LAGOS JUNE 4TH (URHOBOTODAY)- Monarch of Abraka Kingdom, HRM (AVM) Ochuko Ararile (rtd.), Avwaeke 1 in a decision arrived at with the traditional council of Umiaghwa of Abraka Kingdom have deposed Lagos based Chief Peter Onojake over his insubordination of the title of Osu R’Urhobo of Lagos.
He was equally penalized for disrespecting and disregarding the instructions of the Council reached since March and August, 2017.
In addition, he has been excommunicated from all social activities of Abraka sons and daughters particular and urhobo in general, at home and in diaspora.
Addressing newsmen in Abraka, Delta State, after the meeting, the Spokesman of the kingdom, Chief Nath Anho, disclosed that there has been a misunderstanding of two rival groups of the Council of Urhobo Chiefs in Lagos, stressing that in the past, the matter was looked into by Urhobo Traditional Rulers Forum, but was referred to HRM (AVM) Ochuko Ararile (rtd.), Avwaeke 1, Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka kingdom to settle hence the leaders of the two factions at war are indigenes of his kingdom.
According to him, “Before now, we took a decision that Chief Vincent Ahwin should be the Osu R’ Urhobo IV of Lagos, while Onojake should be the Speaker. We equally decided that a constitution should be drawn for the group and a tenure system of five years be introduced so that other persons will have the opportunity to hold such positions.”
He explained that rather that obey the decision, Onojake has consistently disobeyed the Council of Chiefs in the kingdom and the entire Urhobo Traditional Rulers Forum by forming a parallel council of chiefs in Lagos, adding that Onojake’s actions can best be described as gross indiscipline.
“We told him times without number to embrace peace and unity. He disregarded this order and rather went ahead to form another body, the Urhobo-Isoko group which to us is a move to disunite and destabilize Urhobo people in Lagos, ” he stressed.
Speaking further, he said that after a thorough consideration of the matter, the kingdom has decided to withdraw Onajake’s title and ex-communicate him for disrespect and insurburdination.
“ He is no more an Okakuro of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom and also ceases to be a member of the traditional council. The disciplinary measures meted on Onojake were to serve as a deterrent to Urhobo people who like to cause divisions in Urhobo Nation,” he disclosed.
He explained that apart from the sanctions on him, they have also directed that no one in Urhobo land should interact with him and have anything to do with him until further notice.
“We will soon communicate our decisions to Lagos Sate government because he is no more a member of the council of chiefs in Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom and he cannot also be in Lagos,” he stated.
He called on the Council of Urhobo Chiefs in Lagos to unite and serve as a vanguard to canvass for Urhobo people to be united, stressing that the group must continue to promote Urhobo cultures and traditions.
The Urhobo Traditional Council of Chief Lagos State, Nigeria, was founded in the year 1954 by a group of Urhobo Chiefs residing in Lagos State and its environs. The founder and inaugural chairman of the council. Late High Chief Johnson Okpako Okoloba (JP) was also the first Osu (Traditional Ruler) of the Urhobos In Lagos State.