Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Delta State was rattled on Tuesday by a spurious letter claiming that Hon. (High Chief) James Asika Onwordi, the Onishe (Traditional Prime Minister) of the kingdom, had been suspended by His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, the Obi of Ubulu-Uku.
Chief Onwordi has swiftly denounced the letter, describing it as ‘a mischievous plot aimed at destabilising the peace of Ubulu-Uku and blackmailing the institution of the Onishe.’
He pointed out that the document was purportedly signed by one G. U. Ofulue, “a man who holds no authority whatsoever in the palace or within the Obi-in-Council,” stressing that his office is firmly rooted in both history and law.
“The position of Onishe of Ubulu-Uku is legally recognised and certified by the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, and protected under the Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Law of 2008,” he said. “The procedure for removing a chief is clearly outlined in Section 28 of that law and no such process has ever been initiated against me.”
Chief Onwordi reaffirmed his cordial relationship with Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, saying there had never been any conflict or disciplinary issue between them. “At no time have I been summoned before the Obi-in-Council. This so-called suspension is a figment of someone’s imagination,” he declared.
He urged security agencies to probe the source of the misinformation, warning against what he called “rascality in the name of tradition.”
Beyond dismissing the letter, the Onishe emphasised his continuing role as custodian of Ubulu-Uku’s culture and as a stabilising figure in the community. “I remain the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, and I will continue to serve with integrity and dedication,” he assured.
Observers say the controversy underscored a wider challenge confronting traditional institutions across Nigeria, the abuse of forged documents, fake pronouncements, and internal power plays that risk eroding public trust in revered structures of authority.