Issele-Uku to Install Ada Obi Issei as Umueze Issei Completes Official Residence

By Patrick Ochei

Issele-Uku, the administrative headquarters of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State and an ancient kingdom with ancestral roots linked to the Benin Kingdom, is set to witness the historic installation of the Ada Obi Issei after more than a century of vacancy in the revered traditional office.

The installation ceremony is scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Ogwa Ogbeleani of Issele-Uku, who is also the Okpalabuisi of Umueze Issei and Diokpa Ishiekpe, Diokpa Okonkwo Isimchei.

The traditional rites of conferment will first be performed at the Ogwa Diokpa Isimchei, after which members of the Oha-Uno Umueze Issei entourage will accompany the Ada Obi to the Issele-Uku Royal Palace, where a newly completed official residence, known as the “Uno Ada Obi,” has been prepared for her occupation.

For decades, the paraphernalia and symbols associated with the office of the Ada Obi Issei had remained in the custody of the Ogbeleani owing to the prolonged vacancy. These sacred items will now be formally handed over and preserved in the newly built residence.

The revered monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, JP (MNSE), has expressed great enthusiasm over the restoration of the office and will serve as the chief host during the installation ceremony. The development is seen as part of the monarch’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Issele-Uku Kingdom.

The Ada Obi Issei-designate, Princess Mrs. Nwasi Osemeke, hails from Oha-Uno-Obi and is married into the Osemeke family of Idumuzu in Idumuinei village, Issele-Uku. She is recognized as the eldest princess from the lineage of Obi Osemene I.

Upon her installation, she will assume leadership of all princesses within the royal family of Issele-Uku and oversee the activities of the various Adas across the kingdom’s villages. Her responsibilities will include working closely with the Obi to promote peace, uphold moral values within the royal household and the wider community, mediate in family disputes, and help preserve the sanctity of marriage among members of the royal lineage.