The Aboh Traditional Council, ATC, the headquarters of Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, has pleaded with aggrieved persons over the installation of Obi, Dr. Greg Oputa III as the Traditional Ruler of Aboh Kingdom to sheath the sword, allow peace to reign and support the monarch.
ATC in a statement by the Iyasele Onowu (Traditional prime minister) and Leader of Aboh Traditional Council, High Chief Charles Ifeanyi Odili and the Ozeh of Aboh Kingdom, the second-in-command to the Odua, High Chief Kenneth Odili called for the immediate de-escalation of the crisis in the overall interest of the continued peace, security and stability of the kingdom.
According to the statement, His Imperial Majesty, Obi, Dr Greg Oputa III fulfilled all Traditional requirements before he was publicly declared and presented to the people by the king makers as the duly selected rightful king to the throne.
The statement noted that his emergence was heralded by wild jubilation and celebration within the length and breadth of the Kingdom.
ATC which is the apex body of Chiefs, king makers and elders in the kingdom explained that “after the public proclamation of Dr Greg Oputa III as the 20th Traditional ruler of Aboh kingdom , he was subsequently chalked by the Odua and oldest man in the Kingdom, Thomas Ugboaku Agha as required by the tradition and culture of the people.
The council condemns in very strong terms increased verbal hostilities and escalation of claims and counter claims by those who lost out in the contest. The council urges these people to retrace their steps and toe the path of peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The council also appeals to all aggrieved critical stakeholders to put the past behind them and join forces with the new king to facilitate the development of the area. God gives power and there can only be one king in a community at any particular point in time. There is need for supporters to the various parties to exercise restraint and shun acts inimical to the continued peace and security of the kingdom.”
The council leaders cautioned against the tendency to resort to self – help by any individual or groups, insisting that such act would result to breach of law with its attendant unpleasant consequences.
The Council assured that efforts were on to engage the parties towards peaceful and amicable resolution of the matter and restore peace and tranquility in the kingdom, adding that the Aboh traditional stool being the symbol of power and authority as well as pride and dignity of the Aboh monarch should not be denigrated by anybody, no matter how highly placed in the society
