Ubulu-Uku erupts in joy as 15-year-old succeeds slain monarch

Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, HRM Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I

Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Delta State which has been mourning the murder of its former king,  HRM Edward Ofulue III, by suspected Fulani herdsmen, has erupted into jubilation following the installation of his 15-year-old son as the new king of the kingdom.

He was installed as HRM Chukwuka Akaeze I.

The new Obi  was, yesterday, presented to the Anoicha South Traditional Rulers Council.

The young monarch was earlier presented to the members of the royal family before his presentation to the council of elders at the palace.

The brief ceremony which attracted prominent citizens of the kingdom, including the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili constituency at the House of Representatives, Mrs. Onyemaechi Mrakpor and the President-General of Ubulu-Uku Development Union, Jones Ofunne, the chairman of Aniocha South council, Mr. Isaac Anwuzia, traditional chiefs and title holders in the kingdom, religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders of the agrarian community, brought back the joy of the people.

PRESENTATION: Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom HRM Chukwuka Akaeze I (middle); Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Mr. Isaac Anwuzia (left) and the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Stephen Asikawili, during the presentation of the monarch to the Aniocha South council of Traditional Rulers at the council secretariat in Ogwashi-Uku, yesterday. Photo: Festus Ahon.

Secretary of the Palace, Mr Joseph Obazei, who spoke on the importance of the ceremony, said it was a memorable day in the history of the kingdom.

Obazei said the new king was not even looking up to the position in the near future because his father was young and vibrant, until “this unfortunate event occurred.

“The kingship has now been thrust on him and he has taken up the mantle of his late father. Ubulu-Uku people are very happy that somebody has ascended the throne because the king never dies. When it appears that there is no king, there is already a king. That is what has just happened.”

According to Obazei, there were not too many rites in the installation of a new king. He said: “By our tradition, you can wake up in the morning and see the heir apparent sitting on the throne issuing commands which must be obeyed. That will tell you that something happened in the night and something has happened now.

“So this young man has ascended the throne of his father and now he can begin to give directives to the town.”