By DADA AYOKHAI
The succession dispute for the traditional ruler of Ayogwiri community in Uzairue clan remains unresolved, with a rift among the children of the last traditional ruler, late Chief Braimoh Inaboya,
A faction of the Inaboya family namely
Pa. Thomas Igbevhomie Inaboya , the 2nd Eldest Man in Inaboya Royal family,Prince Muritala Braimah Inaboya
,Son of Chief Braimah InaboyaI III, Mr. Ambrose Apakhade Osidua Inaboya,Member of the Inaboya Family and Haruna Braimah Inaboya, Son of Braimah Inaboya III has petitioned the clan head of Uzairue kingdom, HRH Alhaji Imonike Omogbai, and the 4 Elders of Ayogwiri community.
The Petition dated February 25, 2026 alleged that a junior son was nominated by a section of the family as a candidate without consulting the first son, Prince Anidu Inaboya, who also seeks the throne and other members of the family.
The petition further claim that the nomination of the junior son goes against the community’s tradition and custom, which supposedly favors primogeniture.
The Inaboya Royal Family faction behind the petition argues that Prince Anidu Inaboya, as the first son, should be considered for the throne and also holds the right of first refusal.
The petitioner stated that the throne is vacant following Chief Braimoh Inaboya’s death on November 6, 2025. It notes that Prince Amidu Oshiomogho Braimah Inaboya, the first son, has expressed interest in ascending to the throne, as per community tradition.
The petition references a publication by this faction, signed by four family members, acknowledging that primogeniture is part of Ayogwiri traditional structure .
This faction of the Inaboya Royal Family previously acknowledged that primogeniture guides succession in Ayogwiri, stating that “from the reign of Chief Inaboya the Great, the customary principle of succession by Primogeniture emerged and became firmly embedded within the traditional political structure of Ayogwiri and Uzairue.”
Primogeniture they said going by Dictionary definition,” the state of being the first born child;; the right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole estate of an inter state passed to the eldest son.”
Given this, the petitioners argue that nominating a junior son infringes on traditional limits and deviates from customary boundaries.
It has been established in the history of succession in Ayogwiri that the first sons ascended the throne from Eshiemoghie first son of Ivowi, Chief Ebotse, the first son of Eshiemoghie,
”Chief Abu, the first son of Chief Eboetse, Chief Oregbemhe the first son of Chief Inaboya I and only our immediate late father was opportune to ascend the throne because the first
son of Chief Oregbeme Inaboya II, Prince Anthony Ayemhoba Oregbemhe Inaboya declined to take the throne and nominated him for the throne (chief Braimah Okhumeode Inaboya)
for the throne. “
”We trust that the Ogieneni of Uzairue and the Ayogwiri community council of elders will make a decision based on tradition, customary law, and fairness, ensuring the best outcome for Ayogwiri and Uzairue kingdom .”
