Aboh Kingdom Faces Leadership Crisis as Protesters Reject Obi ….Calls for Intervention Intensify Amid Claims of Intimidation and Tradition Violations

ASABA/Nigeria: The people of Aboh Kingdom in Ndokwa East Local Government Area have once again denied the installation of a new Obi, sparking protests across the community. A statement released by the Supreme Head of Aboh Kingdom, Pa Thomas Agha, and the President General, Chief Ajie Ogwu, condemned the recent crowning of Greg Oputa as an imposter, declaring that his installation did not follow traditional procedures.

The rejection of Oputa’s kingship was reinforced by a large protest, led by former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olise Imegwu, at the Delta State Government House in Asaba. On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, protesters disowned Oputa, marching through the streets to the Deputy Governor’s office and the State Police Headquarters to express their grievances.

Speaking to the press at the Deputy Governor’s office, Rt. Hon. Imegwu alleged that the coronation of Greg Oputa was orchestrated under dubious circumstances, with no regard for Aboh’s customs. He accused state authorities of deploying over ten truckloads of police officers to Aboh to impose the new king by force. “Greg Oputa is not the king of Aboh according to our tradition and customs,” Imegwu said, challenging Oputa to provide evidence of a legitimate coronation. He further claimed that the Oduah, Aboh’s spiritual leader, had been coerced into endorsing Oputa under duress.

Imegwu, supported by prominent community members, called on the Delta State Government to intervene and prevent the kingdom from descending into chaos. At the State Police Headquarters, he submitted three petitions from Aboh’s ruling families, rejecting Oputa’s crowning as a violation of the community’s sacred customs. These petitions, signed by leaders of the Umu Obi Elders Council, Umu Ogwezi family quarters, and Umu Ossai Family Union, described the September 11, 2024, coronation of Greg Oputa as a “taboo” that would not stand the test of time.

Amid the escalating unrest, Pa Thomas Agha and Chief Ajie Ogwu issued a joint statement on Monday, September 16, 2024, appealing for peace. They clarified that no individual had been officially screened or selected as the rightful king due to ongoing legal injunctions that prevent the proper coronation process. Both leaders urged the community to remain calm and respect the court’s rulings, warning that no decision could be made until the legal issues were fully resolved.

Despite these calls for peace, tensions reached new heights following allegations that Greg Oputa used intimidation tactics to secure his position. Community leaders, including Chief Ogwu Jimpama and Senior Comrade Chilly Opene, accused Oputa of employing armed police officers to coerce the Oduah into endorsing his kingship. Eyewitnesses, including the Oduah’s son, claimed that Oputa’s associates had held the spiritual leader at gunpoint, an act that sparked widespread outrage throughout the kingdom.

In response, the Aboh Traditional Council pledged to restore peace and uphold the integrity of the kingship selection process. The Council vowed that those involved in the controversial coronation would face justice, and efforts would be made to ensure that due process was followed.

Despite the protests and accusations, Greg Oputa was crowned as the 20th Obi of Aboh Kingdom in a ceremony marked by both celebration and tension. Addressed as His Imperial Majesty Obi Oputa III, the newly installed monarch expressed optimism about his reign, calling for unity and urging the youth to be at the forefront of the kingdom’s development. “It is a new phase for Aboh Kingdom, and I am committed to moving the kingdom forward,” he declared.

However, the allegations of forced endorsement have continued to cast a long shadow over Oputa’s ascension, leaving the community divided. As traditional leaders push for a resolution through legal channels, the fate of Aboh’s kingship remains uncertain, with hopes that peace and justice will eventually prevail. Residents have been urged to remain patient and calm as the legal processes unfold, ensuring that Aboh’s cherished customs are upheld.