15-year
old new Obi (King), Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I, has been presented to the
people of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of
Delta State.
The late Obi and the new King
15-year old son of late Obi Akaeze Edward Ofulue III, who was
kidnapped and subsequently murdered last month by gunmen, Chukwuka Noah
Akaeze I, has been installed as a new Obi (King) and presented to the
people of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of
Delta State.
The presentation of Obi Akaeze I followed the fulfillment of
different rites that culminated in his crowning as King by the
kingmakers of Ubulu-Uku. He was first presented to the members of the
Royal family before the presentation to the council of elders at the
palace.
It was gathered that the brief ceremony was attended by prominent
citizens of the kingdom including the member representing
Aniocha/Oshimili constituency at the Federal House of Representatives,
Mrs. Onyemaechi Mrakpor and the President-General of Ubulu-Uku
Development Union, Comrade Jones Ofunne.
Also in attendance was the chairman of Aniocha South council, Mr.
Isaac Anwuzia, traditional chiefs and title holders in the kingdom,
religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders of the agrarian
community.
Secretary of the Palace, Barr. Joseph Obazei who spoke on the significance of the ceremony, described it as 'wonderful in our time.'
"This is a young man who was not even looking up to this
position because his father was young and vibrant, unfortunately this
bad event occurred.
"He has now been thrust upon the throne taking up the mantle of
his late father. Ubulu-Uku people are very happy that somebody has
taken up the throne because the king never dies. When it appears that
there is no king, there is already a king. That is what has just
happened."
Barr. Obazei said that in Ubulu- Uku tradition, there were not too many rites to the installation of a new king.
"By our tradition, you can wake up in the morning and see the
heir apparent sitting on the throne and issue orders which will be
obeyed. That will show that something happened in the night and
something has happened now.
"So this young man has taken over the stool of his father, and now he can begin to direct the town," he explained.
