OBIARUKU/Nigeria: The people of Amai, in Ukwuani Local Government Area, despite legal obstacles and court injunction directing against issuance of staff of office to any of the parties involved in the legal battle of who is the rightful person to ascend the throne from Umuekum, one of the quarters that make up the kingdom, was today amid tight security provided by battalions of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Directorate of Security Services, DSS, issued Staff of Office to Chief Paul Ifenazuchie as the substantive king of Amai Kingdom, as the state governor calls on communities to continue on the part of peace.
It could be recalled that Ndokwa Reporters in an exclusive report today, reported the pending government decision of the Okowa led government to disregard the court order, and issue the staff of office, after a successive attempt by the government counsel in the last court appearance for the trial Judge to vacate the order.
According to our reporter who witnessed the ceremony, condoling off, of all the exit and strategic places in the town was perfectly carried out by the security operatives before the arrival of the Deputy Governor, Barr Kingsley Otuaro, which according to him was a security procedure to avert any crises from the angry members of the community, as it was observed that there was no sign of merriment in the town as regard the ceremony, which ordinarily would attract a joyous celebration.
While the deputy governor called on the people to leave in harmony, as the only way to achieve development, the only person that spoke was the Chairman of the Council, Mr Chwukudi Dafe, and a brief ceremony of handing of the staff of office was done, the leadership of the Town Development Union was conspicuously absent, as traditionally, it is the place of the chairman to welcome the visitor to such ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, which was a brief one, hordes of Army vehicles have to escort the Deputy Governor out of the community through the Amai-Obiaruku route, while his other motorcade, like the press crew, and others have to return back to Asaba through the Amai-Ogume-Kwale route.
Other sources in the community confided in our reporter that a lot of pressure was put on the youths of the community to stand down any violent actions that will bring further pain to the community.
Meanwhile, after a long absence of the wife of the new King, was sighted during the ceremony, as it was reported that she flew in from the united Kingdom to witness the former ascension of the husband as the King of Amai, and for her to take her proper place as the Queen of the Amai Kingdom.
Reacting to the development, those interviewed called the action of the state government a sign of betrayal, and vowed to work against the government during the 2019 election.
“After working for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to win election in 2015, this is how he is paying us.” One of them reacted.
Continue In the Path of Peace- Okowa
Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa have enjoined all communities across the State to continue on the path of peace, understanding, love and affection irrespective of ethnic, religious, political or social differences.
Governor Okowa made the call today, at the official presentation of Staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Agbogidi Raphael Okonkwo Agbamuche 11, the Obi of Onicha-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The governor who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, said, peaceful changeover, especially in ascending traditional stools is a good example that every community should adopt, emphasising that the true essence oils the machinery of sustainable development.
The governor who commended the peaceful process leading to the enthronement of the traditional ruler, urged the people to accord their traditional ruler the respect he sincerely deserves.
Governor Okowa, charge Obi Agbamuche 11, to discharge his responsibilities by being fair and just to his subjects. According to him; “Being a father of all your subjects, you should be even minded to all and sundry. As the guardian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not give cause for your subjects to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of their customs. I appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people”. The governor said.
While noting that Onicha-Uku kingdom is well known for its abundant agricultural production, he called on the sons and daughters of the kingdom to take advantage of the various openings in government policies and programmes especially the micro credit scheme, to improve on their capacities and add value to their harvests.
The governor, who commended the people of Onicha-Uku kingdom for appreciating the ongoing development efforts of the state government, assured that their appeal for assistance and government intervention in specific areas has been noted and will be channeled to the appropriate agencies of government for necessary attention.
The Chairman, Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Chukwugoziem Oseme, in his address, said, the enthronement of HRM Obit Raphael O. Agbamuche 11, was permitted on the fact that he remained the most senior Okpala title holder in the kingdom on the passage of HRM Obi Obanye Okolona, the late traditional ruler/Obi of Onicha-Uku kingdom on 20th January, 2017.
Hon. Oseme, enjoined His Royal Majesty to fulfill all traditional and customary rites as required and accepted by his subjects and to uphold and propagate the principles of peace, justice and fair play to all in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Earlier, in an address, Chief Steve Osakwe (JP), the Edeh of Onicha-Uku kingdom, on behalf of the people pledge unflinching support, loyalty and confidence in Governor Okowa’s administration because of the all round concern for the citizenry in the State more especially with the SMART agenda.
Chief Osakwe noted that Onicha-Uku is an autonomous community with a stable rulership system of administration with a rotary rulership/succession to the throne where the most senior Okpala in the community ascends the royalty seat automatically on the passage of a traditional ruler.
While thanking the governor for the official recognition of their traditional ruler, Chief Osakwe stated that, from the 13th century, Onicha-Uku has witnessed sixteen successive administrations with peace and prosperity.
He use the occasion to appeal to the state governor for the provision of teachers and administrative block and workers of Kanidinma primary and comprehensive school in the community, provision of health care facilities for the general hospital, as well as adequate manpower to fill in personnel in vacant position and fencing of the hospital land to avoid encroachment and trespassers.
