By DADA AYOKHAI
The Concerned Citizens of Uzanu Clan in Etsako East Local Government Area have unequivocally declared that the exalted throne of the Oliola of Uzanu is neither vacant nor subject to any form of dispute.
This statement comes in response to recent claims made by Mr. Mathew Etokhana, who attempted to misrepresent the status of the current officeholder of the Oliola of Uzanu title.
The socio-political group, Concerned Uzanu Citizens, issued this clarification following the publication of a misleading article titled Mishandling and Solutions to the Uzanu Kingship Tussleby Mr. Etokhana on various online platforms, where he made inaccurate references to the Oliola stool.
Describing Mr. Etokhana’s claims as “false, distorted, and rife with historical inaccuracies,” the group accused him of deliberately sowing doubt among the well-meaning citizens of Uzanu.
They emphasized that there is no vacancy in the traditional stool of the Oliola, which they assert is firmly held by HRH Benjamin Ikani.
The group highlighted that any administrative issues regarding the stool that arose during the tenure of the previous administration have since been addressed and resolved under the present administration led by Governor Monday Okpehbolo, which has ratified earlier decisions.
The group reiterated that the ascension of HRH Benjamin Ikani was lawful, firmly rooted in both customary practice and statutory recognition. His leadership remains unchallenged, and he is accorded full legitimacy within the enduring customs and traditions of the Uneme people.
Historically, once an individual is installed as Oliola in Uzanu, his tenure is deemed sacrosanct and inviolable.
The office is not subject to arbitrary removal, political interference, or personal disputes. Any insinuation that the position of the Oliola is in dispute is regarded as “sinister.”
” The group criticized the author for lacking the qualifications to comment on such a significant subject, accusing him of attempting to reopen old wounds that have already been healed.
Concerned Uzanu Citizens urged the public to dismiss Mr. Etokhana’s position as “alarmist” and “grossly exaggerated.” They confirmed that the kingship institution in Uzanu, like many across the country, operates within established legal frameworks and relies on communal consensus respected by all stakeholders, irrespective of personal intent or affiliation.
The group emphasized that the authority of HRH Benjamin Ikani is secure and recognized, asserting that any perceived vacancy exists only in the writer’s imagination. They encouraged those seeking to distort historical facts and create unnecessary panic to reconsider their action.
Uzanu they clay is a community that values peace, with its citizens firmly behind their current Oliola.
They stated, “The leadership and authority of HRH Ikani are not in dispute. He enjoys broad support and is fully recognized under the existing customs and traditions of the Uneme people.”
