Edegbene community holds general meeting on Seimbiri kingship process, screen aspirants

By Rejoice Egbaseimokumor

Edegbene Federated Community in Seimbiri Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, on 7th April, 2026, held a general meeting at the community town hall to deliberate on the ongoing process of selecting a new king for the kingdom.

The meeting, which commenced at about 11:30am with an opening prayer by Mr. Kemederekumor Kele, had in attendance the Elders Council, the Amanana-Wei (Highness) and his chiefs, the executive chairman and his cabinet, the women leader and her cabinet, community leaders, observers from neighbouring communities, aspirants to the throne, and adult members of Edegbene Federated Community.

According to proceedings, Mr. John Akenbai, spokesman of the Elders Council, officially called the meeting to order and welcomed participants. The agenda included call to order, introduction of aspirants, genealogy presentations, and other matters arising.

Three aspirants were presented before the general house for introduction and screening.

The first aspirant, Mr. Wareburueyegha Eric Ebi, identified himself as a bonafide indigene of Edegbene Community. He traced his lineage to his late father, Wareburueyegha Federekumor, and maternal connections through Mrs. Enewarebebegha, both of Korobiri Quarters under Ekerekeme and Beke lineages respectively. He affirmed that both paternal and maternal roots are fully indigenous to Edegbene Community. Following questioning from members, his claims were verified and confirmed by elders, including Pa Opuro Oweikeye, who affirmed his indigene status.

The second aspirant, Mr. Bekes Peretonbofa, also presented his genealogy, stating that his father, the late Peretonbofa Lobia, and his lineage trace back to Korobiri Quarter under Beke lineage. He further noted that his father once served as chairman of Edegbene Community. His claim of indigeneity was also confirmed by the elders council and community members present.

The third aspirant, Mr. Boson Edisemi Joseph, introduced himself as a descendant through Okpotie lineage, claiming ties to Edegbene Community via his maternal ancestry. However, his presentation generated extensive questioning from community members regarding his lineage and community identification.

During deliberations, several elders and stakeholders, including Mr. Deinne Ojobolo and Chief Federekumor Gabriel, clarified historical lineage accounts of Edegbene Community. They explained the ancestral migration of Ede’s descendants and noted that Okpotie, the first son of Ede, founded Okpotiegbene under Dunu-Ogusu ruling house, separate from Edegbene Community.

Following further clarification from the Elders Council and community members, it was collectively resolved that Mr. Boson Edisemi Joseph is not an indigene of Edegbene Community and therefore not eligible to contest the kingship under the Edegbene ruling house. He was subsequently asked to leave the meeting peacefully.

The Elders Council reaffirmed that the kingship of Edegbene Community is strictly rotational within the recognized ruling house, in line with established gazette provisions. They confirmed that eligible aspirants include Mr. Wareburueyegha Eric Ebi and Mr. Bekes Peretonbofa.

The meeting further outlined the structure of Edegbene Community, stating that it is composed of three quarters: Korobiri, Dunuware, and Ogusuware, each comprising three lineages, making a total of nine lineages within the community.

A motion for adjournment was moved by Mr. Bousua Amagona and seconded by Mr. Pinaowie Perefade and Mr. Fine Nagbeotubo. The meeting was formally closed with a prayer by Pastor Oroupayei Lucky at about 4:45pm.

Signed:

FEDERE E. GABRIEL

SECRETARY, COUNCIL OF ELDERS