BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Ibedeni Kingmaker families—Isidiri, Ebiridue, and Obiriobiri—of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, have protested what they allege as the disdainful conduct and non-adherence to customary due process concerning the selection of a new king for Ibedeni Kingdom.
The kingmaker families in a statement made available to newsmen and signed by the President-General of the Kingdom, Dr. Whisky Azino; the Okwa-Omeda of Ibedeni, Chief Felix Obi, and Secretary of the Kingmaker families, Comrade Franklin Ebinum-Oliseh, on behalf of the Isidiri, Ebiridue, and Obiriobiri families, therefore, disclaimed the purported emergence of Mr Ben Kenegede as the new king of the kingdom.
The families, who expressed outrage over moves by members of the Teme family, who they allege are attempting to bypass traditional procedures to install Mr Ben Kenegede as the new king of the kingdom, emphasized that these actions constitute an aberration and abuse of the customary due process that has governed the community’s leadership selection for centuries. According to the statement, the families were not consulted as required by the native law and custom of Ibedeni Kingdom. The kingmakers are responsible for reviewing and approving any candidate selected by the ruling house before such a candidate can be presented to the Onou, the community leader, and subsequently to the entire community.
The families including a member of the Teme Family, Chief Emmanuel Edike, also refuted claims made in letters dated April 3 and April 22, 2024, purportedly sent by the Teme family. They clarified that no official meeting had been held to select a new king since the passing of the previous ruler, HRM Jonathan Kanegede.
Furthermore, they stated that the burial rites of the late king wast yet to be completed, which, according to tradition, must occur before any steps toward selecting a new king can be taken.
The families accused Mr Kenegede of attempting to unlawfully present himself as the king-elect without the necessary approval or authority. They warned that such actions could lead to unrest within the otherwise peaceful community.
They also called for all relevant authorities and stakeholders to disregard any claims or requests to recognize Mr Kenegede as the king of Ibedeni Kingdom. The families reiterated their commitment to upholding the traditional process and urged Mr Kenegede to respect the established customs.
