Ubulu-Uku (Delta) – The Obi-in-Council of the Ubulu-Uku kingdom on Monday said that the newly installed 17- year-old Ubulu-Uku monarch, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, was selected in accordance with extant tradition.
The council stated this while briefing newsmen at the Obi’s palace in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta.
Sir Jones Ofunne, National President, Ubulu-Uku Development Council, who spoke on behalf of the council, said the clarification became necessary because of issues raised by some members of the community over issue.
According to him, after the kidnap and killing of the late monarch, Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, the council in accordance with tradition enthroned Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, the first son of the late monarch.
He said that the enthronement of Obi Noah Akaeze I, followed the pattern of his grandfather (Obi Edward Ofulue II), and father’s (Obi Akaeze Ofulue III) enthronement.
“We neither practice rotational monarchy nor do we choose kings from the wealthiest, most endowed or influential families.
“In our kingdom, a king is born, not made and he is known to all at birth because our kingship is hereditary.”
He said that government does not choose, but recognises the king presented to them by the communities.
“It is the prerogative of the state government to approve the appointment of a traditional ruler, and the chieftaincy laws of the state make the process transparent and without encumbrances.
“The courtesy call by Obi Noah Akaeze I, on the governor of Delta was in warm appreciation of the overriding support accorded the people and the kingdom of Ubulu-Uku during the kidnap, demise and internment of his father,” he said.
He, however, called on government and security agencies to conclude their investigations, expose and punish those involved in the kidnapping and killing of the monarch.
Ofunne urged mischief makers to desist from making inciting statements about the kingdom, but rather tow the path of peace.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 22 chiefs, elders and representatives from Umuobi, Umuozim and the Ubulu-Uku Development Council endorsed the document read by Ofunne. (NAN)
