The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, HRM Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, has restated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and due process in governing his community.
The monarch said his primary focus as a traditional ruler remains maintaining peace, promoting stability, and driving development in the kingdom.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Prince Onyema Okonjo, the Obi praised the people of Ogwashi-Uku for their massive turnout at this year’s Ineh (New Yam) Festival.
“For the first time since 2007, the Ineh Festival was completely peaceful. Thousands came out to support the Obi, and we had a truly wonderful celebration,” he said.
Addressing a protest by some indigenes at the Government House in Asaba over an alleged land ownership policy, the Obi dismissed the claims, saying: “No one can accuse this Obi of taking the law into his own hands.”
He noted that the people of Ogwashi-Uku had clearly rejected the protest, describing it as a failed attempt to create unrest in the community.
“We won’t give attention to what was clearly a failed protest. When you hire 18 buses and only 20 to 25 people show up, that speaks for itself. What we must not do is allow anyone to make the community ungovernable,” he said.
The monarch accused the protest’s sponsors of trying to achieve through disruption what they had already lost in court, adding that “their journey ended at the Supreme Court.”
He reaffirmed his determination to maintain peace and continue exercising his rightful authority as the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Read also: Ogwashi-Uku Community Distances Itself from Failed Protest Against Monarch
