15-year old Obi [Agbogidi] Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I.

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Ubulu-Uku community in Aniocha South local government area of Delta State has been thrown into jubilation as a new king was installed in the kingdom 45 days after the community’s monarch was abducted and subsequently murdered.

He is a 15- year old rsecondary school student,the son of the late king. Obi Ofulue lll.He is Obi [Agbogidi] Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I.

The installation of Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, followed the recent demise of his father, Obi Edward Ofulue III in the hands of persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen who abducted him on January 5th along Igbodo-Obior road.

On the installation of the Obi,the Palace Secretary, Joseph Obaze, said it was in line with the custom and tradition of the people of Ubulu-Uku that a king is said to be dead only when a new one is installed and his first son crowned as king.

He said that the people of the community are happy, the palace secretary revealed that a regent would be appointed to manage the stool while the crowned king pursues his educational career. “But who the regent will be has not been determined yet. That is a process that will be decided on later.

“We are therefore calling on our people to be law abiding and rally round the new Obi so that the community can move forward in harmony”, he said.

Also, the President-General of Ubulu-Uku Development Council, Comrade Jones Ofune, called on the people of Ubulu-Uku to respect the new Obi, stressing that since he has been traditionally installed, he therefore should be accorded all the rights and privileges that are due a monarch.

“The new Obi has gone through the processes of installation and has been so installed. We are therefore happy. The whole of Ubulu-Uku are happy. The new Obi has been chosen in line with the rights and culture of our people”, he disclosed.

The Councilor representing Ward 7, that is, the Obi’s area in Ubulu-Uku, Solomon Ojeah, said they are particularly happy because of the uncommon courage and bravery the young Obi has displayed in take the mantle of office.

Ojeah appealed “Therefore we should embrace him because; he needs our support to reign on the community, for we all know that it is not easy to manage the throne. It is indeed a challenging task. And like what happened between David and his Solomon in the Bible, so do I call on our people to support the new Obi for the progress of our community”.

The Aniocha South Council Chairman, Chief Isaac Anwuzia said his administration would render all necessary support to help the Obi succeed in his new office.

According to him, the council has already commenced the process that would culminate with the presentation of staff of office to the new Obi.

“To that effect, by next week, he will be presented to the other Obi’s from the local government”, he revealed.

The member representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Amaechi Mrakpor, said Ubulu-Uku people are happy to have a new Obi; this is as she called for peace and harmony in the community. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace can the new Obi will able to manage the community”, she said

Ubulu-Uku like most communities in Delta North area of the state practice progeniture,first male child succeeding their late father,taking after the Edo culture of the Benin kingdom of Edo state.