A group of indigenes of Onicha-Olona Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State has renewed its call for the restoration of the kingdom’s hereditary monarchy, alleging that efforts to achieve a peaceful transition have been disrupted by vested interests.
Speaking with journalists in Asaba the Delta state capital, popular music artist and indigene of the community, Cyril Eziomume Nwodi, flanked by some elders of the community, said that a majority of the people of Onicha-Olona support a return to the hereditary system of kingship, known as Obi Ada, which it described as the traditional institution of the kingdom.
Mr Nwodi known with the stage name Candy Sea said there was no agreement by the people of Onicha-Olona to continue with the Okpala Bisi system of leadership, contrary to claims allegedly being made in some quarters.
He alleged that individuals opposed to the restoration of the hereditary monarchy had been making representations to government officials and traditional rulers that the community had agreed to retain the current arrangement, and that there were attempts to influence some stakeholders.
The group further alleged that the peaceful transition process was interrupted following the installation of an individual from outside Ogbe-Obi, an action it described as unlawful, claiming that the development led to renewed disputes within the community.
They said the dispute over the traditional institution is currently before a competent court and urged all parties to allow the judicial process to determine the issues in contention.
The people appealed to the Delta State Government, the Aniocha North Local Government Council, traditional rulers’ councils and other stakeholders to support what it described as a lawful and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
They reaffirmed that the Ugbe Royal Family is entitled to produce the traditional ruler under the hereditary system and maintained that it remains committed to pursuing its claims through legal means.
The dispute over the traditional leadership of Onicha-Olona remains the subject of ongoing court proceedings, and no judicial determination has yet been made on the competing claims.
