Seventeen traditional chiefs in Idjerhe Kingdom, Delta State, were at the weekend suspended indefinitely, while a clan leader (Unugbrogodo), Chief Solomon Ojariafe, was derobbed over alleged misconduct.

The action was contained in a statement issued by the spokesman (Otota) of Idjerhe Kingdom, Uzzi Onosia James Obriki Crown (Otota), who said the decision was taken to maintain peace and sanity within the kingdom.

According to the statement, the chiefs were suspended indefinitely for gross misconduct, insubordination, maladministration and financial impropriety.

The Otota alleged that Chief Ojariafe committed acts of sacrilege, disrespect and insubordination by allegedly conniving with 15 other chiefs to boycott the celebration of His Royal Majesty’s fifth coronation anniversary held between January 15 and 18, 2026.

Chief Ojariafe was also accused of failing to account for over ₦25 million said to have passed through the Oguedion’s account.

The Otota appealed to all Idjerhe sons and daughters to remain law-abiding, assuring that the traditional administration was taking steps to ensure peace and tranquillity in the kingdom.

The statement reads in part: “During the celebration of His Royal Majesty’s 5th Coronation Anniversary from the 15th to the 18th of January 2026, Chief Solomon Ojariafe instructed all chiefs of the Idjerhe Central Oguedion to boycott the ceremony, and a majority complied. This act in itself is a sacrilege and a profound disrespect to the throne.

“Furthermore, on the 8th of January 2026, letters of invitation for the anniversary were sent to the three Oguedions of the Idjerhe Kingdom.

“Chief Solomon Ojariafe rejected the invitation for Idjerhe Central Oguedion under the pretext that the letter was addressed to the ‘Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Kingdom.’

“This nomenclature is alien to the culture and tradition of our great kingdom. For clarity, the three Oguedions in Idjerhe Kingdom are independent and presided over by an Unugbrogodo (Duke), who is subordinate to the King for administrative purposes.

“The King is the sole custodian and supreme authority of our traditions. Setting dates for all traditional ceremonies is the King’s traditional function, done at the palace in the presence of all Chiefs, including the traditional Prime Minister (Crown Otota – Iyasere).

“Additionally, since February 2025, the Palace has requested the three Oguedions—Idjerhe Central, Onyobru and Boboroku—to submit lists of palace Chiefs as traditionally required.

“While the Oguedions of Onyobru and Boboroku have complied, Idjerhe Central Oguedion has bluntly refused.

This refusal stems from Chief Solomon Ojariafe’s fear that such appointees would no longer be loyal to him.

“It is also worthy of note that the leadership of the Urhobo Traditional Council, under the chairmanship of His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso Abbey I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, has banned traditional Chiefs’ associations throughout the Urhobo nation.

“Despite this, Chief Solomon Ojariafe recently received the leadership of one such banned group. The Idjerhe Traditional Council views this meeting as an affront and a direct disregard for the Urhobo traditional rulers, including the Ovie of the great Idjerhe Kingdom.”