The disputed kingship crisis in Irri Kingdom has brought to light the complex interplay between traditional authority and political influence.
Eloho Jacko, who was traditionally crowned by kingmakers in Irri, has accused influential politicians and some individuals within Delta State’s political and traditional structures of manipulating the selection process to depose him due to his political affiliations with the opposition APC.
Referencing a 2017 meeting presided over by the late Osewho and attended by representatives of all Irri families, he said it was during that meeting that the traditional procedure for selecting kings was formalized.
“In 2017, the Irri Federated Union held a meeting presided over by the late Osewo, where it was decided that Irri Kingdom has seven ruling houses eligible to ascend the stool of Odio-logbo. The communique from that meeting was signed by representatives of all the families in Irri and published in The Pointer newspaper,of September 7, 2017” he said.
He further explained, “The seven ruling houses identified in the communique are Odede, Ojenagwe, Amathovo, Omese, Uthoakpo Erue, and Okpota. These are the only houses that can ascend the stool of Odio-logbo of Irri Kingdom.”
The alleged traditionally crowned, Eloho Jacko added that the 2017 communique also clearly outlined the families that are non-ruling houses.
“According to the document, the non-ruling houses, which cannot ascend the stool but are members of the Edio-in Council, include Esaba, Igbogidi, Oletu-Ode, Oghabe, Elemuru, Allede, Ireimiyemaye, Dapo-Ode, and Emeni (Ukobote),” he explained.
Citing the 2017 communique he said; “It was outlined that seven ruling houses are eligible to ascend the throne of Odio-logbo of Irri Kingdom, which he claimed was ignored in the case of Simon Odhomo.
“Jacko also alleges that the Ifbogidi family that is fighting are not one of the ruling families while Simon Odhomo is not even from Irri, but from Okpe Isoko.
“The Irri Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage with distinct traditions regarding the Idi-Kuo and according to these traditions, there are seven ruling houses in Irri Kingdom that are eligible to ascend the stool of Odio-Logbo. The ruling houses are Odede, Ojenugwe, Amathovo, Omeze, Uthoakpo, Erue, and Okpoto. In addition to the ruling houses, there are other non-ruling families that, while not eligible to ascend to the stool of Odio-Logbo, play significant roles as members of the palace and cabinet of the Edio-in-Council. These families include Esaba, Igbogidi, Oletu-Ode (the warlord), Ogbabe, Ajemuruae, Afiede, Ekwemiye, Okpo-Ode, Emeni (Ukoboto), Odia, and Emikpe, making up a total of 18 distinguished family names. Together, these families uphold the customs, governance, and legacy of the Irri Kingdom, ensuring the preservation of its traditions and identity”.
Despite following proper traditional protocols and being crowned by the Council of Chiefs and Osewo, alleging that Simon was never properly crowned and was unlawfully recognized as king by the state government.
Jacko however raises concerns about the implications of the crisis for the community, warning against the potential for unrest and conflict.
He noted that despite his numerous letters sent to the governor, he has not yet receive a response, leading him to call for divine intervention and the public to know the injustice being done to him.
The dispute underscores the need to respect traditional customs and procedures in matters of kingship and governance, and raises questions about the role of politics in traditional institutions.
The legitimacy of the rival kingship remains in question, highlighting the importance of upholding historical traditions and ensuring the will of the people is respected in matters of leadership.