process to the stool of his forebears now to be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III.
He was crowned Sunday at a colourful ceremony that took place at Aboh, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.
However, prior to the crowning, some notable traditional Chiefs in Aboh alleged the new King used armed Policemen to the home of the Oduah, the spiritual leader of the kingdom to force his endorsement.
Dr. Oputa who is an American President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner shortly after the coronation in an interview held at the ancient Palace of Obi Oputa II, a well preserved edifice that could serve as a tourists’ attraction where he visited as part of the tradition rites, Obi Oputa III said, “today is a beautiful day, a new phase for my people, the good people of Aboh Kingdom.
“I feel very excited, I feel very fulfilled in life, and I thank God for making it possible, it is God alone who will give me the strength, the courage to move this Kingdom forward.
“Significantly, my people are aware of what I am doing in this Kingdom, I am sure that they are happy that I have done a lot and this is the time for me to do more with the grace of God. By the grace of God, this kingdom will move forward, not just this kingdom, Delta State will move forward.
“My people should live happily with one another, let us live in unity, let us live in peace; by the grace of God, because of who I am in Christ, we are not going to discriminate against anybody, let us be united in moving Aboh forward togetherness is what we want for this kingdom, forgiveness is what we want for this kingdom.
“I love the people of Aboh so much, let the youths come out and be involved in moving Aboh forward, I lived in America, so, I know how important the youths are to the development of this kingdom, my life is centered on love and forgiveness”, he added.
Earlier, in a statement released on September 11, 2024, signed by Chief Ogwu Jimpama (Ukor Okpala for Oduah); Chief Ndupu M. Major (Secretary, Aboh Traditional Council) and Snr. Comrade Chilly Opene (Secretary to the Oduah), claimed that Dr. Oputa accompanied armed Police officers and some prominent chiefs allegedly cajoled the spiritual leader to chalk him.
“We distance ourselves from this shameful and abominable act”, according to the statement.
