By SAM DUVWODE
Following the tussle of who is the most senior man to take the position of Okpaloku in Obiaruku Community, the Delta State Government has directed the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Hon. Possible Ajede, to suspend payment of stipends entitled to the Okpaloku stool until the determination of who is the most senior.
The State Deputy Governor, Dcn Kingsley Otuaro gave the directive yesterday after an exhaustive deliberation from both parties in a meeting held in Asaba.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by Chief Edwin Uzor, (JP), Special Advisers to Gov Okowa on Peace Building/Conflict Resolution, also directed the Council chairman to look into the matter, determine who is the most senior man and report back to office of the Deputy governor within one month.
The State government also ordered that Chief Ossai and other persons should desist from parading themselves as kings adding that according to the constitutional provisions, Obiaruku remains an autonomous community.
The State government while directing all parties to go home quietly and refrain from any act of breech of peace in the community, warned that it will take decisive action against any person or group of persons that cause trouble in the community.
In attendance were the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor, Deputy Chief Staff Government House, Engr. Jude Sinebe, Chairman of Ndokwa West LGA Chief Obi Nzete.
Others included some Special Advisers to Gov Okowa such as Barr. Andy Asowata, Ernest Ogwezzy, Dr. Emma Emazie, the representative of the State Attorney General Peter Mrakpor, Permanent Secretary Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, JN Egwahor among others.