By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Delta State Government has stated that it was not inclined to dethrone the monarch of Nsukwa in Aniocha South LGA, His Royal Majesty, (Dr) Kenneth Ezegbunem 1, the Obi of Nsukwa Kingdom.
The State Deputy Governor, Dcn Kingsley Otuaro, stated this yesterday, 21st April, 2021, in Asaba at the end of a meeting he had with representatives from Nsukwa Kingdom to broker peace between the two warring groups.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by Chief Edwin Uzor, (JP), Special Advisers to Gov Okowa on Peace Building/Conflict Resolution, disclosed that the issue before the State Government has been contested and won by the Obi of Nsukwa and there was no appeal let alone judgement over-turning the court decision, adding that it’s a known fact all over the world that the judgement of a competent court of jurisdiction must be obeyed.
Otuaro said the State Government stands by the judgement delivered in this case, which gave victory to the Obi and that brings an end to any further complain in this respect.
According to the Deputy Governor, “Besides that, the issue of dethroning the king as requested and prayed for by the petitioners in their petition, is only within the purview of the State Government having regards to the Provisions of Section 19, Sub – Section 1 of Traditional Rulers Council extant of 1988.
“Government, from the totality of the case presented, is not inclined to dethrone the Obi. Accordingly, the case of the petitioners lacked merit and accordingly dismissed.
“Parties are hereby strongly advised to go quietly and maintain absolute peace in their respective quarters. The Delta State Government will frown seriously on any person or group of persons who may, in one way or the other, cause breech of peace arising from this issue”.
The State Government however directed the Council chairman of Aniocha South Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwuwinke and the Police authority in that area, to keep surveillance on the parties and take immediate necessary steps to quell any act of insubordination.
While thanking the two groups for the maturity displayed during the proceedings, Dcn Otuaro advised the people of Nsukwa to ensue peace for the development of the Kingdom.
He noted that the continuous balkanization of the Kingdom because of an error that was allegedly made twelve years ago, which can be forgiven for the sake of peace, will not hasten development and that’s why some of the Kingdom’s revenue were still tied down with Government
Present at proceedings were the Member representing Aniocha South State Constituency, in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Austin Chikeze, Deputy Chief Staff Government House, Engr. Jude Sinebe, Chairman of Aniocha South LGA Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwuwinke and the Commissioner for Culture & Tourism Hon. Lawrence Ejiofor.
Others included Senior Special Advisers to Gov Okowa on Chieftaincy Affairs Barr. Andy Asowata, Senior Special Advisers on Petroleum Matters Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs Dr. Emma Emazie, the representative of the State Attorney General Peter Mrakpor, Permanent Secretary Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, JN Egwahor among others.