By Austin Ogwuda
Arrangements towards the formal presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Obi Oputa III, as the 20th Obi of Aboh kingdom in Delta State, South South, Nigeria, scheduled to hold on the 4th of December, 2024 are in top gear.
According to an invitation card currently being circulated, the event will take place at Aboh Grammar School Compound, Aboh in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State on that day.
Recall that the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza had while briefing newsmen after an Executive Council meeting (Exco) on Monday 11th of November 2024 said, “The Council confirmed key appointments, including the appointment of HRM, Dr. Gregory N. Oputa, as the Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East, and Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, as the Asagba of Asaba Kingdom in Oshimili South Local government area”.
However, a deft move by Chief Edwin Uzor, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Peace Building/Conflict Resolution,
to broker permanent peace among the contending forces ahead of the scheduled presentation of Staff of Office exercise has hit the rocks.
In an Open Letter addressed to him (Senior Special Adviser, Peace Building/Conflict Resolution), the Secretary, Aboh Traditional Council, Ndupu Major Imegwu and five others, 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, Asaba.
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:
“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.
- 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.
- 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 metted on the Leader, Spiritual Head, and Oldest Prince of Aboh Kingdom, ODUAH THOMAS UGBOAKU AGHA and the open desecration of Aboh Customs and Tradition.
- 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.
- That the State Government by allowing Mr Gregory Oputa to terrorise Aboh indigens 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.
- 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-COUNCILand 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.
WAY FORWARD
- For peace to rain, Mr. Gregory Oputa should tender unreserved apology to the ODUAH, ATC and Aboh in general for his ABOMINABLE ACTIONS.
- That the state Government should withdraw the letter of recognition issued to Mr Gregory Oputa.
- That the State Government should hold a town hall meeting at Aboh to find a lasting solution to the present crisis and therafter allow Aboh to choose their king according to her age long Customs and Tradition.
Thanking you for your anticipated cooperation in this regard.
Signed:
High Chief Augustine Odili
Okpalosu Ogwezi (Okpalaouugbelioji)
Elder Esumei Nwamanah
( Okpala Umuogwezi)
Pa Ochonogor Gilbert Iwezu
(Okpala Umuossai)
Pa Patrick Ugbomah Opene
(Okpala Onuobiukwu- Umuobi).
Ndupu Major Imegwu
( Secretary, Aboh Traditional Council, ATC).
Snr. Comrade Chilly Opene
(Secretary to the ODUAH.)