TENSION RAGES IN OGWASHI-UKU AS LATE OBI'S FAMILY BATTLE OVER SUCCESSOR

“Prof. Okonjo was never an Obi of Ogwashi-Uku under our tradition but a mere Regent”…… Patrick Okonjo Tells Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

“It is sacrilegious of Ogwashi-Uku custom and tradition for a Princess to announce the transition of the monarch or proclaim another. It is a purely traditional function”.

There is palpable tension among the Okonjo Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta state, families of the late Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Chukuka Okonjo, father of Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The death of the 91-year-old Monarch and the issue surrounding his eventual successor is said to have generated controversy concerning the traditional throne occupied by the Okonjo Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta state.

The controversy follows a disagreement by a faction of the Okonjo family with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is being accused, in contradiction to tradition, of unilaterally announcing the death as well as naming a successor to the throne.

In a press statement on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal family, Patrick Okonjo, a lawyer, accused the former minister of usurping the functions of the Royal Family and men who should traditionally; announce the death of the traditional ruler as well as his successor.

The statement reads: “We observe, with sadness and pity, the despicable ploy by a renegade faction of the Umu Obi Obahai royal family of Ogwashi-Uku, to desecrate the Ogwashi-Uku traditional institution, following the passing away of Prof. Ben Chukwuka Okonjo”.

“In furtherance of this devious plan, one Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has purported to announce the transition of an Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and proclaimed the ascension to the same throne by her brother, Ifechukwude Okonjo (Chude)”.

“I wish to point out for the information of the general public, particularly Ogwashians, as follows”;

 “Prof. Okonjo was never an Obi of Ogwashi-Uku under our tradition but a mere Regent. Accordingly, his first child cannot be Obi, as deceitfully inferred by Ngozi.

“Succession to the traditional stool of Ogwashi-Uku is strictly by PRIMOGENITURE. Prof. Okonjo was never in the line of succession and therefore only served as a REGENT. His 3rd son, Chude, consequently can never be Obi.

“The Obiship of Ogwashi-Uku does not go to the highest bidder; it is rooted in an ancient custom and tradition which is inviolable. Prof. Okonjo, in effect, usurped the throne. These issues form the bedrock of Suit No: A/159/2019, Prince Patrick Okonjo v. Prince Nathan Okonjo & 8 Ors, now before the High Court of Justice, Asaba.

“Accordingly, I enjoin the peace loving people of Ogwashi-Uku not to be perturbed, but to discountenance and pay no heed to the statement made by Ngozi, or for that matter, the charade we have witnessed in Ogwashi-Uku in the past few days”.