The people of Egbudu-Akah community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State have rejected the appointment of Prince Augustine Nzemeke Ezeaguna Okolie as the Obi of Egbudu-Akah by the Delta State Government.
The rejection was made during a peaceful protest on March 5, 2025, at the palace (Ogwa) of Diokpa Adigwe Enemokwu, the Okpala (Oldest Man) in Idumu-Eze Egbudu quarter and head of the Illoh Royal Family, the ruling house of Egbudu-Akah. The protest had in attendance elders, women, and youths from various quarters of the community.
Addressing the gathering, Diokpa Adigwe Enemokwu and the Isama of Egbudu-Akah, Chief Patrick Wepuaka, appealed to the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the community would not allow its age-long tradition to be undermined.
They insisted that the selection of a new Obi is the sole responsibility of the Illoh Royal Family and not the government, emphasizing that the community had already selected, crowned, and installed HRM Obi Solomon Ogwuagwu as the rightful monarch in accordance with Egbudu-Akah customs and traditions.
The elders wondered how the Delta State Government arrived at the appointment of Prince Augustine Okolie, who they claimed had never been selected by the royal family, presented to the Iyase, or crowned by the Onishe (Kingmaker) — key traditional rites that qualify one to ascend the throne.
Speaking on the matter, the Onishe of Egbudu-Akah, Diokpa Moses Kelikwuma, described the appointment of Prince Augustine Okolie as a “political imposition” aimed at causing confusion in the community, adding that the Delta State Government had no right to appoint a king without consulting the royal family and Obi-in-Council.
“In Egbudu-Akah, the throne is not for sale. The government cannot impose a king on us. The customs and traditions of our people must be followed, and HRM Solomon Ogwuagwu remains the only traditionally recognized Obi of Egbudu-Akah,” Diokpa Kelikwuma stated.
Also speaking, Chief Augustine Elue and Chief Moses Nwaonye reaffirmed that the community already had a legitimate king, warning that any attempt to impose another ruler would be met with stiff resistance.
On his part, the President General of Egbudu-Akah Development Union, Pastor Godwin Elue, noted that while the community would continue to uphold peace, the government ought to have consulted the Obi-in-Council and the royal family before making such an appointment.
He called on the Delta State Government to revisit the decision in the interest of peace, unity, and the long-standing tradition of the people.
The protest ended peacefully with a collective appeal to the government to withdraw the appointment of Prince Augustine Okolie and allow the community’s chosen king, HRM Solomon Ogwuagwu, to reign.