By Daniel Dafe
The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, has noted with deep concern the press release issued on 25th August 2025 regarding a purported courtesy visit by certain individuals from Otulu to His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi Palace Secretary on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Recall that a delegation from Otulu community led by Chukwudi Mgbanwa paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba on Monday.
Making clarification on Otulu’s status, the palace secretary said “Otulu is an integral and inseparable part of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, both historically and legally.”
Adding: “This fact has been reaffirmed by government records and judicial pronouncements. Any suggestion of “independence” is a gross misrepresentation of the settled position of law and history.”
According to the statement, “The so-called delegation led by Mr. Chukwudi Mgbanwa does not represent the good people of Otulu,” saying “rather, it reflects the actions of a small faction, many of whom have been allegedly involved in attacks against the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and are either in prison or facing trial on serious charges.”
He opined that “such elements, or their sponsors, to seek legitimacy by visiting a neighbouring monarch, is regrettable.”
He said further: “It is also important to remind the public that these very issues were recently subjected to an exhaustive Commission of Inquiry set up by the Delta State Government. That Commission has already issued its findings, which must be respected by all parties.
“For any traditional ruler to be invited to advice on matters already addressed by a government-constituted commission risks undermining due process and inadvertently stoking further tension.”
Furthermore, he said: “The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku is also aware that only recently, one of the satellite communities around Asaba attempted to press for autonomy,” stating that “at a Cabinet Meeting, the Asagba of Asaba himself firmly rejected such efforts, vowing to defend and protect every inch of Asaba land and not cede it to any external influence. Indeed, the Asagba proceeded to establish the “One-Anya Asagba” (Asagba’s Representative) structure for about six satellite communities to ensure their continued governance under the Asagba’s authority.”
He thus opined that “it is therefore both surprising and unfortunate that separatists from Otulu, who stand on no stronger ground than those satellite communities in Asaba, would be entertained as though their unlawful claims carried legitimacy.”
The statement continued: “The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and the entire Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom hold the Asagba of Asaba in the highest esteem and respect the dignity of his throne.
“Besides his respected role as the traditional ruler of Asaba, he is also an accomplished senior lawyer. However, we respectfully note that the recognition or encouragement of separatist narratives only emboldens unlawful actors and prolongs conflict. The path to peace lies in respecting constituted authority, obeying judicial decisions, and upholding the unity of communities.”
The Palace of Ogwashi-Uku stated that the kingdom remains committed to peace, harmony, and the rule of law, while calling on all well-meaning leaders and stakeholders “to join hands in discouraging illegal agitation and in promoting unity under our shared traditions, history, and the law.”
