By our Reporter
The traditional ruler (Ugoani) of Okpanam community in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu and members of Ugoani-in-Council said it is abnormal to ascribe the prefix “Her Royal Majesty” to the departed Omu Martha Dunkwu.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Secretary of Ugoani -in -Council, Mr Jude Isichie and made available to newsmen today (Tuesday).
The statement said, “The attention of Ugoani and members of the Ugoani-in-Council of Okpanam kingdom in Oshimili LGA, has been drawn to the Obituary announcement on Vanguard of Tuesday 16th April 2024 of Chief Martha Dunkwu, Omu of Okpanam according the title of “Her Royal Majesty” to her name.
“In as much as the people of Okpanam kingdom bewail the unfortunate loss of Omu at her prime, it becomes very expedient to correct the erroneous impression still being peddled in the minds of the public that the aforementioned Omu Okpanam is a Monarch of Okpanam kingdom.
She is not.
“Accordingly, the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs in April 2022, addressed a letter to Chief Martha Dunkwu, Omu of Okpanam, where she was warned to desist from the act of using the prefix, “Her Royal Majesty” as the use of same is an infringement of section 20 sub section 6 and 7 of Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chief Law as Amended, Otherwise risked imprisonment for two years or a fine of Twenty Thousand Naira”.
The statement further added that “it might interest you to know that the issue of using the prefix, “Her Royal Majesty (HRM) caused rancor between the late Omu and the good people of Okpanam, which issue was settled at the behest of members of her family before she was committed to mother earth.
“It is expected that there should be sober reflection on the part of all and sundry, instead of the promotion of recalcitrancy by her family members despite several meetings between her son, family members and the Ugoani -In- Council members on the other hand aimed for parties to be on the same page.
“Also despite the sacrifices by Ugoani and members of Ugoani – in Council to right the wrong of the past, some gullible elements are bent on dragging the kingdom into pitfall of the past which took the perfect of Okpanam sinews, include dissipation of scares resources to atone for her most unfortunate infraction”.
“The truth is that only the abode of the traditional Rulers is referred to as Palace. And nowhere else in the kingdom”, the statement added.