News

Monarch’s Suspension Sparks Crisis In Delta

Published

4 months ago

August 21, 2025

The crisis rocking Ubulu-Uku kingdom has taken another dimension following the alleged suspension of Onishe (king maker) of the Ubulu-Uku kingdom, Chief Asika Onwordi James, as the suspension letter currently circulating in the social media space is said to be creating panic in the community.

According to The PUNCH, a counter suspension letter allegedly signed by the traditional ruler of the HRM Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze, is fuelling the crisis in the community.

It reads, “On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, and the entire Umu Obi, we wish to state categorically that we are not aware of the letter currently being circulated regarding the alleged suspension of the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku.

“We firmly and completely disassociate ourselves from the said letter, its contents, and any implications arising from it. At no time did His Royal Majesty or the UMU OBI, authorize, endorse, or sanction the drafting or publication of such a letter.

“The good people of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom and the general public are hereby strongly advised to disregard the said letter of suspension in its entirety, as it does not represent the position of His Royal Majesty”

The statement noted that it necessary to set the records straight and protect the integrity of the throne from any misrepresentation.

In his reaction, the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku kingdom, Chief Asika Onwordi James lamented the purported suspension letter circulating the social media and urged the community to disregard the letter.

He said, “What is the issue? They wanted me to be answerable to them, they want me to be taking instructions from them and I said no. My king is a young king who need much assistance in terms of traditions of my place. I decided to help him and I’m doing everything to support him but his uncles are the one fighting me.

“I have done much to the community, I set up security outfit to tackle the herdsmen that have been causing trouble in our land, supporting security agencies to fight crime. So, I don’t know where I have gone wrong?

“I felt bad when I saw the suspension letter circulating in social media. The letter was delivered to me but it was on social media”

But reacting, the Palace Secretary, Mr George Ofulue who signed the suspension letter, said that the counter suspension letter was forged by faceless people.

According to him,”The Onishe of Ubulu-Uku remains suspended over insubordination. The other letter that is circulating is forged by faceless people.

“That letter was written on Monday, the Obi signature was forged. The people are faceless, otherwise we have would have charged them for forgery. You know that the Obi is not around, so the Onishe has been suspended indefinitely. I’m the Palace Secretary, any letter will pass through me”. He said

Meanwhile, a concerned Ubulu-Uku indigenes have called for investigation into the alleged forgery, impersonation, abuse of office and fraudulent suspension of the Onishe.

The group, in a petition letter addressed to the Commissioner’ of Police, Delta State Police Command and signed by the Director General.

of the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, Mr Victor Ojei, demanded urgent attention for the criminal conspiracy currently rocking Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, orchestrated by Mr. George Ofulue, uncle to His Royal Majesty Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, Obi of Ubulu-Uku.

“On the August 17,2025, a purported letter of suspension was circulated on social media and other platform announcing that Chief James Asika Onwordi, the Onishe (Ezemu) of Ubulu-Uku, had been suspended from office” part of the letter read.

(PUNCH)

News

Christmas: Otuaro Preaches Peace, Unity In N’Delta, Hails Tinubu’s Support For PAP

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has extended warm Christmas greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling for renewed commitment to peace, unity and communal harmony as the region prepares to enter the New Year.

Otuaro, in a message issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, thanked stakeholders, traditional rulers, ex-agitators, youths and communities across the Niger Delta for their sustained support for the PAP and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described peace and unity as the bedrock upon which sustainable development in the Niger Delta must continue to be built, urging the people to remain steadfast in protecting the hard-earned stability currently enjoyed in the region.

“Peace and unity remain the strongest foundations for sustainable development. As a people, we must continue to reject violence and embrace dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect as we work collectively for the progress of our region.

“I also express my profound appreciation to all stakeholders and the people of our region for your sustained support for the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Otuaro noted that the PAP recorded significant milestones in 2025, including improved welfare for beneficiaries, enhanced educational and vocational opportunities, and strengthened reintegration outcomes, all aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths to contribute meaningfully to society.

He attributed these achievements to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the institutional support of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which provides strategic guidance for the effective implementation of the programme.

Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the PAP boss described it as a season that embodies love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with the communal culture and shared heritage of the Niger Delta people.

“Christmas reminds us of the power of love, sacrifice and togetherness. These values align naturally with the communal spirit of the Niger Delta, where collective responsibility, mutual support and shared progress have always defined our identity,” he added.

He urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate the season with moderation and a renewed sense of responsibility to their communities.

Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a Merry Christmas and expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in greater opportunities, peace and prosperity for the region and the nation at large.

“As we step into the New Year, I am confident that with continued unity, peace and collaboration, the Niger Delta will record even greater progress. I wish our people a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year,” the PAP Administrator stated.

News

Okpebholo Slams ₦25bn Libel Suit On Edo PDP Chairman

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has given Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, a seven-day ultimatum to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

In a letter by the governor’s counsel, Ray Okezie, and addressed to Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairmen was also requested to publish a public apology in three national dailies over the alleged defamatory statements.

Aziegbemi was said to have allegedly accused the governor of using thugs and non-state actors to carry out official duties.

“In the letter dated December 22, 2025, and titled ‘Demand for Damages and Apologies for Defamation of the Character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,’ the PDP Chairman was said to have in a press statement of December 7, 2025 portrayed Okpebholo as an unintelligent, dishonest, and, lawless person.

“Accordingly, we have the instructions of our client to demand from you the sum of N25, 000,000,000.00 (Twenty Five Billion Naira only) being compensation for the damage you have inflicted on his reputation through your said press release.

“The above stated sum must get to our client within seven (7) clear days from the date of this letter. In addition, you are required within seven (7) days to publish a retraction of the said press release in three (3) National Newspapers which must include the Guardian and the Vanguard newspapers,” the letter partly reads.

The governor’s counsel threatened to proceed on legal action in any Nigerian court should the PDP State Chairman fail to comply with the demands

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.