The people of Okpai community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of
Delta State have allegedly withdrawn the recognition accorded the
traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Goldring Ugboma, for alleged
consenting of the custom and tradition of the kingdom.
In a resolution at the end of a meeting presided over by the Okpala-Uku of Okpai-Oluchi, Omordi Patrick Obianife, the people accused the Igwe of submitting a declaration of customary law regulating the succession to the throne of Igwe to the government for recognition without the consent of the community.
The Igwe was also accused of abuse of oath of office including not to permanently keep the Ofor Nze in his house, desecration of Okpai traditions, as well as appointing and dissolving at will the community development committee.
But the newly constituted Okpai Community Development Committee said the authors of the resolutions were the same group who had been causing trouble in the kingdom since 2000.
According to the chairman of the committee, Deacon Emeka Nwaokolo, the signatories to the resolution were not the true elders or representatives of the community.
“Although, the Okpai Traditional Council had been looking into the matter to take appropriate action against the authors of that malicious article. We appeal to the state government and members of the public, as well as the peace loving people of Okpai Kingdom to disregard the publication in its entirety as it does not reflect the wish of the people,” Nwaokolo said.
Signed by the Okpala-Uku of Okpai Oluchi, Omordi Patrick Obianife and the secretary, Chief J.O Obi, the people also resolved to take legal action to ensure that the decisions of the community were achieved and that the customs and tradition of the kingdom were protected.
The resolution which had affirmed the removal of the Igwe from office, on account of the allegations, also directed the stakeholders forum to take peaceful measure that would ensure that the said gazzetted customary law on the succession to the throne of Okpai was reversed and that the state government withdrawn the recognition accorded to G.E Ugbome as Igwe of Okpai.
According to the community, the fines the Igwe paid in the heat of the controversy on the customary law would continue to be the clan’s symbolic resistance and evidence against his attempt to seize the throne.
Meanwhile, the embattled Igwe Goldring Ugbome, has appealed to Okpai people to remain peaceful and united to attract development in the community.
In a statement, the traditional ruler said the state and Federal governments were conscious of the economic importance of the community but would require the cooperation of all and sundry, especially in the area of peace to develop the area.
He said as a major oil producing area and host to the Independent Power Plant of Agip,Okpai deserved a better deal for her huge contribution to the national economy, even as he said the community has remained without electricity and other social amenities for several years.
In a resolution at the end of a meeting presided over by the Okpala-Uku of Okpai-Oluchi, Omordi Patrick Obianife, the people accused the Igwe of submitting a declaration of customary law regulating the succession to the throne of Igwe to the government for recognition without the consent of the community.
The Igwe was also accused of abuse of oath of office including not to permanently keep the Ofor Nze in his house, desecration of Okpai traditions, as well as appointing and dissolving at will the community development committee.
But the newly constituted Okpai Community Development Committee said the authors of the resolutions were the same group who had been causing trouble in the kingdom since 2000.
According to the chairman of the committee, Deacon Emeka Nwaokolo, the signatories to the resolution were not the true elders or representatives of the community.
“Although, the Okpai Traditional Council had been looking into the matter to take appropriate action against the authors of that malicious article. We appeal to the state government and members of the public, as well as the peace loving people of Okpai Kingdom to disregard the publication in its entirety as it does not reflect the wish of the people,” Nwaokolo said.
Signed by the Okpala-Uku of Okpai Oluchi, Omordi Patrick Obianife and the secretary, Chief J.O Obi, the people also resolved to take legal action to ensure that the decisions of the community were achieved and that the customs and tradition of the kingdom were protected.
The resolution which had affirmed the removal of the Igwe from office, on account of the allegations, also directed the stakeholders forum to take peaceful measure that would ensure that the said gazzetted customary law on the succession to the throne of Okpai was reversed and that the state government withdrawn the recognition accorded to G.E Ugbome as Igwe of Okpai.
According to the community, the fines the Igwe paid in the heat of the controversy on the customary law would continue to be the clan’s symbolic resistance and evidence against his attempt to seize the throne.
Meanwhile, the embattled Igwe Goldring Ugbome, has appealed to Okpai people to remain peaceful and united to attract development in the community.
In a statement, the traditional ruler said the state and Federal governments were conscious of the economic importance of the community but would require the cooperation of all and sundry, especially in the area of peace to develop the area.
He said as a major oil producing area and host to the Independent Power Plant of Agip,Okpai deserved a better deal for her huge contribution to the national economy, even as he said the community has remained without electricity and other social amenities for several years.
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