Youths of Ogbe-Obi Village in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, recently staged a peaceful protest to draw public attention to what they described as the need to resuscitate the traditional kingship structure that historically enabled their village to produce the traditional ruler of the community.
Carrying placards with inscriptions calling for justice and the restoration of their ancestral rights, the protesters insisted that the Obiship of Onicha-Olona rightfully belongs to Ogbe-Obi Village. According to them, the village’s name, “Ogbe-Obi,” meaning “King’s Village” or “King’s Quarter,” underscores its historical and cultural connection to the throne.
The youths called for the immediate stoppage of the Okpala-bu-isi traditional system of succession, under which the most senior Okpala-bu-isi title holder ascends the throne. They argued that the practice is alien to the original Onicha-Olona traditional institution and does not reflect the community’s authentic customs and heritage.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the peaceful procession, a renowned Nigerian reggae icon and indigene of the village, Kandy Sea, highlighted what he described as the statutory and historical rights of Ogbe-Obi Village to the Obiship of Onicha-Olona. He alleged that the village’s traditional right to produce the Obi was wrongfully taken away by British colonial authorities in 1900.
Kandy Sea appealed to relevant authorities, including traditional leaders of Onicha-Olona, the broader traditional institution in Aniocha North Local Government Area, the Local Government Council, and the Delta State Government, to intervene in the matter. He stressed that restoring the rightful kingship structure would not only serve justice but also promote enduring peace and tranquillity in the community.
“The restoration of our traditional rights is not about conflict but about justice and cultural identity,” he stated, urging all stakeholders to approach the issue with fairness and a commitment to unity.
The protesting youths maintained that they reject the Okpala-bu-isi succession system and vowed to pursue all lawful and peaceful avenues to ensure that what they described as the rightful order of succession is reinstated.
Despite their grievances, the villagers unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Basim Chinye, commending his peaceful disposition and inclusive approach to governance across the council area.
They assured that, in deference to his leadership and commitment to peace, they would not take the law into their own hands but would continue to pursue justice through legitimate and peaceful means.
The protest ended without any negative incident, with participants reiterating their call for dialogue and constructive engagement to resolve the longstanding kingship dispute in Onicha-Olona.
