Governor Oborevwori presents Staff of Office to controversial Delta Monarch amidst legal controversy

In defiance of an existing court order from the High Court in Otu-Jeremi, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, proceeded to present the staff of office to the newly installed king of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe I, on Thursday, amidst heightened security measures.

Tensions and protests had erupted in Ewu Kingdom following the emergence of Ikolo as the new king. The legal contest ensued as Bernard Awarieta, Olorogun Anthony M. Okagbare, Olorogun Owhofaria, and Evang. Solomon Omotitiri contested the legitimacy of the Arhedjo ruling house and the selection process by the Ekade and Ahavwa families.

The court, presided over by Justice T.O. Uloho, had ordered the parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the application for interlocutory injunction and notice of preliminary objection. The case was adjourned to November 23 for a hearing.

Despite the court order, Governor Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, proceeded with the presentation of the staff of office to the monarch in the face of tight security.

During the presentation, the governor emphasized the importance of the monarch leading the people to prosperity in an environment marked by peace, love, understanding, and mutual respect. He urged the king to uphold justice, fair play, and equity in dealings with subjects and to prioritize the interests of the majority and the fear of God in decision-making.

The governor reiterated the government’s reliance on the leadership institution as a crucial means of reaching the people and affirmed the traditional institution’s significance in African society.

The controversial selection and crowning of the new monarch had sparked opposition protests, accusing the governor of imposing the king on the community. Despite the legal controversies, the Delta State Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, A. P. Edariese, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the presentation, urging the king to work towards the prosperity of the kingdom and garner the support of the people.