From Paul Osuyi, Asaba

DELTA State Government has said that there was no reasonable dispute concerning the throne of the Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Govern­ment Area of the state, hence its recognition of the re­cently installed 17-year monarch, Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze I.

Akaeze I who was installed in February as king fol­lowing the death of his father, Obi Akaeze Edward Ofu­lue III, has since jetted out to the United Kingdom to continue his education while a regent has been put in charge for the meantime.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had during a courtesy by the young king in Government House, Asaba declared the support of his administration for the monarch, saying that all necessary steps would be taken for the presenta­tion of staff of office.

But the governor’s declaration generated reactions from the Onishe (Prime Minister) of the kingdom, Chief Emma Ejiofor who has since distanced himself from the new king, saying that the late Ofulue III was a usurper, hence his son could not have stepped into the throne which his father never occupied.