A fierce kingship battle is threatening to plunge the ancient Aboh Kingdom into chaos, as prominent figures clash over the rightful ruler of the historic land once tied to the Landers brothers’ (John and Richard) captivity.
At the center of the unfolding crisis is the dispute between Hon. Olise Imegwu, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and Chief Greg Oputa, the newly installed king of Aboh. Imegwu, along with High Chief Ajieh Ogwu and key community leaders from the four royal quarters of Aboh, have openly opposed Oputa’s ascension, claiming that he did not follow the traditional process to become king.
In a widely circulated press statement, several prominent Aboh chiefs, including High Chiefs Paul Esumei, Ifeanyi Odili, Kenneth Odili, and Chris Ogwu, declared their unwavering support for Oputa, affirming his legitimacy and urging all Aboh indigenes to recognize and respect him as the rightful king. They argued that Prince Gregory Oputa was properly selected and crowned according to tradition.
However, the opposition is not backing down. Dr. Olise Imegwu led a protest to the state capital, Asaba, where he challenged the legitimacy of Oputa’s kingship. Speaking to the Delta State Police Commissioner, Imegwu demanded proof of Oputa’s coronation, daring him to release video evidence of the event and reveal who placed the crown on his head.
Read also: Delta Govt projects N936 B budget for 2025 amid economic challenges
The president general of the Aboh community, High Chief Sir John Ajieh Ogwu, has also dismissed Oputa’s claim to the throne. During a recent meeting with the four royal quarters—Umu Ogwezi, Umu Ossai, Umu Obi, and Umu Ojugbele—Ogwu declared that Aboh currently has no legitimate king. He accused Oputa of bypassing tradition and insisted that the king-making process was shrouded in secrecy. According to Ogwu, even the revered Oduah, the supreme leader, was coerced into participating in the flawed process.
Despite the heated confrontation between the two factions, the kingship dispute continues to stir tensions in the community. As both sides hold firm to their claims, there are growing concerns that the situation could escalate into full-blown conflict. Peace advocates are now calling on the Delta State Government to intervene swiftly and prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control.
