Delta State Government Appoints Obi Paul Nzemeke Obi-Okolie As Egbudu-Akah Traditional Ruler

By: Patrick Ochei

In what appears as end to the lingering kingship tussle in Egbudu-Akah Kingdom in Aniocha South LGA, the Delta State Government has today, 30th January, 2018, approved the appointment of HRM Obi Paul Nzemeke Obi-Okolie 11, as the Obi of Egbudu-Akah Kingdom.

In a letter obtained from the Government House Asaba with the head inscription "Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Deputy Governor's Office with Ref: No. CH. 401/Vol. 11/T1/21" addressed to HRM Obi Paul Nzemeke Obi-Okolie 11, the Obi of Egbudu-Akah.

The letter read thus: "I wish to inform you that the State Executive Council in its 1st meeting held on 1st January, 2018 approved your appointment as the Obi of Egbudu-Akah Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area with effect from 19th November, 2016, the date you were traditionally installed.

It should be noted however, that the State Will commence payment of your monthly stipends to you, after the presentation of Staff of Office, while the Local Government Council will be responsible for the payment of your emolument."

Going further, the letter said that "Appropriate steps are being taken to publish your appointment as the Obi of Egbudu-Akah Kingdom in the Delta State of Nigeria Gazette. Please accept my hearty congratulation."

The letter was signed for the Permanent Secretary of the Directorate, P.N. Anuku and copied the Chairman of Aniocha South LGA with a directive for immediate action to accord Obi Nzemeke Obi-Okolie 11 his due rights and privileges.

However, feelers from Egbudu-Akah community suggests that the people are happy that in the end truth has prevailed and that their true king would eventually be presented with a staff of office.

Since the demise of the past monarch of Egbudu-Akah, two of his sons, Paul and Solomon had been at loggerhead, claiming ownership to the throne. It could be recalled that the two sons were both crowned Kings by sections of kingmakers loyal to them, with the younger brother, Pastor Solomon denigrating the personality of the elder brother Paul, just to win their people's sympathy and conviction.

But again, apart from evidences that proved Obi Paul Nzemeke Obi-Okolie as the eldest son with the right to the throne, truth had also emerged from a Delta State publication called "The Traditional Rulers of Delta State" published years ago, where the former king attested that the kingship system of leadership in Egbudu-Akah is by PROMOJENITURE. And this truly has proven that HRM Obi Paul Nzemeke Obi-Okolie 11 is the eldest son and he only reserves the right to the throne.