By Patrick Ochei
The Ozoma of Onicha-Olona, Chief Austen Elumelu JP, has dismissed calls by a group identifying itself as the Concerned Indigenes of Onicha-Olona for the restoration of the Obi Ada system of kingship, insisting that the community has never operated a hereditary system of monarchy.
Speaking in a telephone interview with our correspondent, Chief Elumelu challenged the claims made at the group’s recent press conference by its spokesperson, Mr. Cyril Eziomume Nwaodi, popularly known as Kandysea.
According to the Ozoma, the traditional leadership structure of Onicha-Olona has historically been based on the Okpalabisi system rather than hereditary succession.
He explained that, at one point, the community considered adopting a more conventional kingship structure in line with evolving traditional practices in other communities, noting that culture is dynamic. As part of that effort, the Ogbe-Obi Quarters were asked to present a suitable candidate for the position of king.
Chief Elumelu, however, said the initiative triggered disagreements within the Ogbe-Obi Quarters, as multiple households laid claim to the right to produce the monarch.
He stated that, to avoid prolonged disputes, the community resolved to return to its traditional system of leadership.
“Because we could not continue with that arrangement, we decided to adhere to our original system, which recognizes the Okpalabisi (the highest-ranking titled man) as the traditional leader,” he said.
The Ozoma also urged Mr. Nwaodi to refrain from actions he said could tarnish the image of the community. He advised him to concentrate on his music career rather than pursuing what he described as an unfounded claim to the Onicha-Olona kingship.
