The kingship crisis in Egbudu-Akah Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Council, Delta State, has intensified as community leaders have rejected the state government’s alleged imposition of a monarch and called for immediate intervention rooted in fairness and respect for tradition.

In a statement issued after a recent stakeholders’ meeting, key figures in the community, including Diokpa Moses Kelikuma, Diokpa Augustine Elue, Diokpa Enemokwu Adigue, and Godwin Elue, accused the Delta State government of disregarding local customs and imposing leadership without consulting the rightful custodians of the kingdom’s heritage.

Representing the collective voice of the Egbudu-Akah people, the leaders insisted that the Umu-Illoh Royal Family remains the only legitimate ruling house in the kingdom.

They categorically dismissed the existence of any “Obi Okolie Royal Family,” calling it a fabrication and distortion of historical lineage. According to them, following the death of His Royal Majesty Obi Okolie I on September 30, 2016, the Umu-Illoh Royal Family fulfilled all traditional rites and installed Obi Solomon Ogwuagwu I as king, in accordance with native laws and customs.

Shortly after this, Mr Paul Obi Okolie, claiming to be the late monarch’s eldest son, controversially declared himself the new king — an act that plunged the community into conflict.

The matter was brought before the Ogwashi-Uku High Court in suit No. 0/35/2016, but before the judicial process could run its course, the Delta State government allegedly stepped in, issuing a Staff of Office to Mr Paul Obi Okolie and officially recognising him as monarch — a move the community described as a violation of due process and an affront to tradition.

The community leaders further alleged that their multiple petitions to the government were ignored and that no proper investigation or consultation with traditional elders was carried out before the government’s decision.

The situation degenerated following the death of Mr Paul Obi Okolie in 2018. His son, Mr Augustine Ezeaguna Nzemeke Obi-Okolie, has reportedly begun parading himself as the new Obi of Egbudu-Akah, a development the community strongly opposes.

“The Delta State government cannot choose a king for Egbudu-Akah. Installing Mr Augustine Ezeaguna Nzemeke Obi-Okolie will not resolve the crisis; it will deepen it,” the elder said.

They reiterated that Obi Solomon Ogwuagwu I, who was selected in accordance with tradition by the Umu-Illoh Royal Family, remains the rightful monarch, even though the state has not recognised him.