A supremacy battle has erupted in the Delta State Traditional Council between the Forum of Urhobo Kings, also known as Ukoko r’ivie, (FUK), and the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association (TCULA), over parallel chieftaincy associations.
While FUK has placed a ban on what it described as “parallel chieftaincy associations” in Urhobo land, TCULA insisted the ban is null and void and unconstitutional.
FUK, under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, had through its spokesman, His Royal Majesty, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, declared that no association known as the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association exists.
He insisted that no Urhobo chief is permitted to belong to or form a chieftaincy association outside his kingdom.
But the National President of TCULA, Chief Omene, described the ban as unconstitutional and unenforceable, insisting that only the government has the authority to dissolve a legally registered association.
He warned that TCULA would not hesitate to seek legal redress against any traditional ruler who attempts to stop its activities.
According to him, TCULA is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and operates within the confines of the law.
“The association will continue to exist. Only the government has the power to dissolve an association. TCULA is registered, and the government is aware of it. They don’t have the right to disband it,” Omene said.
“Nigeria has a constitution, and it is binding on everyone. You cannot wake up and take actions that are against the constitution.
“Freedom of association is guaranteed. If they think they have such powers, let them try it. We will take them to court,” he stated.
Chief Omene further argued that traditional rulers do not possess the authority to strip chiefs of their titles, noting that chieftaincy matters are regulated by the state government.
“My king does not have the right to disrobe me. Once a staff of office is given, it cannot be withdrawn arbitrarily. The same applies to chiefs. When a kingdom confers a chieftaincy title, the state government issues a certificate. Only the state government can withdraw such recognition,” he explained.
Expressing disappointment over FUK’s directive, Omene accused the Urhobo kings of selective intervention in critical matters affecting the Urhobo people.
“When the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) was being formed, these same kings fought it. During the Okuama crisis, did they issue a communique? When Urhobos were killed in Warri, did they speak? During INEC delineation in Warri, did they say anything? No,” he alleged.
Despite the opposition from FUK, the TCULA leader expressed confidence in the resilience of his members.
“Our members are rock solid. They are not moved by this action,” he said.
He further claimed that the traditional rulers were hesitant to confront issues involving neighboring ethnic groups.
“They are afraid of the Itsekiri and Ijaw kings,” Omene added.
