The leadership body of Idumu-Ozei village, Idumu-Ozei Development Union in Igbodo kingdom, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, has severed relationship with their traditional ruler, HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1 and placed a fine of at least five (5) live goats and five (5) cartons of beer on any defaulter who breaches the decision.
The announcement which was contained in a communique issued by the leadership of Idumu-Ozei Development Union, cited the failure of the monarch in respecting the ratified decision of the village with regard to the dethronement of one Donatus Ifeoha Azikiwe and his subsequent derogatory remarks on Idumu-Ozei people.
The communique signed by the President-General, Pastor Uzoma Okechukwu; General Secretary, Uzor Iduh and Ogene of Idumu-Ozei, Diokpa Emmanuel Obioji Chiemeke, the Izu-Ogbe of Idumu-Ozei People maintained that: “the decisions made at the Izu-Ogbe of Idumu-Ozei People held on 7th September, 2022 are ratified to wit, that the dethronement of Donatus Ifeoha Azikiwe by the good People of Idumu-Ozei, which is in consonance with the Constitution of Igbodo, is sacrosanct and not negotiable”.
Adding that, “in the process of disciplining their son and hitherto their representative in the Obi-in-Council (Donatus Ifeoha Azikiwe), the good People Idumu-Ozei formally notified HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1, by two separate letters, the receipt of which he duly acknowledged. HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1, did not respond to the letters and did not intervene, but chose to, at the end of the disciplinary process, prejudicially disparage the good People of Idumu-Ozei.”
Consequent on the above, “that since HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1, has chosen the dethroned Donatus Ifeoha Azikiwe in preference to all the other people of Idumu-Ozei and for his derogatory remarks on all sons and daughters of Idumu-Ozei, the good People Idumu-Ozei have further resolved to forthwith severe their relationship with the Obi, HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1. In other words, every son and daughter of Idumu-Ozei is directed to cease from attending any meetings with HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1, visit the Obi’s Palace and in any manner whatsoever, deal with the Obi, HRH Ikechukwu Nkeobikwu Osedume 1, or the Palace for any reason whatsoever…”
The resolutions contained in the communique as obtained by this medium are reproduced below:
