The people of Igbuku-Orogun, a subclan in Orogun kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area, have rioted against the installation of Chief Daniel Agbada as the Prime Minister (Onotu-Uku) of Orogun kingdom.
Chanting in war songs, the protesters who were old women, men, and youths, numbering over 300 marched around the Orogun police station and ended at the palace of the Okpara-Uku of Orogun kingdom.
The protesters who spoke in anger complained that Chief Agbada and his team from Igbuku community had allegedly bribed the traditional ruler of Unukpo community to install him as the
Onutu-Uku of the Orogun kingdom when the tenure of the incumbent, Chief Innocent Edewor has not ended.
Some of the protesters who spoke on the condition of anonymity alleged that Chief Agbada Ozumba and his team allegedly stole the Orogun war deity of over 1000 years, stressing that the deity is a symbol of authority of the Onutu-Uku of the Orogun Kingdom who is the
the commander-in-chief of the Orogun traditional army.
Speaking with journalists, Pa Daniel Okurho, (Okarhorho) who is the oldest man of Igbuku-Orogun, said Chief Agbada allegedly approached him to call an emergency meeting of the community on a Sunday which he said he did reluctantly.
Okura said” it was in the meeting Chief Agbada informed the few elders who meet up with the short notice that the tenure of the incumbent Onutu-Uku of Orogun kingdom has ended, and that it was his turn to assume the position.
“I told him that though the position is zoned to Igbuku, the tenure of the incumbent will expire by next year and when it expires, the position will be open for all qualified Igbuku sons to vie for it.
“But sadly, to our greatest humiliation, we heard that he went with some of his friends to the Okpara of Unukpo after giving him money, he was installed as Onutu-Uku against our advice and laid down process. That is why at my age I have to lead them today on a peaceful protest to the Okpara-Uku place.”
Also, the Onutu-Uku of Igbuku-Orogun sub-clan, Chief Jacob Ughwuba, expressed surprise over the Okpara of Unukpo
Ughwuba said “the Okpara of Onukpo is ‘supposed to be a custodian of the customs and tradition of Orogun kingdom, how could he engage in such a shame which is capable of igniting crisis in the kingdom.
“by the tradition of the Orogun kingdom, Umusu produces the Okpara-Uku while the Unukpo produces Onutu-Uku, and the position of Onutu-Uku was zoned to Igbuku sub-clan and all eligible Igbuku sons are qualified to contest for the position when it’s vacated.
“This is what the Okarhorho told Chief Agbada and his co-travelers when they came on Sunday that the seat is not vacant and that when it’s time, he and others can vie for the position, he left and we thought that was all.
“We are, however, surprised that he went to the Okpara with few misguided elements from the community to be installed as Onutu-Uku, and the Okpara who supposed to be a custodian of the customs and traditions of Orogun kingdom fell for it.
“We the people of Igbuku-Orogun reject this affront on our cherished tradition and therefore condemn it and also call on all well-meaning Orogun sons and daughters to reject Agbada and his cohorts.”
However, the spokesperson of the women (Ewheya), Madam Edeore Ujodo condemned Agbada and his cohorts for their actions on Sunday adding that it was unusual in the history of the Orogun kingdom.
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