Ahead of the 2023 electioneering process and campaigns, royal fathers in Delta State have waded into the contentious issue of zoning arrangement for the governorship election in the Niger Delta state.
While the Urhobo of Delta central senatorial district insist that it’s their turn to produce the governor in 2023, the Ijaw of Delta south however countered, arguing that it is their turn to have a shot at it on grounds that there was no prior rotational agreement.
In a bid to tackle the raging controversy, the Forum of Delta North Traditional Rulers with the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien as chairman have proposed a Royal Fathers’ summit to discuss the issue.
Already, Delta North traditional rulers met with their counterparts in Delta Central and are scheduled to meet with their Delta South counterparts before the proposed summit.
However, the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, which is the umbrella body for monarchs in the state, has dissociated itself from the proposed summit.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the council’s meeting in Asaba, the chairman of the council and Orodje of Okpe, Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue I explained that traditional rulers in the state were apolitical, adding that there was no basis to convoke such summit.
Flanked by the first Vice Chairman of the council, Pere SP Luke Kalanama VIII and 2nd Vice Chairman, Agbogidi Henry Kikachukwu I, the Orodje of Okpe insisted that the council was unaware of such move, adding that the highly exalted traditional institution should not be dragged in to politics.
The chairman however assured that royal fathers will continue to work and cooperate with any government in power for the growth, peace and development of Delta State.
He advised against royal rathers against the conferment of chieftaincy titles on persons of questionable characters in the society following the submission of internet fraud report by the 2nd vice chairman of the council.
