Concerned youths of Ogbe-Obi Village in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North local government area of Delta State, have demanded the revival of their village’s traditional kingship rights.
While demonstrating in the community on Monday, the youth insisted that Ogbe-Obi, historically recognised as the “King’s Village,” should reclaim its right to produce the Obi, the traditional ruler of the community.
The protesters, wielding placards with inscriptions called for justice and the reinstatement of ancestral rights, arguing that the current succession system, known as Okpala-bu-isi, does not reflect the village’s historical and cultural heritage.
According to them, the Okpala-bu-isi practice, which allows the most senior title holder to ascend the throne, was introduced later and is alien to the authentic Onicha-Olona institution.
Addressing journalists after the procession, popular Nigerian reggae artist and indigene of Ogbe-Obi Village, Kandy Sea, stressed the historical and statutory claims of his village to the Obiship.
He alleged that the village’s traditional right to produce the Obi was unjustly disrupted during British colonial rule in 1900.
Kandy Sea called on traditional authorities, the local government council, and the Delta State government to intervene and restore justice, maintaining that doing so would foster long-term peace and unity within the community.
“The restoration of our traditional rights is about preserving cultural identity and justice, not creating conflict,” the reggae artist said, urging all stakeholders to resolve the matter fairly and constructively.
The youths reiterated their rejection of the Okpala-bu-isi succession system, pledging to pursue all lawful and peaceful avenues to ensure that the village’s historical rights are recognized.
The protesters emphasised their commitment to dialogue and peaceful advocacy, avoiding any form of confrontation or lawlessness.
Despite their grievances, the villagers expressed strong support for the leadership of Emmanuel Basim Chinye, Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, praising his inclusive governance style and efforts to maintain peace across the council area.
In deference to the local authority, the protesters affirmed that they would not resort to illegal actions, choosing instead to continue pursuing justice through legitimate and constructive means.
The protesters called for open dialogue between village elders, traditional councils, and government representatives to resolve the longstanding kingship dispute in Onicha-Olona.
They insisted that a fair and transparent resolution would strengthen community cohesion and preserve the cultural heritage of Ogbe-Obi village.
