The decade long enmity between the Monarchs of Asaba and Oko Kingdoms in Oshimili South local government area of Delta State has been resolved by the Chairman of the Oshimili South local government area, Kelvin Obi.
The prolonged legal battle between the Royal Majesties dates back to 2016 with a series of injunctions, judgments, appeals and cross appeals lasting for almost a decade.
The Asagba of Asaba, HRM, Prof Epiphany Azinge, and HRM Osita Onwuka 1, Akor of Oko Kingdom, Oko Kingdom, were at the reconciliation meeting where the decade long crisis was resolved.
Addressing the two monarchs, palace chiefs and others on Friday in his office in Asaba, during the amicable reconciliation ceremony of the Royal Majesties, the LGA Chairman, Kelvin Obi, said ”because of this reconciliation, without an iota of doubt, I certainly believe I am the happiest person amongst us all”.
According to him, the route for the amicable resolution of the prolonged dispute between the Royal Majesties began in his first tenure as Executive Chairman where he made promises during his campaigns to engage in the process of mediation.
“It is always best to open channels for honest conversations where grievances can be aired and solutions found together.
“Let me sincerely use this medium to applaud both Royal Majesties for the spirit of reciprocity displayed during the period of mediation and reconciliation. My gratitude also goes to the Palace Chiefs and everyone involved in the process of sheathing their swords.
“However, considering the bigger picture, I implore every civic community to embrace the approach of conflict mediation and resolution as this promotes economic development, increased inter personal relationships, exchange of ideas rather than conflicts.
“I had in my own calm and sober state reflected on the communal and harmonious relationship that once existed in time past that had resulted in inter marriages and trading amongst people from these two communities, this propelled me for the quest to ensure this long lasting dispute is resolved right from my first tenure as Chairman in 2021” the Chairman stated.
The Asagba of Asaba in his response, commended Obi for a job well done and his diligence with the way he handled the reconciliation which has resulted in the amicable settlement.
“There was an open mind mediation, all efforts to get to yes. Finally. the parties agreed to the yes. It was not an easy process, people met, try to harmonise things before arriving at the reconciliation. There was dispute resolution mechanism. The Chairman showed lots of interest with the reconciliation. Stick out his neck.
“It was a stipend issue, it never translated to a dispute between the Asaba & Oko people.
No issues, he attended my coronation. Let it go out that there is no dispute. We remain committed to each other” HRM Azinge stated.
The Ako of Oko Kingdom expressed his appreciation over the reconciliation and endorsed all the positions of the Asagba of Asaba.
“I endorsed all what the Asagba of Asaba said. The past is gone for ever. Even during his coronation, my people and l were well received. We need to move forward” HRH Onwuka posited.
