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HRM Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko, the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko, 3rd right, Chief Christopher Ogwu, Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko,left, Diokpa C.Jide, 2nd left at the press briefing by the Obi.
Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko, HRM Obi Solomon E.N. Nwoko.
PHOTOS: CHUKWUDI ABIANDU.

The hitherto troubled sleepy town of Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state has woken to a new dawn with eager eyes set for peace and the town’s development.

Hints of a new and peaceful Idumuje-Ugboko was dropped this morning, Tuesday February 23, 2021 at a maiden press conference addressed by the Obi, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwanuokei Nwoko at Idumuje-Ugboko.

In attendance at the press conference were notable chiefs, Diokpas, elders and youths including the Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Christopher Ogwu.

In his message entitled “My Message of Peace,” Obi Solomon Nwoko confirmed that story making the rounds in recent times of the selection of a new monarch in Idumuje-Ugboko, thus bringing to an end the long tussle to the throne. He told the journalists: “I have chosen this auspicious occasion to address you all in order to put to proper perspective all you have heard about recent happenings concerning the kingdom. It is true that the Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom now has a new Obi. His name is HRM Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwoko.
“I did not fall from the sky. I am one of you, your kith and kin and your blood. Yet, I cannot be without you, as a leader has no value if he has no followers. I have emerged as Obi through a transparent process that has regard for the customs and traditions of our people. I come as a peace builder to right the wrongs of our yesterday and to open the floodgate to development and peace for our community.”
Obi Solomon Nwoko recalled history in what he called “brief history of recent kingship succession line in Idumuje-Ugboko,” saying: “In 2017, the only nominee as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko after the demise of the Obi Albert Nwoko III on the 6th of February, 2017 from existing records was myself, Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko. In 1927, following the vacant stool of Obi of idumuje-Ugboko, Nkeze, the son of Omorhusi, assumed the throne.
“Upon Obi Albert Nwoko III’s demise in 2017, the Umu-Nwoko family met on the 21st of August, 2017 at the residence of late Diokpa Prince Onwuamaonyeuku Esuzor Nwoko to recover the throne. This was after confirmation that I, Solomon Eziokwubundu was the only surviving son of Nkanye, the son of Nwabuokei. By principle of primogeniture, the name of Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu was forwarded to the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers’ Committee by the Obi-in-Council of Idumuje-Ugboko, dated 2nd July, 2018 and signed by the Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Christopher Ogwu.
“If this simple line of succession was adhered to, perhaps the Idumuje-Ugboko community would have been spared the agony of blood-letting, maiming of innocent citizens, court cases and the global stigmatization of idumuje-Ugboko as a land of bitter royal tussle.”
Obi Solomon Nwoko said it was against the heavy toll on peace in the wake of the protracted tussle for the vacant stool of Idumuje-Ugboko, which not even the eight high powere peace committee could resolve that the people of idumuje-Ugboko wrote to the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers’ committee on January 21, 2021 requesting to meet with the royal majesties to introduce the issue of the traditional ruler/kingship of Idumuje-Ugboko as required by law.
He said consequently, Chief Christopher Ogwu, the iyase of idumuje-Ugboko and hea of the delegation introduced Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko to the Aniocha North Traditional rulers. “After a careful scrutiny and deliberation, the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers’ Committee headed by HRM Obi Francis J. Ijei, the Obi of Issele-Azagba kingdom resolved among other things as follows:
“According to true history, native law and custom of idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom, Obi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko remains the only person in Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom which under the proper application of the rule of hereditary/primogeniture system of succession remains exclusively entitled to hold or fill any immediate vacancy in the traditional rulership/Obi title of idumuje-Ugboko.”
