Supremacy Battle Erupts in Delta Traditional Council Over Parallel Chieftaincy Associations

A supremacy tussle has emerged within the Delta State Traditional Council between the Forum of Urhobo Kings, also known as Ukoko r’ivie (FUK), and the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association (TCULA), over the existence of parallel chieftaincy associations in Urhobo land.

The crisis followed a directive by FUK banning what it described as “parallel chieftaincy associations” across Urhobo communities, a move TCULA has rejected, describing it as unconstitutional, null and void.

FUK, led by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, through its spokesman, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, declared that no association known as the Traditional Chiefs of Urhobo Land Association exists.

According to FUK, no Urhobo chief is permitted to belong to or form any chieftaincy association outside his respective kingdom.

Reacting, the National President of TCULA, Chief Omene, faulted the directive, insisting that only the government has the legal authority to dissolve a registered association.

He warned that TCULA would seek legal redress against any traditional ruler who attempts to obstruct its activities.

“Only the government has the power to dissolve an association. TCULA is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and operates within the law. They do not have the right to disband it,” Omene said.

He further argued that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, adding that any action contrary to this provision would be challenged in court.

“Nigeria has a constitution which is binding on everyone. Freedom of association is guaranteed. If they think they have such powers, let them try it. We will take them to court,” he stated.

Omene also maintained that traditional rulers lack the authority to strip chiefs of their titles, noting that chieftaincy matters are regulated by the state government.

“Once a staff of office is given, it cannot be withdrawn arbitrarily. When a kingdom confers a chieftaincy title, the state government issues a certificate, and only the state government can withdraw such recognition,” he explained.

Expressing disappointment over the FUK directive, the TCULA president accused Urhobo monarchs of selective intervention in issues affecting the ethnic group.

He alleged that the kings failed to speak out during critical moments, including the formation of the Urhobo Progress Union, the Okuama crisis, and killings of Urhobos in Warri, as well as during the Independent National Electoral Commission’s delineation exercise in the area.

Despite the directive, Omene expressed confidence in the resolve of TCULA members, insisting that the association would continue its activities.

“Our members are rock solid and not moved by this action,” he said, adding that the traditional rulers were reluctant to confront issues involving neighbouring ethnic groups.

“They are afraid of the Itsekiri and Ijaw kings,” Omene claimed.