The major opposition political party in Delta State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on the Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration to quell the royal rumbles and political war between the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien and Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, Chairman Oshimili south local government area of the state over the five percent Stipends due to the Palace.
A press release on Tuesday August 17th 2021, by the party’s Publicity Secretary, (Caretaker), Sylvester Imonina, Esq., noted that anyone could interpret the ongoing tussle wrongly or rightly particularly by the Indigenes as an affront on the stool.
According to the release, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta State, urges Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to step into the economic war brewing between the Asagba-In-Council and the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State.
“The call becomes inevitable in view of the fact that Asaba is now a cosmopolitan city, and a home to people who are not indigenous to the City.
“Besides, the squabble between the Asagba-In-Council and Oshimili South Local Government Council Chairman could be interpreted wrongly or rightly by members of the public, particularly the Indigenes as an affront and denigration of the traditional stool, and/or an act of economic and political war against Asaba people.
“Information at the disposal of Delta APC is to the effect that for more than two years, the five percent (5%) stipends that is constitutionally due to Oshimili South Traditional Council is yet to be paid despite humongous monthly Federal allocations to the Local Government Council.
“Also, in spite of several meetings, entreaties and demands made by the Asagba-In-Council, the Chairman gave deaf ears to same.
“As a result, the Asagba-In-Council recently issued a proclamation to the effect that no one should have any dealing with Oshimili South Local Government Council in respect of some key assets in Asaba, as they belong to Asaba Community.
“Furthermore, we have an information that during the recent birthday celebration of the Asagba of Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Council Chairman was not invited by the Asagba-In-Council to the celebration.
“Regretably, the Council boss allegedly stormed the palace with thugs, for whatever intention, which resulted in malicious damage of properties, while many people sustained different degree of injuries!
“Delta APC unequivocally states that no kingdom and/or its Indigenes would tolerate the desecration of its traditional stool by any one or group of people by whatever means; as the traditional stool is seen as their symbol of who and what they are.
“We therefore state that whatever the issues are, should be settled without delay by the Governor. Deltans want peace. Politics and economic consideration must not take front row on issues affecting our Royal Fathers and peace of our dear State” the release added.
