It has become necessary to address some false and misleading claims made by Chief James Asika Onwordi, the suspended Onishe of Ubulu-Uku. While the suspension imposed by His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, Obi of Ubulu-Uku, still subsists, the said Chief Asika Onwordi has been carrying on in clear defiance of His Royal Majesty. In addition to illegally conducting himself as the “Traditional Prime Minister of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom” as he likes to call himself, he has been aligning with some politicians who claim to be speaking from the office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sir Monday Onyeme, that Onwordi’s suspension has been overruled by the Government.
We are aware that Chief Onwordi is a political appointee of the Governor of the State. That is where it ends. He was appointed and made a Chief at the pleasure of His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, Obi of Ubulu-Uku. Just as his appointment as a political aide of the Governor is at the pleasure of the Governor who can decide to withdraw the appointment, Onwordi’s appointment as a chief was strictly at the discretion and pleasure of His Royal Majesty. The Ubulu-Uku monarch exercised his powers to suspend the said Chief Onwordi as Onishe of Ubulu-Uku. That decision was conveyed to the Government of Delta State, the chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area and all relevant agencies of government, including security agencies and remains valid.
The said Chief Onwordi has been leading a group of rebellious chiefs to challenge the authority of the monarch and forment discord in Ubulu-Uku. The antics of the rebellious chiefs serve as a clear indication of the overall uncertainties in the nation. First and foremost, it is essential to state unequivocally that Obi Chukwuka does not have a deputy.
There has never been a time when the Obi has had a chief to act on his behalf. The Obi maintains his administrative framework and structure regardless of whether he is in Ubulu-Uku, his domain, or not.
He has the final say in all decisions made in Ubulu-Uku. No chief, whether an Onishe or anyone else, can assume the authority to make strategic decisions for the Obi.
Currently, the role of Obi’s uncle is to provide advice and guidance. Under the direction of Obi’s uncle, the palace has never sold any piece of land or taken any action that would compromise the interests of Ubulu-Uku. Recently, the issue of land control has become of significant concern to the palace, particularly with the involvement of the so called Onishe and his group involved in land expropriation.
A land encroachment charge brought by the Palace and Onicha-Ukwu quarter against certain land grabbers from Onicha Ugbo town was jeopardized due to the interference of the so-called Onishe and his band of rebellious chiefs. Chief Christopher Okolie, Ojichukwubuluzor, a staunch supporter of the rebellion, sold plots of land last year along Issele-Uku Road with the assistance of the erstwhile palace secretary, Mr. Joe Obazei who now styles himself as the traditional council secretary. Mr. Chidi Keke, another key figure in the rebellion, has been responsible for the reckless sale of Abuedo communal lands.
They aim to remove Obi’s uncle to gain unrestricted control over Ubulu-Uku’s inheritance. That will never happen.
Whether Obi Chukwuka is present full-time or not, the role of his uncles is crucial in maintaining order in Ubulu-Uku Kingdom. The palace will continue to be fair and diligent in its efforts to promote the progress of Ubulu.
The Delta State Government and the good people of Ubulu-Uku are advised to ignore the antics of Chief James Asika Onwordi and his rebel group of chiefs. Onwordi remains suspended as Onishe until Obi Chukwuka Akaeze decides otherwise. Any statement emanating from him or his rebel group should be ignored.
Signed
Prince Tony Ofulue
