I Remain the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku, Declares High Chief Onwordi

…Dismisses fake suspension letter as mischievous, baseless

By Queen Kunde

Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Delta State was on Tuesday thrown into confusion following the circulation of a false letter alleging that Hon. (High Chief) James Asika Onwordi, the Onishe (Traditional Prime Minister) of the kingdom, had been suspended by His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze.

Swiftly reacting to the claim, High Chief Onwordi described the publication as “baseless, mischievous and a deliberate attempt to cause disaffection” within the kingdom.

The letter, purportedly signed by one G. U. Ofulue, was dismissed by the Onishe, who insisted that the signatory holds no recognised office within the palace or traditional structures of Delta State.

“To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Ofulue is neither the Palace Secretary nor the Secretary to the Obi-in-Council of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom. He is not a member of the Obi-in-Council, nor of the Traditional Council of Aniocha South Local Government Area,” he said.

Onwordi stressed that his position is historically established, duly recognised by the Delta State Government, and explicitly backed by the Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law of 2008. He further explained that the law provides a clear procedure for suspension or removal of a traditional chief, none of which had been followed.

“I enjoy a cordial and respectful relationship with His Royal Majesty. At no time has any issue been raised between us. I have not been summoned to any meeting, nor received any notice of complaint or disciplinary procedure. The claim of my suspension is simply not true,” he affirmed.

Condemning the letter as “a caricature and a demonstration of rascality,” the Onishe urged security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the source of the misinformation. He appealed to indigenes of Ubulu-Uku and the public to disregard the falsehood and remain calm.

Widely respected for his role in fostering peace, cultural preservation and community development, High Chief Onwordi reaffirmed his commitment:
“I remain the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom and will continue to serve diligently in that capacity.”