Royal  Peace Restored :  Asaba and  Oko Kingdoms End  Decade-long Rift 

The ancient stools of Asaba and Oko kingdoms  in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State made history yesterday (October 10, 2025), as their Royal Majesties formally ended a nearly decade-long dispute over the sharing of traditional rulers’ stipends from the statutory five percent allocation.

Central to the peace agreement was Hon. (High Chief) Ezeyinli Kelvin Obi, Ph.D., the Chairman of the Oshimili South LG Council, whose vision and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in restoring peace to the two kingdoms.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Ezeyinli described the day as an “epoch turning event” in the annals of Oshimili South, recalling that the legal battle, which began in 2016 saw its fair share of injunctions, judgments, and appeals.

Yet, rather than letting the judiciary dictate the fate of communal harmony, he opted for a mediation.

The Chairman announced that  a total sum of ₦522,797,882.57 had been preserved in a special account for the traditional rulers, emphasizing accountability and good governance.

The Council chairman expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff  Oborevwori, for allowing him to initiate the  journey of reconciliation between Oko and Asaba kingdoms ,  maintaining that the endeavor has marked a remarkable turning point in the history of Oshimili South.

The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), expressed deep appreciation for the Chairman’s perseverance, hailing him for “diligently sticking out his neck” to ensure peace.

He emphasized that what was perceived externally as a feud was, in essence, a misunderstanding over entitlements, not a dispute between the two kingdoms.

“We remain inextricably intertwined… We cohabit as brothers and sisters,” the revered monarch declared, adding, “There will never be anything between us except peace.”

He also applauded the symbolic gesture by the Akor of Oko, HRM Engr. Eze Osita, who attended his coronation, affirming the deep-rooted camaraderie between the two kingdoms.

On his part, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, endorsed the words of the Asagba of Asaba, declaring: “The past is gone forever. God will help us to be united as usual… I’m grateful. We thank God for this opportunity.”