The tranquil community of Irri Kingdom is currently embroiled in a heated royal succession dispute, with allegations of external interference and disregard for age-old traditions.
His Royal Majesty, Eloho Jacko, Amatavo II, the Odion-Logbo of Irri Kingdom, has called for urgent intervention by the Delta State Government to resolve the escalating crisis.
In a formal statement, King Jacko, who was traditionally crowned on July 21, 2023, accused external actors of attempting to impose an illegitimate king, Simon Odhomo, from Okpe Isoko, on the throne of Irri.
This move, according to the king, blatantly violates the customs of the community, which entrusts the kingmaking process exclusively to the Omonde family.
He emphasized that Simon Odhomo is not from the ruling Ibogidi family and lacks any legitimate claim to the throne. He described the move to impose Odhomo as a calculated attempt to exploit the kingdom’s natural resources, particularly its crude oil wealth.
Already the Delta State Government have approved 5th of December, 2024 for the official presentation of staff of office to the Simon Odhomo.
Reacting to the move, HRM Jacko said, “This is a clear disregard for our traditions and an affront to the sovereignty of Irri Kingdom. The rightful kingmakers, led by the Osewo of the Omode family, have affirmed my position as the legitimate king. Any other claim is fraudulent and unacceptable to the people of Irri.”
The king also expressed concern over alleged financial influence being used to obstruct legal and administrative processes. Despite submitting petitions to law enforcement agencies and pursuing legal action, he noted that progress has been stalled, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to further destabilization.
The king further accused external forces and individuals including the President General of the community, one Adonis and Idu Amadhe of misleading the Deputy Governor of Delta State, calling on him to respect the traditions of Irri and not support the installation of an outsider as king.
“I am confident the Deputy Governor, if fully informed, would not allow such an injustice in his own community. We appeal to his sense of fairness and to the government’s duty to uphold justice,” King Amatavo said.
King Jacko called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take decisive action by issuing him the Staff of Office as the rightful king and preventing further escalation of tensions.
“We are a peaceful community, but we will not sit idly while our traditions and rights are trampled upon. This issue is not only about tradition but also about justice and respect for our heritage,” he stated.
The monarch appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, peace committees, and leaders across Isoko land to stand with Irri in defending its identity and sovereignty.
“This is not just about Irri; it is about ensuring that no community’s traditions are undermined. We must preserve our heritage and prevent external forces from destabilizing our peace,” he concluded.
As the crisis unfolds, the people of Irri Kingdom remain resolute in their commitment to justice and tradition. All eyes are now on the Delta State Government to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the matter.
