15th September, 2019
Two princes of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family in Ogwashi Uku, Delta state have debunked a statement that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala violated traditions by announcing her father’s death, Professor Charles Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi Uku and also his successor.
A lawyer, Patrick Okonjo had queried the locus of Ngozi to make the announcements. He also alleged that the departed monarch was a mere regent, who usurped the throne. Patrick said a case is in court, challenging the departed monarch.
But on Sunday night, two princes fired back and described Patrick Okonjo, as a renegade and serial petition writer, who lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family.
“We want to make this known: Patrick Okonjo does not speak for the Family; he speaks only for himself as he has always done. We urge our people, the public, media and all stakeholders to ignore the reckless comments of Patrick,” wrote Prince Okolobi Nkemjika Lawrence, the Ozoma Ogwashi Uku and Prince Emmanuel Nwokolie Ohei, Acting Diokpa, Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family
“He has been issuing such frivolous statements and filing frivolous court cases in pursuit of his selfish interest for over a decade.
“The family is united in its decision which produced Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo. And this decision has been endorsed by the Kingmakers and Ikelike. The successful installation and the joy of the people last Friday confirm that our people are happy with the decision.
“The new Obi is rounding up the rest of the traditional processes and is set to begin his reign.
“We thank God for making the process smooth and we also ask Ogwashians to pray for the progress and development of our great people”.
In a press statement, lawyer Mr. Patrick Okonjo, accused the former finance minister of usurping the functions of the Royal Family and men who should traditionally announce the death of the traditional ruler as well as his successor, asking the public to discountenance her announcement.
Patrick Okonjo even alleged that Professor Chukwuka Okonjo was a a mere regent, not the king of Ogwashi-Uku and that his son, Chude Okonjo can therefore not step into the throne.
“Succession to the traditional stool of Ogwashi-Uku is strictly by PRIMOGENITURE. Prof. Okonjo was never in the line of succession and therefore only served as a REGENT. His 3rd son, Chude, consequently can never be Obi.
“The Obiship of Ogwashi-Uku does not go to the highest bidder, it is rooted in an ancient custom and tradition which is inviolable. Prof. Okonjo, in effect, usurped the throne. These issues form the bedrock of Suit No: A/159/2019, Prince Patrick Okonjo v. Prince Nathan Okonjo & 8 Ors, now before the High Court of Justice, Asaba”. Patrick Okonjo said in the statement.
Read Patrick Okonjo’s full statement
“We observe, with sadness and pity, the despicable ploy by a renegade faction of the Umu Obi Obahai royal family of Ogwashi-Uku, to desecrate the Ogwashi-Uku traditional institution, following the passing away of Prof. Ben Chukwuka Okonjo”.
“In furtherance of this devious plan, one Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has purported to announce the transition of an Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and proclaimed the ascension to the same throne by her brother, Ifechukwude Okonjo (Chude)”.
“I wish to point out for the information of the general public, particularly Ogwashians, as follows”:
*It is sacrilegious of Ogwashi-Uku custom and tradition for a Princess to announce the transition of the monarch or proclaim another. It is a purely traditional function.
*Prof. Okonjo was never an Obi of Ogwashi-Uku under our tradition but a mere Regent. Accordingly, his first child cannot be Obi, as deceitfully inferred by Ngozi.
* Succession to the traditional stool of Ogwashi-Uku is strictly by PRIMOGENITURE. Prof. Okonjo was never in the line of succession and therefore only served as a REGENT. His 3rd son, Chude, consequently can never be Obi.
*The Obiship of Ogwashi-Uku does not go to the highest bidder, it is rooted in an ancient custom and tradition which is inviolable. Prof. Okonjo, in effect, usurped the throne. These issues form the bedrock of Suit No: A/159/2019, Prince Patrick Okonjo v. Prince Nathan Okonjo & 8 Ors, now before the High Court of Justice, Asaba.
“Accordingly, I enjoin the peace loving people of Ogwashi-Uku not to be perturbed, but to discountenance and pay no heed to the statement made by Ngozi, or for that matter, the charade we have witnessed in Ogwashi-Uku in the past few days.”