The Eze Ugnosinichi of Omudioga Clan in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Sam Onyeka, has maintained that he was the heir to the royal family of Omudioga Kingdom and its stool, left by the last occupant of the throne, who ruled for 45 years.
He stated this while briefing the press over the weekend in the Palace of Nyenwe Ali Omudioga over a publication made by some persons in the community questioning his authority to have promptly addressed security issues in the community.
Onyeka called the persons, whom he described as factional leaders to order, saying they were spoiling for war where there was none, and urged them to help maintain peace in the domain.
He said that the throne was hereditary, adding that according to available records, he was expected to be the bonafide occupant of the stool at the end of the five years’ mourning period for his late father, Eze Godwin Onyeka.
Onyeka said he was coronated by his father six years ago in a public ceremony for the same purpose, adding that there has been no dispute ever since.
On the publication he made concerning the Omudioga Clan when they were in crisis six months ago, Onyeka said as a critical stakeholder in the community and state, he did not need any permission from any quarter to intervene in the security crisis in his community.
He noted that in a security meeting by the OgbakorOmudioga, he was unanimously mandated to further ensure the sustenance of peace in the community.
Onyeka alleged that most of the persons who signed the publication under reference as chiefs and elders ran away from the community during the crisis only to appear few weeks ago from their hiding to make spurious claims.
The traditional ruler equally disclosed that most of those whose signatures appeared in the purported document challenging his authority confessed that they did not understand what they signed, begging to be pardoned.
Onyeka maintained that for that long period his late father reigned, there was no dispute, and wondered why certain persons who do not have any right to the throne wouldappear from nowhere to make claims to the stool.
He made it clear that the Onyeka Royal Family was ready to contest what he described as an organised conspiracy against his family.
Onyeka urged those struggling to occupy the stool to strive to secure a peaceful, united and progressive community bequeathed them and not provoke crisis where none exists.
He used the opportunity to encourage the good people of Omudioga Clan to disregard the misinformation, and continue in their peaceful disposition and co-existence, adding that it was his expectation that God will continue to bless His people for greater heights in the years ahead.
Onyeka, however, called on both the local and state governments, and indeed, the general public, to disregard the misguided information and consider the Omudioga Clan in developmental agenda ongoingin the state.