Och’idoma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa pays royal visit to Ugboju, affirms Chief Solomon Apochi as only Oche k’Ugboju known to Idoma Area Traditional Council

Following the lingering chieftaincy tussle bedeviling Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, in Benue State, His Royal Highness, Och’idoma-iv in company of prominent members of Idoma Area Traditional Council, pays a royal visit to Ugboju with the view to profile amicable resolution to all contentious issues regarding the throne of Oche K’Ugboju.

His Royal Highness, The Agabaidu, chronicled the historical background leading to emergence of Och’idoma throne and other traditional thrones in the kingdom. He opines that, politics and civilization can never take the place of Idoma traditional norms and values, and frown seriously at few sons of the kingdom that often use the privileges they have to fan amber of discord in his domain, instead of dedicating such energy in the development of their localities.

Agabaidu asked: “Ugboju people, do you want to dethrone your crown king, chief Solomon Apochi?” The people however loudly opposed to any attempt to dethrone the Obande K’Ugboju, as all of the Village Heads and Clan Heads pay their allegiance to His Royal Highness, Chief Solomon Apochi.

Some of the Clan Heads and Village Heads however, told Och’idoma that they were compelled to align with Omale Abah hitherto, and promised to henceforth remain steadfast with the truth that prevailed by the visit of Och’idoma today to Ugboju.

Och’idoma further stated that, even if Oche K’Ugboju resigned as erroneously posited, was Ugboju elders that crown him and himself, the royal father of Idoma land part of this purported resignation?

Agabaidu advised his subjects not to play with the Idoma and Ugboju gods (Alekwu), as that attracts severe consequences beyond peoples imagination. He stated that, since he was born and now old on the throne, he has never seen any man called ‘further District Head’ of any district within his domain and said, that won’t start from Ugboju district.

Agabaidu clarifies that, it is purely the exclusive prerogatives of Ugboju people to choose their District Head and not that of any political office holder, which he said Ugboju people did when they presented Chief Solomon Apochi to him years ago as their king. He said, except the Obande K ‘Ugboju go hunting with his ancestors in the forest, the position of the Oche K’ugboju can’t be vacant. Government role he said starts only after the necessary traditional rites are concluded, and the king is handed over to relevant government offices for political recognition.

Och’idoma said he went contrary to security advised from DSS to be in Ugboju today and was happy he did, considering the deepening of the crisis and its resultant consequences on his subjects. He advised Ugboju sons and daughters to come together immediately to put an end to the continuous blood bath that has taken over the district.

Reacting, the oldest person from Ai Okoh family said there was never a time Ugboju people held a meeting to dethrone their Crown King, Chief Solomon Apochi. He promised Och’idoma that Ugboju shall remain united under their king as he further affirmed that only death can create vacuum on the throne.

Reacting further, an elder from Ai Agbaja, elder Adiji Amanyi said Ai Agbaja sons and daughters are solidly behind his Royal Highness.

In his vote of thanks, Amb. Dickson Akoh express joy and thanked the Och’idoma for coming to the aid of Ugboju people at such a crucial time when his Royal wisdom is most needed to guide the district in the path of truth. Akoh said his interest shall be to continue in the promotion, protection and development of Ugboju land. He promised Och’idoma that efforts would be made to bring all opposing factions to a round table as one for the general good of the district.

Amb. Akoh announced to och’idoma and the cheering crowd that soon, Ogoli-Ugboju Police Station would be made full Division. He asked the gods of the land to continue to guide him.

His Royal Highness, Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, Och’idoma D iv was accompanied to Ugboju by Ada Apa, Chief John Antenyi, Ada Otukpo, Chief Simon Onuh, Ada Ohimini, Chief John Ochayi, Sec. Idoma Area Traditional Council, Joseph Adah and others.

Chief Nelson Alapa, Hon. Loveth, Hon. Agada were also present during the visit of his Royal Highness.