News

Monarch’s Suspension Sparks Crisis In Delta

Published

9 months ago

August 21, 2025

Editor

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

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.