In a decisive move aimed at quelling a simmering chieftaincy dispute, the Delta State Government has stripped three individuals of their illegally assumed titles as Chiefs in the Idjerhe Kingdom. Barrister Emakunu, Alex Abonoko, and Efe Young Okwhodejo were dethroned after being unlawfully installed as chiefs of the Idjerhe Central Oguedion.
The decision was announced following a closed-door meeting at the Government House Annex in Warri, chaired by Sir Chief Edwin Uzor, the Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution.
The dispute, which had been brewing within the Idjerhe Kingdom, stems from a power tussle between factions within the central part of the kingdom. The traditional leadership in the Oguedion, represented by Unugbrogodo Chief Sagoe Agbamitoto and Unuevworo Chief Solomon Ojariafe, had been challenged by the three individuals who were installed without following the kingdom’s established customs.
The state government’s intervention was prompted by a petition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who tasked the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Department with resolving the crisis. At a previous session in Asaba, the state capital, the matter was thoroughly examined, leading to the decision that the illegally installed chiefs had no legitimate claim to their titles.
Briefing the press after the meeting, Sir Chief Uzor emphasized that the state government would not tolerate any actions that could disrupt peace and stability in the kingdom. “No sub-clan is superior to another within the Idjerhe Kingdom,” Uzor stated, making it clear that the authority of the Unugbrogodo and Unuevworo of Idjerhe Central is limited to their respective constituencies. He further clarified that there are other Oguedions in Onyobru and Boboroku, the other two sub-clans that constitute the kingdom.
Sir Chief Uzor also urged the deposed individuals to regularize their chieftaincy titles through proper channels, starting with seeking the blessings of the monarch. “Until they approach the king and receive his approval, none of them will be recognized as chiefs,” he warned. To prevent further conflict, a three-month window was granted for the formation of a committee tasked with drafting a Customary Declaration, which will formalize the hierarchy and responsibilities of the various chiefs in the kingdom.
The adviser reiterated the importance of peace in the kingdom’s progress, urging all factions to respect the authority of the monarch and desist from actions that could fracture the community. “The kingdom will not move forward without peace,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering unity.
In addition to advising the deposed chiefs, Sir Chief Uzor made it clear that the king has the sole prerogative to determine where chiefs are crowned—whether at the Oguedion or in the royal palace. “The king is free to choose the location for any chieftaincy installation,” he asserted. This clarification is expected to quash any further disagreements over the site of installations.
Sir Chief Uzor also condemned efforts by the Unugbrogodo and Unuevworo of Jesse Central to elevate their titles beyond their traditional boundaries. He highlighted an instance where one of the chiefs had incorrectly addressed himself as Unuevworo of the entire Idjerhe Kingdom, urging him to revert to his correct title within Jesse Central.
In the meeting, the state officials, including Chief Duncan Ewere, Chief Benson Okorodudu, Chief Austin Atiti, and Chief Abraham Ojighoro, reiterated the importance of consultations and cohesion among all factions within the kingdom. They called for regular meetings among the three Unugbrogodos and Unuevworos, along with the Otota, to ensure smooth governance and the preservation of the kingdom’s customs.
The meeting also highlighted the absence of a formal Customary Declaration (CD) in the Idjerhe Kingdom, a crucial document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of chiefs. “There is a pressing need for the kingdom to produce a Customary Declaration,” Uzor stated, urging the kingdom to move swiftly in drafting and submitting the document for government approval within the stipulated three-month timeframe.
In closing, the state government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace in the region and encouraged the factions to resolve their differences through dialogue and mutual respect for the kingdom’s traditions. “We are here to build peace, not impose force,” Sir Chief Uzor said, adding that the government’s approach was focused on fostering understanding and reconciliation.
The intervention by the Delta State Government marks a significant step towards restoring order in the Idjerhe Kingdom, ensuring that traditional customs are respected, and promoting peace and unity among the sub-clans.
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