By Austin Ogwuda
AMID the escalating unrest in Aboh kingdom, Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State, Nigeria, following the recent crowning of a new King in the community, Obi Greg Oputa III as the 20th Obi of Aboh Kingdom, a group of prominent Palace Chiefs have bared their fangs threatening to deal ruthlessly with anyone or organisations including the Media found casting aspersions on the King, henceforth.
The open threat message was issued in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday.
Recall that massive protests greeted the crowning, which are, still lingering.
But the Chiefs, today (Wednesday) in a statement denied flatly about any crisis or protests kicking against the installation at all.
The statement conveying the stern warning, was signed by the Ndanike of Aboh Kingdom, High Chief Paul Resume; the Iyasele of Aboh Kingdom, High Chief Ifeanyi Odili; the Ozeh of Aboh, High Chief Kenneth Odili and the Isagba Ajieh of Aboh Kingdom, High Chief Chris Ogwu.
It reads:
“It is a thing of joy that His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III has emerged in the person of Prince Gregory Oputa and it is our duty as indigenes of Aboh to accord him the respect he deserves as his subjects.
“Those who were interested in becoming the King should know that traditionally, the stool is no longer vacant as all the rites have been performed and it is impossible for us to have two Kings in Aboh Kingdom at the same time.
“We should also, bear in mind that t is the exclusive responsibility of the King makers to select who becomes a King in Aboh and they have discharged their functions diligently according to the criteria based on age-long custom and tradition of Aboh Kingdom.
“We have implicit confidence in Obi Oputa III in his ability to take Aboh to greater heights; we are also praying that his reign will usher in a more peaceful and prosperous Aboh Kingdom for us to take our pride of place once again as a revered Kingdom in the world.
“For the few persons who are not residing in Aboh but are committed to sending out messages that there is crisis in Aboh over the Kingship, we advise that you should make efforts to visit home and see the joy on the faces of our people, and also, enjoy the peace that now pervades Aboh Kingdom.
“We also, advise those few individuals, their cronies, media houses, including social media influencers, to stop all forms of actions that will cause disaffection in the Kingdom or project our King negatively before the world.
“From now on, legal processes would be instituted against any individual, or organisation that misinforms the public or casts aspersion on our revered Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III.
“We thank the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, for making Delta State conducive for socio-economic and traditional activities to take place and we look forward to the formal presentation of Staff of Office to our King, Obi Oputa III”, the statement added.
… The discordant tunes
Recall that there was a press statement released sometime ago by the Supreme Head of Aboh Kingdom, Pa Thomas Agha and the President General, Chief Ajie Ogwu, condemned the recent crowning of Greg Oputa, declaring that his installation did not follow traditional procedures.
The rejection of Oputa’s kingship, according to Ndokwa Reporters “was reinforced by a large protest, led by former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olise Imegwu, at the Delta State Government House in Asaba.
“On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, protesters disowned Oputa, marching through the streets to the Deputy Governor’s office and the State Police Headquarters to express their grievances.
“Speaking to the press at the Deputy Governor’s office, Rt. Hon. Imegwu alleged that the coronation of Greg Oputa was orchestrated under dubious circumstances, with no regard for Aboh’s customs. He accused state authorities of deploying over ten truckloads of police officers to Aboh to impose the new king by force. “Greg Oputa is not the king of Aboh according to our tradition and customs,” Imegwu said, challenging Oputa to provide evidence of a legitimate coronation. He further claimed that the Oduah, Aboh’s spiritual leader, had been coerced into endorsing Oputa under duress.
“Imegwu, supported by prominent community members, called on the Delta State Government to intervene and prevent the kingdom from descending into chaos.
” At the State Police Headquarters, he submitted three petitions from Aboh’s ruling families, rejecting Oputa’s crowning as a violation of the community’s sacred customs. These petitions, signed by leaders of the Umu Obi Elders Council, Umu Ogwezi family quarters, and Umu Ossai Family Union, described the September 11, 2024, coronation of Greg Oputa as a “taboo” that would not stand the test of time”, stated the report from Ndokwa Reporters.
