Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
– Chukwuka Noah, the new monarch of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South local government area of Delta state says he will miss relating with his peer group
– The 17-year-old king reveals how he plans to rule the kingdom
Chukwuka Noah, the newly installed Obi (king) Akaeze I of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South local government area of Delta state after the murder of his father in January, has revealed how he will rule the kingdom.
In an interview with The Punch, Noah said he will miss relating with his peer group in the open as he is used to in the United Kingdom.
Read excepts from the interview below:
When exactly did you know that you would succeed your father as the king of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom?
Kingship is not like chieftaincy titles, it is ordained by the Almighty God. The time I would succeed my father, Obi Akaeze Edward Ofolue III, was not known to me until the unfortunate incident in which he was kidnapped and then murdered by gunmen in January. The subsequent ascension of my father’s throne was a decision from God and I appreciate Him for the decision.
Do your schoolmates and friends still relate with you the same way they did before you became king?
My relationship with my friends and schoolmates still remain the same. They are still my friends and schoolmates. The only difference now is that I am a king by the divine grace of God. They are aware of the present position of things and also know the honour a king deserves.
What would you miss most about your life now that you are a king?
Thank you. I am a very reserved person. I also have an unshaken belief and trust in God. I worship Him in reverence too. Now that I am a king, I will miss relating with my peer group in the open as I used to do in the United Kingdom. I used to visit my friends at will. I will also miss that. Notwithstanding, I intend to ask more questions, listen to my people and strive hard to better their lives. I will ensure I am better guided in order to give the best of my capacity.
What is your message to the people of your kingdom?
Well, considering the heart-rending incident in which my beloved father lost his life, I will try to take everything slowly. I will also want them to know that God is with our land. I am certain that God is with the people of Ubulu-Uku who are my wonderful people. God will continue to protect them and lead them right. He will grant them mercies and bless them with His uncommon grace to succeed.
I will carry on during this difficult period and protect the good people of Ubulu-Uku by seeking God’s intervention to lead me well. I pray that God will never leave the people of Ubulu-Uku. He will give them the grace to succeed in the name of Jesus.
Noah took over from his HRM Obi Akaeze Edward Ofulue III, who was reportedly kidnapped and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen on January 5 2016 at a spot along Obior to Igbodo Road notorious among locals for banditry.
The late monarch’s death crippled the economic activity in Ubulu-Uku as all shops in the area were closed. A local vigilante group discovered the body of HRM Obi Akaeze Edward Ofulue III, who had been abandoned along with the body of an unidentified man.
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