Oyede community debunks kingship tussle claims

The Odiologbo of Oyede Kingdom in Isoko North Local Council of Delta State, HRM Idiareh Joseph, Emasibeta I, has pledged the community’s irrevocable commitment to peace and security of lives, clarifying that issues relating to kingship had been laid to rest.

The traditional ruler, who spoke while addressing newsmen, debunked any alleged kingship tussle in the settlement.

He noted that the issue of kingship was entirely traditional, adding that the Oyede Development Union remained a parastatal under the president-general, Bishop Dr. Kingsley Okodhi, who also is under authority.

Reacting to the allegation of a rift in the kingdom, High Prince Gammanier Inih Akporuere, representing the three founding families of Athuaro, Okro and Ekoye ruling houses, said they had been playing vital roles in the traditional organisation of Oyede community contrary to the view of the promoters of uncertainty.

He stated that some Isoko communities, which from origin operated a gerontocracy system, had since embraced a less expensive one in that the “installation of a new Odiologbo usually emerges within a space of not more than five years on grounds of old age (as the oldest men in every society are those closest to the grave) and huge amount of funds is usually involved in installation of a new Odiologbo.”

Akporuere added: “It was against this backdrop that it was unanimously resolved at the General Conference of August 19, 2016 that Oyede Community should change from its traditional gerontocracy system of government. It was consequent upon the above premise that one Inih (representing the ruling houses) instituted Suit No: HCZ/56/2016 before the High Court of Justice, Ozoro claiming that he was to start the new system of the royal stool.

“This development has shown that there was no known trouble created by the Odiologbo-elect as portrayed by Dr. Kingsley Okodhi and his team have no legal right to ban/move for kinship or the founding families whose grandparents found Oyede town.”

According to him, Okodhi did not consult the leaders of thought before embarking on the move.