Edo monarch revokes traditional title of Obaseki’s commissioner

The traditional ruler of Ozalla, Onotare of Ozalla Kingdom in Owan West local government area of Edo state, HRH Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, the Okpamen IX, has stripped the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, of Uzoyare of Ozalla Kingdom, a honorary chieftaincy conferred on her.

The commissioner was accused of disrespecting the king by asking him to meet her in the car when she drove to the palace.

In a statement, the Palace Spokesman, Dr. Osumah Obaze, said the Onotare ordered the immediate revocation of her title so as to serve as a deterrent to others who have the intention of desecrating the respected throne.

According to the statement, “Her offences include openly insulting the Onotare and for not paying obeisance to the Onotare of Ozalla on the 13th of April, 2024, during Ivbamen festival in the present of the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and Chairman, Owan West Local Government, Mr. Dickson Ahonsi and for openly boasting to remove the traditional ruler from office.”

Also, the revoked the honorary chieftaincy title, Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom conferred on Barr. George Ohioma aka Armani for openly insulting and physically assaulting the Onotare of Ozalla and Secretary to the Onotare, Mr. Ehichioya Ujuanbi in the presence of the Speaker to Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and the Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Mr. Dickson Ahonsi, at the Onotare’s palace.

The traditional ruler held that title Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom is now the exclusive reserve of the freeborn of Ozalla Kingdom, not strangers.

“The Onotare of Ozalla, His Royal Highest Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai has banned Mrs. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka and Barr. George Ohioma from the palace with immediate effect.”

Efforts to reach the commissioner was unsuccessful as she was said to be out of the country with Governor Godwin Obaseki.