Tension Over Alleged Move By Osawota to Impose Himself As King of Orogun Kingdom

By Diafa Doubra, Warri

Tension is brewing in Orogun Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, as the leadership of Igbuku Community has strongly condemned what it described as an “unlawful and provocative” move by Chief Andy K. Osawota, Esq, former secretary of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Desopadec, allegedly crowned himself as the traditional ruler of the kingdom.

In a press statement signed by key leaders of the community, including Augustine Onojedo (President-General, Igbuku Community), Chief Hon. Chucks Erhire (Onotu-Uku of Igbuku-Orogun), Anthony Adjekughene (Okarorho of Igbuku-Orogun), and Elder Police Ogwara (Spokesperson, Igbuku Community Council), accused Chief Osawota of attempting to forcefully assume the kingship in total disregard of due process and the ongoing court proceedings on the matter.

The statement described the alleged self-crowning move as “baseless, self-serving, and a deliberate attempt to provoke disorder and force a crisis upon a peaceful kingdom,” warning that such an act could lead to unrest that even the initiator “will not be able to contain if it escalates.”

The Community emphasised that the issue of the Orogun kingship is still pending before a competent court in Suit No. UHC/127/2024 and that no individual has the right to subvert the judicial process. The community further reaffirmed its position as the traditional custodian of the Eze-Efe title, the recognized traditional stool of Orogun Kingdom insisting that this historical reality cannot be altered by personal ambition or political manipulation.

“We therefore call on Chief A.K. Osawota to desist immediately from any further steps towards unlawfully installing himself or anyone else as king under any guise,” the statement read. “We urge all parties to allow the court to decide this matter in the interest of peace and justice.”

The community also appealed to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene promptly and call Chief Osawota to order to avert a potential breakdown of law and order in the area.

Reaffirming their commitment to peace and unity, the Igbuku leaders urged all well meaning sons and daughters of Orogun Kingdom to reject any illegal process or activity that threatens the collective heritage of the kingdom.

The statement was copied to key stakeholders, including the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North LGA, among others.

The Community concluded by expressing hope that peace, legality, and justice would prevail in the Orogun Kingdom.