17-year-old boy crowned king in Delta community

A 17-year-old boy has been crowned king in Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, a community in Delta State. His installation followed the murder of his father, HRM Edward Ofulue III, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

He was installed as HRM Chukwuka Akaeze I. The new Obi was, yesterday, presented to the Anoicha South

Traditional Rulers Council.

The coronation ceremony attracted prominent citizens of the kingdom, including the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili constituency at the House of Representatives, Mrs. Onyemaechi Mrakpor and the President-General of Ubulu-Uku Development Union, Jones Ofunne, the chairman of Aniocha South council, Mr. Isaac Anwuzia, traditional chiefs and title holders in the kingdom, religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders of the agrarian community.

Secretary of the Palace, Mr Joseph Obazei, while speaking on the importance of the ceremony, said it was a memorable day in the history of the kingdom.

Obazei said the new king was not even looking up to the position in the near future because his father was young and vibrant, until “this unfortunate event occurred.

“The kingship has now been thrust on him and he has taken up the mantle of his late father. Ubulu-Uku people are very happy that somebody has ascended the thronebecause the king never dies. When it appears that there is no king, there is already a king. That is what has just happened.”

According to Obazei, there were not too many rites in the installation of a new king.

He said: “By our tradition, you can wake up in the morning and see the heir apparent sitting on the throne issuing commands which must be obeyed. That will tell youthat something happened in the night and something has happened now.

“So, this young man has ascended the throne of his father and now he can begin to give directives to the town.”