Hold Eboh responsible should there be crisis in Okere-Urhobo -Okumagba

Chief Okumagba at a  press briefing in Warri while reacting to the earlier one called by Chief Wilson Eboh as published on page 36 of Vanguard Newspaper of 30thJuly, 2019 expressed dismayed over the announcement of the passing on of HRM Prof Paul Okumagba, Idama I by Chief Wilson Eboh as breach of Okere Urhobo’s Custom and tradition.

He noted that the Otota must first consult  all community leaders of the Kingdom, Heads of the three Ruling Houses and get clearance from the Okpako Orere the (oldest man) of the kingdom and after three months of mourning before he can  proceed with the announcement.

He stated further that it’s a taboo and against not only the Custom and tradition of Okere Urhobo Kingdom but also the entire Urhobo tradition for the demised of a monarch to be announced when the 90 days of mourning has not be concluded.

According to Okumagba, “there is nothing like Statutory Kingmakers in Okere Urhobo Kingdom, rather what we have is the Heads of the three Ruling Houses and the Okpako Orere, the oldest man of the Kingdom who must be the oldest male child.”

“Before the announcement you have to consult the community leaders. Heads  of the three  Ruling Houses and the Okpako Orere, the oldest man who is the acting King who will now give him order to do so.”

He added that is more dishearten that those claiming that  they are “statutory Kingmakers are female descendants.”

He explained that a situation where the female descendants hijack the process in the past without consulting the Elders, Heads of the three Ruling Houses and the Okpako Orere of the Kingdom angered their ancestors which have a role to play by giving their blessings to anybody who is supposed to be king.

He stressed that, “for the past 27 years now the system has been hijack without due process in the selection and nomination of Oroseun there by leading to ultimately death of about three monarchs and those who crown them.

“That is why we are calling on the Delta State Government to set up committee to look into this issue rather than allowing some people’ to stampede them again into taking unlawful decision.

“They should call Chief Wilson Eboh to order and advise him to listen and consult with leaders of the Community, Heads of the three Ruling Houses and the Okpako Orere of the Kingdom before any further step is taken.

“As far as we are  concern,  Chief Barr. Christopher Okumagba who was dully nominated and selected in 2018 as Oroseun should come on board after our mourning period.”

Since according to him, “Chief Barr. Christopher Okumagba was dully nominated and selected as the Oroseun by the two of the three Ruling Houses in a process in which Chief Wilson Eboh  allegedly participated but later brought Prof Paul Okumagba through the back door.”