Tension is mounting in a prominent kingdom in Delta State following allegations that its young monarch has abandoned the throne and delegated traditional powers to his uncles.
The monarch, who ascended the throne in 2016 at the age of 15 after his father’s tragic death, is said to have completed a law degree at a United Kingdom university in 2019 but has since remained abroad.
Nearly a decade after his coronation, many of his subjects are now expressing growing frustration over his prolonged absence, which they claim has crippled the kingdom’s administration and stalled development.
While the kingdom’s traditional Prime Minister has continued to pledge loyalty to the monarch, deep cracks have reportedly emerged within the royal family, particularly over the role of the king’s uncles, who are said to have assumed control of palace affairs.
Some residents and members of the Council of Chiefs accused the uncles of manipulating the king from afar and exploiting his absence for personal gain.
A community leader, Ngozi Emma, lamented the situation, saying the people felt abandoned.
“As it stands, the kingdom is suffering because we cannot communicate with our Obi.
If he is not ready to lead, he should say so, rather than abandon the people who crowned him.
The Council of Chiefs cannot reach him, and it is becoming disturbing,” she said.
Another resident, Ofulue Chukwuweike, alleged that the monarch’s uncles have been selling communal lands and enriching themselves while the Obi remains unreachable.
“His uncles are busy selling land and developing property for themselves, while the Obi does not even have a house in his own kingdom.
Even his mother has distanced herself from the people and discouraged him from returning,” he claimed.
According to sources within the royal family, the Umu Uzi and Umu Obi lineages have made repeated efforts to persuade the uncles to stop interfering in palace matters, but such attempts have been rebuffed, further deepening division in the kingdom.
“We love our king. We want him to return and lead without interference,” another chief said.
Community elders and youth groups have now appealed to the Delta State Government and traditional authorities in the state to intervene urgently before the crisis escalates.
However, a respected elder in the community has cautioned residents against any form of disrespect to the throne, warning that the sanctity of the traditional institution must be upheld despite the prevailing challenges.