By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Delta State Government has approved the appointment of Olinzele (Chief) Anthony Nwaeze Enurah as the traditional Chief for Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.
The new chief was appointed last August 2021 by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom HRM OBI (Dr) IFECHUKWUDE ANINSHI Okonjo II who is the prescribed authority and Traditional Ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local government in Delta State.
The certificate that was approved by the office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Aghara was presented to the new Chief Anthony Enurah.
Responding to questions from journalists about the issuance of the Certificate, the Palace Secretary stated that he was indeed very happy that government has taken the step to affirm the appointment of the traditional Chief by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
He said: “We are very grateful to the Delta State government, the governor and Deputy Governor, for this approval. It will ensure that there is a proper legal authority appointed by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to manage the affairs of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.
“Otulu is one of our satellite farming communities. Let me use this opportunity to warn any persons who are making false claims about rulership in Otulu to stay clear of the community. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku intends to turn around the affairs of that community, and restore sanity and peace to the community, so serious development can commence. This can only be achieved when there is law and order. We have informed the relevant authorities about the appointment, and requested their assistance to provide all the necessary security support to the new Chief so he can carry out his duties.”
The Palace Secretary also thanked the representatives from the Agidiase and Agidiahe communities in Ogwashi-Uku who will nominate representatives to assist the new Chief in managing the affairs in Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.
Chief Anthony Enurah also spoke with our reporter.
According to him, “Otulu Ogwashi-Uku is in bad need of proper leadership.”
Adding: “We need to move the community forward and I use this opportunity to thank our King, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II for finding me worthy for this appointment. I promise to bring reconciliation and leadership to the Otulu people and for them to unite in full support of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. I give God all the glory. Today is a good day and we will start afresh for the community.”
“I am a blue blood son of Ogwashi-Uku from Umudei and I will fulfill my responsibilities in the interest of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
You will recall that last year, a fugitive from justice one Francis Oduwanor Odiakose aka (Medolue) had unilaterally declared himself the traditional ruler of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku and even went as far as attempting to change the name of the community. This led to a breakdown of law and order and the Delta State government through the Inspector General of Police declared him wanted for terrorism, attempted murder and other charges.
“Francis Oduwanor Odiakose and his brother Christopher Odiakaose aka (Big fish) are suspected to have led the cultists who attacked the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku when he visited Otulu Ogwashi-Uku last year when he went to perform traditional annual prayers for the community. Christopher Odiakaose aka (Big Fish) after being declared wanted was arrested at the scene of a bank robbery in Agbor, Delta State and is currently in Ogwashi-Uku prison facing trial for attempted murder amongst other charges. Francis Odiakaose Oduwanor aka Medolue is still on the run.
“The Area Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Lamba urged all members of the Otulu Ogwashi-Uku community to rally round and support their new Chief.”
He opined that this will bring peace and stability to Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.