He said it was against this development that he Obi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko of Idumuje-Ugboko was approved and recommended to the appropriate government authority for recognition and official presentation of the staff of office by the Government of Delta State.
Therefore, against the background of the long drawn crises that Idumuje-Ugboko has been embroiled in, and as the true, authentic and approved traditional ruler Obi Solomom E.N. Nwoko called on all to embrace peace, forgiveness and reconciliation so as to move the community forward.
He said: “Although I may be officially addressed as a traditional ruler, I have come to lead and not to rule. I implore all citizens of Idumuje-Ugboko in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to show interest in the development of our kingdom. I ask all combatants, especially those using the media as a war arsenal, to sheath their swords (or their pens) and develop our community.”
Obi Solomon Nwoko continued with his conciliation, saying: “Send the message across to the world that though we have had a chequered history, peace has at least been restored in our land. I shall, together with Obi-in-Council and all well meaning indigenes of Idumuje-Ugboko support genuine development projects that would usher in prosperity and dignity to our people. I shall also, with your support and co-operation, initiate a process of healing our wounds, especially those whom had been traumatized and psychologically disoriented as a result of prolonged crises in our community. I ask for patience and understanding as this healing process may not be automatic but would surely be completed very soon.”
The obi expressed gratitude to the indigenes of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom for the gallant roles they played in restoring peace to the community.”It is gratifying that when the news of my recommendation as the new Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko hit the air waves, the whole of our kingdom exploded in joy and celebrations. I am grateful to you all for accepting me as your new Obi,” Obi Solomon E.N.Nwoko declared.
He extended his gratitude to the Aniocha traditional rulers committee led by HRM Obi Francis J. Ijei II, Obi of Issele-Azagba for painstakingly going through the volume of facts on the ground that culminated in his selection and recommendation of him to the Delta State Government for recognition and presentation of staff of office as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko. “This gesture would ever remain indelible in my mind as I lead my people away from crises into peace. Space and time will not permit to mention all the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers who participated in that epoch making decision but in time I shall undertake a thank you visit to all of them,” he said.
He also appreciated the efforts of the fathers – the Diokpas, the Umu-Nwoko Royal Family, the Iyase of idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Christopher Ogwu, the former president General of Idumuje-Ugboko, (2008 – 2012), Walters Eziashi, “for laying the succession tussle in our community to rest,” as well as many more that could not be mentioned but who played critical roles in the peace process.
To the government, Obi Solomon E.N. Nwoko said: “Finally, I wish to express my unflinching gratitude to the Delta State Government for their fairness and non-partisanship in the crises which engulfed our community. I am confident that in the days ahead, the Delta State Government led by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa will present me with the staff of office to enable me function seamlessly as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom.”
Concluding his address, the Obi called on the people of the community, especially those who live in distant places to come home more often to invest in Idumuje-Ugboko. “Although Idumuje-Ugboko is often referred to as an agrarian community, the town is welcome to sundry development. I shall welcome and be receptive to new ideas that would develop our community and tap into its rich cultural history with a view to developing our vast and rich tourism potential. I shall open our town to every genuine indigene that is willing to develop our community.

