Son, 15, takes over from murdered Ubulu-Uku king

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Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, the new king of Ubulu-Uku
Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, the new king of Ubulu-Uku
The late Ubulu-Uku king, Edward Akaeze Ofolue III murdered by his abductors in Jan 2016.
The late Ubulu-Uku king, Edward Akaeze Ofolue III murdered by his abductors in Jan 2016.

Ubulu-Uku community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, was thrown into jubilation as a new king was installed in the kingdom 45 days after the community’s monarch, Obi Edward Ofulue III, was abducted and murdered by gunmen.

The new king is a 15-year-old secondary school student and the son of the late king.

The teenage king goes by the title 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 5 January along Igbodo-Obior road.

Speaking during 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 over the installation of the new king.

Obaze 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 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 speaking, 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.

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“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 said.

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

“Therefore, we should embrace him because he needs our support to reign over 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 son Solomon in the Bible, 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 Obis 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.

She called for peace and harmony in the community.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace that the new Obi will able to manage the community,” she said

Ubulu-Uku, like most communities in Delta North area of the state, practice primogeniture, a succession method whereby the first male child succeeds his late father.

This system is similar to the culture of the Benin kingdom of Edo state.

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