The attention of the people of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, the Delta State Government, and the general public has been drawn to a statement circulating under the heading “Message for Ubulu-Uku Kingdom from the Palace”, purportedly issued by Prince Tony Ofulue.
This response is necessary to correct grave misrepresentations, deliberate falsehoods, and attempts to mislead the public concerning the governance of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom and the role of Chief James Asika Onwordi.
On the Status of Chief James Asika Onwordi
Chief James Asika Onwordi did not appoint himself Onishe of Ubulu-Uku. He was lawfully installed according to established custom and tradition, and his position is not a personal favor that can be withdrawn at will or administered through proxies.
Any claim of “suspension” must follow due traditional process, council procedure, and lawful notification, none of which were properly concluded or validly executed. What has been presented to the public is administrative manipulation, not lawful traditional action.
On the Authority Being Exercised in the Palace
The most troubling revelation in the so-called palace statement is not what it denies, but what it admits.
While repeatedly claiming that “the Obi has final authority,” the statement simultaneously confirms that his uncles are exercising active control over palace affairs, decision-making, land matters, and administrative direction in his prolonged absence.
This contradiction exposes the core issue confronting Ubulu-Uku today:
Unelected, uninstalled, and constitutionally undefined individuals have assumed executive control over the affairs of the kingdom.
This is not customary governance. It is a dangerous deviation from tradition.
On the False Allegations of Rebellion
Chief James Asika Onwordi has not led any rebellion. Speaking against illegality, lack of transparency, and abuse of custom does not constitute rebellion.
Raising legitimate concerns is not defiance of the Obi; it is defense of Ubulu-Uku’s heritage. Branding dissenting chiefs as “rebels” is a deliberate attempt to silence accountability and intimidate lawful voices.
On the Question of Land Sales
The palace statement makes sweeping allegations of land expropriation without a single court judgment, verified record, or lawful indictment.
Let it be clearly stated:
Chief James Asika Onwordi has never personally sold communal land.
No court of law has found him guilty of land grabbing.
Allegations are being weaponized to divert attention from the central issue of who currently controls palace authority and land decisions.
If there are genuine claims, the proper forum is the court of law, not media propaganda.
On the Role of the Obi’s Uncles
Traditionally, uncles of the Obi serve as advisers, not administrators, not land managers, and certainly not substitute rulers.
Custom does not recognize any uncle:
Issuing palace directives
Overseeing communal land
Acting as final authority
Determining the fate of titled chiefs
Any structure that elevates advisory roles into executive control violates Ubulu-Uku tradition.
Final Position
Ubulu-Uku Kingdom deserves:
Transparency, not secrecy. Tradition, not improvisation
Dialogue, not intimidation. Due process, not unilateral declarations.
Chief James Asika Onwordi has exercised restraint, dignity, and respect for the institution of the Obi. His insistence is simple and just:
Let Ubulu-Uku be governed by custom, law, and truth not by proxy power.
The people of Ubulu-Uku are urged to remain calm, discerning, and committed to the preservation of their heritage.
Signed
The Onishe Ezemu of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom.
