A top ranking traditional ruler in Delta State, Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, has fought back at the authorities of Oshimili South Local Government Council in the state, over the continued withholding of his entitlements, reports NIGER DELTA TODAY ONLINE.
It would be recalled that the Council had suspended the 5 percent stipend due the Monarch since 2019.
Following the failure of the recently sworn-in Council Chairman, Kelvin Ezenyili, to restore his entitlements, the Monarch, last weekend severed all economic, social and political ties with the Council.
Besides, the Obi Edozien announced the immediate repossession of the popular Ogbeogonogo Modern Market, the Oshimili Arcade and other sources of revenue to the Council.
He added that Asaba indigenes shall henceforth take over the duties assigned to the Council.
When contacted for reaction, the Council Chairman of the Council, Kelvin Ezenyili, who spoke for the first time since the Monarch took the drastic decisions, said the Asagba has no power to take over the markets and other economic structures.
Ezenyili while responding to inquiry from journalists in Asaba on phone, queried under what law the Monarch takes over the economic structures.
“They don’t have the right to take over the market, with what law? It is not even possible for the Federal Government to do because they have to pass through a lot of processes.
“However, we are still consulting, and we have not held meeting as a council over the issue. They met before they took the resolution, we will also meet and come up with our decisions.
“Like you know, the issue of non-remittance of the 5 percent predates my administration because I came on board in March this year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, is yet to make a pronouncement over the issue.
Okowa who spoke at the 97th birthday and 30th coronation anniversary of the Asaba king, promised to intervene with a view to resolving the impasse between the royal father and the council.
“No matter the issues at the moment, we are going to find a peaceful way of resolving the issues between the Asaba community and the local government council.
“It will not be in the best interest of the council neither will it be in the best interest of the community that both will be at loggerheads.
“So, I am going to step into it and it is my prayer and hope that we will quickly settle all the issues. I plead with you His Royal Majesty to give us a little time to resolve the issues,” Okowa had said.
-NIGER DELTA TODAY ONLINE
