There are indications that Onicha Olona Kingdom, an agrarian settlement in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, may soon be embroiled in crisis following the tussle over who ascends the kingship stool as the previous occupant had left the land of the living.

This is coming on the emergence of two Obis after a long vacuum, with each laying claim to the rightful owner of the kingship stool as the respective system of ascension continues to be under serious contention in the area.

While Prince Dumbili Nwadiajueboe claims to have been enthroned traditionally as an Obi through the hereditary system of ascension, his contender, Christopher Uzu Diji faulted him, arguing that hereditary system was alien to the community.

Uzu Diji noted that the Okpalabisi system based on the gerontocratic principle of the most senior traditional title holder succeeding the incumbent Obi when he joins his ancestors was the system known to the town.

As a way of averting crisis, a non-governmental organisation, Conflict Management Alliance (CMA) has initiated moves to bring about lasting solution to the lingering kingship tussle in the area.

But members of the Conflict Management Alliance (CMA) led by the chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Winnie Obroh during a visit to Uzu Diji said they were on a fact finding mission with a view to bringing lasting peace to the community.

Mrs. Obroh stressed the need for peace to enhance development of the area, and noted that "no community can develop in an atmosphere of crisis, hatred and rancour."

She said all stakeholders would be consulted and invited to a round table meeting where it is hoped that the issue would be amicably resolved in the near future.

However, there are indications that the intervention by the CMA which is being supported by the British Council in collaboration with Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme might meet brick walls in the process.

This is because the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Chief Paul Eziashi while welcoming members of the organisation to Uzu Diji's home, insisted that there will be no shifting of ground on their part.

Eziashi told the visitors that the hereditary system as being advocated by Nwadiajueboe was alien to the community, and the the Okpalabisi system was the only system known to the community since it was founded in the 15th century.

He pointed out that Uzu Diji is the 21st Obi of the town in line with the Okpalabisi system, adding that changing to hereditary monarchy would amount to changing the tradition and custom of the people.

•Photo shows Gov Okowa.

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