The alleged traditionally crowned Eloho Jacko as the Odio-logbo of Irri Kingdom, has raised alarm over a contentious kingship tussle that has engulfed the community, alleging influential political bigwigs and external manipulations had hands in the selection of a rival king in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking in a detailed interview, Eloho Jacko, who was traditionally crowned by kingmakers in Irri, 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 allege political affiliations with the opposition APC.
“They claim I was attacked because I am a member of the opposition APC. They said they cannot empower an APC member, that I have my powers in Abuja, and Abuja should come and crown me. But they cannot impose an illegitimate ruler,” the monarch said.
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 are Odede, Ojenugwe, Amathovo, Omeze, Uthoakpo, Erue, and Okpoto.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 (the warlord), Ogbabe, Ajemuruae, Afiede, Ekwemiye, Okpo-Ode, Emeni (Ukoboto), Odia, and Emikpe, making up a total of 18 distinguished family names,” 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”.
He alleged that Simon Odhomo is not paternally from Irri but Okpe community, adding that based on the tradition of the kingdom as reflected in the Communique the Igbogidi is not among the ruling families in the Kingdom.
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.
The interview Below
“This community has endured two wars and has barely survived. I have been brave and diplomatic, avoiding further crises in Irri. But now, they want to bring war and crisis to the town,” he lamented.
“Despite sending several letters to Delta State government to address the issue, there received no response.
The interview continuation below
“It is as if the letters do not get to the governor or what has the community done wrong? Must I belong to their society or church to remain king?”
He emphasized that his crowning followed due process and that his ascension was validated by key traditional figures and documented in the Council of Chiefs’ minutes.
“The Council of Chiefs communicated to the governor that I am the king, and If anyone doubts my crowning, they should invite General Kpokpogri or Pat Oyeke, who were present and signed the minutes.”
“I have already summoned these actions to the gods of the land and the God of heaven to judge my case,” he said.
The monarch urged Nigerians and the international community to take note of what he described as an attempt to subvert the will of the people of Irri Kingdom. “Nigeria and the world should know that Simon was never crowned as a king,” King Jacko concluded.
“The ongoing kingship crisis highlights the tension between traditional authority and political influence, raising questions about governance and stability in Delta State.
“By ignoring the 2017 communique and the ancient traditions of the Idikuo, the legitimacy of the rival kingship remains under scrutiny.” He said.
