Tension in the Ubulu-Uku kingdom, Delta State, has escalated following conflicting claims over the alleged suspension of the Onishe (kingmaker) of the community, Chief Asika Onwordi James.

The Guardian learnt that a letter purportedly announcing the Onishe’s suspension is circulating on social media, sparking anxiety among residents. However, a counter letter, allegedly signed by the traditional ruler, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, denied any such suspension.

In the counter statement made available to reporters in Asaba, the palace declared: “On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, and the entire Umu Obi, we wish to state categorically that we are not aware of the letter currently being circulated regarding the alleged suspension of the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku.

“We firmly and completely disassociate ourselves from the said letter, its contents, and any implications arising from it. At no time did His Royal Majesty or the Umu Obi authorise, endorse, or sanction the drafting or publication of such a letter.”

The palace urged the public to disregard the suspension letter, stressing that it does not represent the position of the Obi.

Reacting to the development, Chief Onwordi described the alleged suspension as false, insisting that he remained loyal to the throne. “My king is a young king who needs much assistance in terms of the traditions of my place. I decided to help him and I am doing everything to support him, but his uncles are the ones fighting me,” he said.

He expressed disappointment over the circulation of the document online, noting that he had contributed to community security, including setting up a local outfit to support security agencies against criminal activities.

But in a twist, the Palace Secretary, Mr George Ofulue, who signed the suspension letter, insisted that the Onishe remains suspended for alleged insubordination. He dismissed the counter letter as a forgery.

“The Onishe of Ubulu-Uku remains suspended. The other letter that’s circulating is forged by faceless people. The Obi’s signature was forged. If we knew those behind it, we would have charged them for forgery,” Ofulue said.