The hitherto troubled sleepy town of Idumuje-Ugboko, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state has woken to a new dawn with eager eyes set for peace and the town’s development.
Hints of a new and peaceful Idumuje-Ugboko was dropped this morning, Tuesday February 23, 2021 at a maiden press conference addressed by the Obi, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwanuokei Nwoko at Idunije-Ugboko.
In attendance at the press conference were notable chiefs, Diokpas, elders and youths including the Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Christopher Ogwu.
In his message entitled “My Message of Peace,” Obi Solomon Nwoko confirmed that story making the rounds in recent times of the selection of a new monarch in Idumuje-Ugboko, thus bringing to an end the long tussle to the throne. He told the journalists: “I have chosen this auspicious occasion to address you all in order to put to proper perspective all you have heard about recent happenings concerning the kingdom. It is true that the Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom now has a new Obi. His name is HRM Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwoko.
“I did not fall from the sky. I am one of you, your kith and kin and your blood. Yet, I cannot be without you, as a leader has no value if he has no followers. I have emerged as Obi through a transparent process that has regard for the customs and traditions of our people. I come as a peace builder to right the wrongs of our yesterday and to open the floodgate to development and peace for our community.”
Obi Solomon Nwoko recalled history in what he called “brief history of recent kingship succession line in Idumuje-Ugboko,” saying: “In 2017, the only nominee as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko after the demise of the Obi Albert Nwoko III on the 6th of February, 2017 from existing records was myself, Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko. In 1927, following the vacant stool of Obi of idumuje-Ugboko, Nkeze, the son of Omorhusi, assumed the throne.
“Upon Obi Albert Nwoko III’s demise in 2017, the Umu-Nwoko family met on the 21st of August, 2017 at the residence of late Diokpa Prince Onwuamaonyeuku Esuzor Nwoko to recover the throne. This was after confirmation that I, Solomon Eziokwubundu was the only surviving son of Nkanye, the son of Nwabuokei. By principle of primogeniture, the name of Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu was forwarded to the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers’ Committee by the Obi-in-Council of Idumuje-Ugboko, dated 2nd July, 2018 and signed by the Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Christopher Ogwu.
“If this simple line of succession was adhered to, perhaps the Idumuje-Ugboko community would have been spared the agony of blood-letting, maiming of innocent citizens, court cases and the global stigmatization of idumuje-Ugboko as a land of bitter royal tussle.”
Obi Solomon Nwoko said it was against the heavy toll on peace in the wake of the protracted tussle for the vacant stool of Idumuje-Ugboko, which not even the eight high powere peace committee could resolve that the people of idumuje-Ugboko wrote to the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers’ committee on January 21, 2021 requesting to meet with the royal majesties to introduce the issue of the traditional ruler/kingship of Idumuje-Ugboko as required by law.
He said consequently, Chief Christopher Ogwu, the iyase of idumuje-Ugboko and hea of the delegation introduced Prince Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko to the Aniocha North Traditional rulers. “After a careful scrutiny and deliberation, the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers’ Committee headed by HRM Obi Francis J. Ijei, the Obi of Issele-Azagba kingdom resolved among other things as follows:
“According to true history, native law and custom of idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom, Obi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko remains the only person in Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom which under the proper application of the rule of hereditary/primogeniture system of succession remains exclusively entitled to hold or fill any immediate vacancy in the traditional rulership/Obi title of idumuje-Ugboko.”
He said it was against this development that he Obi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko of Idumuje-Ugboko was approved and recommended to the appropriate government authority for recognition and official presentation of the staff of office by the Government of Delta State.
Therefore, against the background of the long drawn crises that Idumuje-Ugboko has been embroiled in, and as the true, authentic and approved traditional ruler Obi Solomom E.N. Nwoko called on all to embrace peace, forgiveness and reconciliation so as to move the community forward.
He said: “Although I may be officially addressed as a traditional ruler, I have come to lead and not to rule. I implore all citizens of Idumuje-Ugboko in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to show interest in the development of our kingdom. I ask all combatants, especially those using the media as a war arsenal, to sheath their swords (or their pens) and develop our community.”
Obi Solomon Nwoko continued with his conciliation, saying: “Send the message across to the world that though we have had a chequered history, peace has at least been restored in our land. I shall, together with Obi-in-Council and all well meaning indigenes of Idumuje-Ugboko support genuine development projects that would usher in prosperity and dignity to our people. I shall also, with your support and co-operation, initiate a process of healing our wounds, especially those whom had been traumatized and psychologically disoriented as a result of prolonged crises in our community. I ask for patience and understanding as this healing process may not be automatic but would surely be completed very soon.”
The obi expressed gratitude to the indigenes of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom for the gallant roles they played in restoring peace to the community.”It is gratifying that when the news of my recommendation as the new Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko hit the air waves, the whole of our kingdom exploded in joy and celebrations. I am grateful to you all for accepting me as your new Obi,” Obi Solomon E.N.Nwoko declared.
He extended his gratitude to the Aniocha traditional rulers committee led by HRM Obi Francis J. Ijei II, Obi of Issele-Azagba for painstakingly going through the volume of facts on the ground that culminated in his selection and recommendation of him to the Delta State Government for recognition and presentation of staff of office as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko. “This gesture would ever remain indelible in my mind as I lead my people away from crises into peace. Space and time will not permit to mention all the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers who participated in that epoch making decision but in time I shall undertake a thank you visit to all of them,” he said.
He also appreciated the efforts of the fathers – the Diokpas, the Umu-Nwoko Royal Family, the Iyase of idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Christopher Ogwu, the former president General of Idumuje-Ugboko, (2008 – 2012), Walters Eziashi, “for laying the succession tussle in our community to rest,” as well as many more that could not be mentioned but who played critical roles in the peace process.
To the government, Obi Solomon E.N. Nwoko said: “Finally, I wish to express my unflinching gratitude to the Delta State Government for their fairness and non-partisanship in the crises which engulfed our community. I am confident that in the days ahead, the Delta State Government led by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa will present me with the staff of office to enable me function seamlessly as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom.”
Concluding his address, the Obi called on the people of the community, especially those who live in distant places to come home more often to invest in Idumuje-Ugboko. “Although Idumuje-Ugboko is often referred to as an agrarian community, the town is welcome to sundry development. I shall welcome and be receptive to new ideas that would develop our community and tap into its rich cultural history with a view to developing our vast and rich tourism potential. I shall open our town to every genuine indigene that is willing to develop our community.