Tensions Mount Over Kingship Crisis in Aboh Kingdom
ASABA/Nigeria: The ancient kingdom of Aboh, steeped in history as the land that once held the famous Lander brothers, John and Richard, as captives, is now facing a royal dispute that threatens to disrupt the peace of the community.
The conflict centres around the contested kingship of Chief Gregory Oputa, with two factions at odds over the legitimacy of his ascension to the throne.
The dispute has divided notable figures in the community, including Hon Olise Imegwu, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and High Chief Ajieh Ogwu, the President-General of the Aboh community.
These leaders, alongside representatives from the four quarters traditionally responsible for selecting the king, have openly opposed Oputa’s claim to the title
On the other side, Oputa enjoys the backing of several prominent chiefs, who have publicly affirmed their support.
In a press statement circulated widely today, the chiefs loyal to Oputa insisted that he is the rightful king and should be respected as such.
Among his supporters are High Chief Paul Esumei, the Ndanike of Aboh, High Chief Ifeanyi Odili, the Iyasele of Aboh, High Chief Kenneth Odili, the Ozeh of Aboh, and High Chief Chris Ogwu, the Isagba Ajieh of Aboh Kingdom. These chiefs have called on all Aboh sons and daughters to rally behind Oputa and recognise his authority.
However, opposition to Oputa’s reign has been vocal and persistent. Dr Olise Imegwu recently led a delegation of Aboh indigenes to Asaba, the Delta State capital, to protest what they described as the “imposition” of Oputa as king. During meetings with the Delta State Police Commissioner and the Deputy Governor, Imegwu challenged Oputa’s legitimacy, questioning the process that led to his installation. Imegwu has demanded that Oputa provide evidence, including a video of his crowning, to substantiate his claim to the throne.
Adding to the controversy, High Chief Sir John Ajieh Ogwu, the President-General of the Aboh community, convened a meeting with representatives from the four quarters responsible for producing the king: Umu Ogwezi, Umu Ossai, Umu Obi, and Umu Ojugbele. During the meeting, which was held in Aboh, the traditional seat of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Ogwu declared that Aboh currently has no legitimate king.
He accused Oputa of emerging through improper means, asserting that the process was conducted in secrecy and without the proper authority of the kingdom’s elders and Oduah, the supreme spiritual leader.
Ogwu’s stance was firm: “There is no king in Aboh. Anyone parading himself as such is lying.” He reiterated the demand for Oputa to publicly present evidence of his crowning, including who placed the crown upon his head, to prove his legitimacy.
As tensions between the factions continue to escalate, there are growing concerns about the potential for this dispute to spiral out of control.
The Pond News has called on the Delta State Government to intervene and address the situation before the crisis worsens.
For now, Aboh remains divided, with no resolution in sight, as the kingdom’s royal crisis threatens to overshadow its rich and storied past.
