The Ovie-in-Council of His Royal Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, has dismissed the recent press conference and street protest in Otorho-Idjerhe as “unauthorised and misleading."
Speaking at a press briefing at the King's palace, the Otota, Chief Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, said that the Palace and the Traditional Council of Chiefs faulted some chiefs in Idjerhe Central Oguedion for going public without consulting the Ovie-in-Council. “Matters of such importance must be discussed in the Palace with all three Oguedions present,” the statement read.
The Traditional Council of Chief also rejected claims that Idjerhe had been neglected in road development, listing projects completed under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, including HRM Late Jeremiah Agbamisa Road, Iyasere Uzzi Gabriel Emeje Road, Igbinosa Road, Chief Oyibo JP Road, and Uyo Road. “It is unfair to say our land has been abandoned when development is visible on our streets,” it stressed.
Recall that the Great Idjere Council of Traditional Council recently set up a 5-man committee to investigate a press conference addressed by Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe, Unuevworo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, which led to unrest and youth protest in the Kingdom.
According to Chief James Obriki, committee report indicted Chief Solomon Odemero Ojariafe, Unuevworo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, for instigating a boycott of a Palace meeting and threatening curses on attendees.
Consequently, the Palace suspended him and five others—Lucky Emefe, Michael Onakposegha, Benson Esemuede, Udoji Dimiyo, and Ukwu Ese—for two years, barring them from wearing Chief regalia within and outside the kingdom or representing Idjerhe Kingdom as chiefs.
On allegations of financial inducement, the Palace clarified: “No money from SEPLAT Energy Plc, NDDC, sand dredgers, cattle herders or market unions has come to the Palace or the Oguedions. Anyone making such claims should bring evidence.” It confirmed, however, that two transformers were donated through Senator Ede Dafinone and Chief John Obukohwo Nani, and SEPLAT scholarships were shared fairly.
The Palace praised Governor Oborevwori for his contributions: “From roads to community empowerment, our people have benefited greatly. We thank our Governor and our sons and daughters serving in government, academia, the judiciary, and business,” Chief Obriki said.
His Majesty King Obukohwo Whiskey urged citizens to ignore propaganda: “The voice of Idjerhe speaks from the throne, not from the streets,” he affirmed, while reaffirming the Palace’s commitment to peace, unity, and progress across all 97 communities.
