Nigerian Governor Disregards Court Order, Presents Staff of Office to Monarch

Despite an existing court order from a High Court sitting in Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday presented staff of office to the newly installed king of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe I, amidst tight security.

There were protests and crises in Ewu Kingdom immediately after the emergence of Ikolo as king

The quartet of Bernard Awarieta, Olorogun Anthony M. Okagbare, Olorogun Owhofaria, and Evang. Solomon Omotitiri had approached the court challenging the emergence of the Arhedjo ruling house and the selection by the Ekade and Ahavwa families, respectively.

Governor Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council of Chiefs and the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs were joined in the case with Suit No. HCG/55/2023.

But the court presided over by Justice T. O. Uloho, had ordered that: “In view of the fact that the application filed by the parties cannot be heard today by the court, the parties hereto are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the application for interlocutory injunction and notice of preliminary objection filed by the 1st defendant and the 2nd to 6th defendants.

“Accordingly, the case is adjourned to November 23 at 2:30 pm for hearing of the application.”
However, Gov Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, presented the staff of office to the monarch amidst tight security.”

During the presentation, the governor said: “Your Royal Majesty, I appeal to you to improve on the sanctity of your exalted office by leading your people to greater prosperity in an environment marked by peace, love, understanding, and mutual respect between the throne and the people.

“I urge you to be open and accessible while upholding, at all times, the virtues of justice, fair play, and equity in all your dealings with your subjects. In everything you do and in every decision you take, I implore you to place the interests of the majority of your people and the fear of God above other considerations.

“Let me reiterate that government will continue to rely on the leadership institution as a veritable medium of reaching the people.

“The traditional institution is priceless in any African society; no viable alternative has been found. Government will therefore continue to treat the traditional institution as a trustworthy partner in the social, economic, and cultural spheres.

“Please ensure that you encourage the free flow of communication, dialogue, and consultation with all segments of your kingdom; it is obvious that you are truly accepted by your people; endeavour to reciprocate their love.”

Our heritage reporter recalls the eruption of crisis following the selection, crowning, and installation of the new king in the community.

There had been a series of protests by the opposition against the emergence of the new monarch.

The opposition had accused the governor of alleged imposition of the new monarch on them.

The Delta State Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, A. P. Edariese, commended the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led Delta State Government for presenting the staff of office to the monarch.

The septuagenarian also urged the king to work to satisfy God Almighty so that He (God) can give him the capacity to take the kingdom to the limelight as well as silence the voices of dissents.

“Let Ewu people feel the impact of a good king being on the throne so that, at the end of the day, they will say this is what God gave us. It’s good and we are happy,” he advised.