Rivers monarch alleges threat to life

[Punch]

THE traditional ruler of Apara Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government of Rivers State, Eze Simon Wali, has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by some well-placed individuals in the area to kill him.

Wali, who spoke with newsmen in Rumuigbo on Saturday, said though the succession order for the traditional stool had never being in dispute, a group of individuals led by former Eze-Apara Ekinigbo, Mr. Chike Worlu-Wodo, had planned to take his life.

Wali, who spoke through his Secretary, Mr. Stanley Wali, noted that it had always been the tradition for recognised heirs to the throne to assume the position of a royal father after the demise of an incumbent.

The traditional ruler, who was installed in 1973, maintained that Worlu-Wodo and his brother, Mr. George Worlu-Wodo were trying to eliminate him so as to create an opportunity for Chike Worlu-Wodo.

He explained that the alleged plot was revealed by a member of the ruling Rumukesiorlu family, Mr. Okwudiwa Amadi.

When contacted to react, Worlu-Wodo, dismissed the allegation to kill the traditional ruler of Apara Kingdom against him, describing it as unfounded.

Worlu-Wodo, who is the elder brother to George Worlu-Wodo explained that he had no business planning to kill an 85-year-old man, adding that the allegation was a conspiracy and a palace intrigue against his person.

He explained that the nine clans of Apara Kingdom had already boycotted the kingdom.

 because they had lost confidence in their traditional ruler.

He said, "How can I plan to kill an 85-year-old man? The allegation against me is just a conspiracy. It is a palace intrigue and gang-up against me and my colleagues.

"By implication, the nine clans of Apara Kingdom have boycotted the palace. They now meet at our traditional ancestral hall at Elegbum. It is like that because the people have no confidence in him (traditional ruler) anymore.

Worlu-Wodo, accused a top government official of fuelling the crisis in Rumuigbo, adding that the official wanted to use his position to influence the area.



The Punch