The situation surrounding Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, the young monarch of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, continues to generate concern among his subjects.
Obi Chukwuka ascended the throne at the age of 15 in 2016, following the tragic killing of his father, Obi Akaeze Edward Ofolue III. Now in his mid-20s, he completed a law degree at a United Kingdom university in 2019 but has since remained abroad.
While the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku (the kingdom’s traditional Prime Minister), Chief James Onwordi Ibori Ubulu, has maintained his support for the monarch, divisions have emerged within the royal family.
Some of the king’s uncles are alleged to be exerting influence over the kingdom in his absence, a situation that has reportedly caused tension and controversy.
Residents and members of the Council of Chiefs have expressed frustration over the Obi’s continued absence, describing it as a major setback to the kingdom’s governance and development.
They insist that the king should lead from home, not from the diaspora, and accuse his uncles of manipulating the situation and disrupting the kingdom’s peace.
According to concerned citizens, the Obi has remained largely unreachable, with efforts by the kingdom, the Council of Chiefs, and even government authorities reportedly blocked.
Some community members allege that his uncles have advised him to sever communication and have positioned themselves as intermediaries, even to the Delta State Government.
Ngozi Emma, one of the community voices, lamented the situation: “As it stands, the kingdom is suffering because we cannot communicate with our Obi. If he is not ready to lead, he should say so, rather than abandon the people who crowned him. The Council of Chiefs cannot reach him, and it is becoming disturbing.”
Another resident, Ofulue Chukwuweike, claimed that the Obi’s mother has also distanced herself from the kingdom and has discouraged the king from returning.
He further accused the Obi’s uncles of exploiting the situation for personal gain. His uncles are busy selling land and developing property for themselves, while the Obi does not even have a house in his own kingdom.
“The Umu Uzi and Umu Obi royal family have also tried talking to the uncles to stop interfering in the palace activities but they have refused thereby causing division in the kingdom.
“We love our king. We want him to return and lead without interference,” he said.
The community has called on the Delta State Government and relevant traditional conflict resolution bodies to intervene urgently.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Onishe cautioned against any acts of disrespect toward the throne or the traditional institution, stressing that such actions will not be tolerated in Ubulu-Uku.
