… SUSPENSION OF GAZETTED CHIEFS SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF DELTA STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
By Lucy Ezeliora
The Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Deputy Governor’s Office, Asaba Delta State, has disclosed that Chief Asika James Onwordi, still remains the Onishe Ezemu of Ubulu-Uku and the Traditional Prime Minister of the kingdom.
The announcement was released in an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary for the Deputy Governor Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr, Henry Demesi, sent to the Chairman Aniocha South Traditional Rulers Committee, Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku Traditional Rulers Council, Obi in Council and others.
According to the statement, His. Excellency, the Deputy Governor is in receipt of the letter dated 19th August 2025 on the above subjects adding that the suspension of any gazaetted Chiefs is the sole responsibility of the Delta State Executive Council in collaboration with the state House of Assembly.
The statement further stress that in as much as the directives of His Royal Majesty, The Obi of Ubulu-Uku kingdom has to be followed, “exceeding such powers in the case of the suspension of Chief Asika James Onwordi, the Onishe Ezemu, cannot be upheld as due process was not followed.”
Also, the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs was not furnished with a report containing the minutes of meeting from the Committee comprises of the Palace Chief set up by the Obi to investigate the allegations against Chief Asika Onwordi where he was given fair hearing, found culpable and his suspension recommended to the Obi, if such a committee was set up by the Obi.
The Directorate warned that consequently, status-quo should be maintained in order for peace to reign in the kingdom as Chief Asika Onwordi James still remain the gazetted Onishe Ezemu and the Traditional Prime Minister of Ubulu-Uku kingdom till date.
Specifically, they thanked the people of Ubulu-Uku kingdom for their steadfastness and urged them not to relent in their overall commitment as the people of peace and unity.
