Seimbiri Kingship: Stakeholders Caution Traditional Council Of Chiefs Over Alleged Imposition
Tension is mounting in Seimbiri Kingdom following a strongly worded protest by concerned indigenes who have accused the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs of attempting to impose an outsider on the Edegbene ruling house in the ongoing kingship process.
In a detailed statement released to the press, the stakeholders warned that any move to sideline the will of the Edegbene people could spark serious unrest and destabilize the peace that has long existed within the kingdom.
The group specifically alleged that the traditional council is backing the candidacy of Mr. Joseph Edisemi Boson, whom they described as a “total stranger” to the Edegbene community. According to them, Boson is widely known as a “serial kingship seeker” who reportedly moves from one kingdom to another in search of vacant traditional stools.
“This is not just an affront to the Edegbene ruling house, but a direct insult to the entire Seimbiri Kingdom,” the statement read. “Kingship is a sacred institution rooted in lineage, tradition, and identity. It cannot be reduced to a marketplace where the highest bidder or most connected individual emerges as king.”
The stakeholders further disclosed that the people of Edegbene community had earlier submitted a formal petition to the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs, categorically stating that both Mr. Joseph Edisemi Boson and Mr. Andrew Ebigbagha are not indigenes of their community and therefore not eligible to contest for the stool.
They expressed shock and disappointment that despite the clarity of the petition, the council allegedly ignored the concerns raised and proceeded to sell kingship nomination forms to Mr. Boson, a move they described as provocative and unjust.
“The Edegbene people know their sons and daughters. No external authority can rewrite our history or impose an identity on us. Our petition was not only legitimate but necessary to preserve the sanctity of our traditional heritage,” the group emphasized.
Raising further alarm, the stakeholders accused some members of the traditional council of attempting to “sell the conscience of the kingdom for a pot of porridge,” warning that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode public trust in the institution of traditional leadership.
They stressed that the Seimbiri traditional stool is not for sale and should never be subjected to transactional dealings or political manipulation. According to them, the integrity of the kingship process must be protected at all costs.
“The kingdom belongs to all indigenes of Seimbiri and not to a few chiefs. Any attempt to mortgage our collective heritage for personal gain will be met with strong resistance,” the statement added.
The group called on the Chairman and members of the Seimbiri Traditional Council of Chiefs to immediately halt what they described as the ongoing imposition of Mr. Joseph Edisemi Boson on the Edegbene ruling house, urging them to respect due process and the wishes of the community.
They also appealed to relevant government authorities, security agencies, and respected leaders within the Niger Delta to intervene promptly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“We are peace-loving people, but we will not stand by and watch our traditions trampled upon. Justice, fairness, and respect for due process must prevail,” the stakeholders warned.
Observers say the unfolding situation, if not carefully managed, could escalate into a broader communal dispute, underscoring the need for urgent dialogue and reconciliation among all parties involved.
Signatories:
General Birinumughan Jesse (AKA Angle 90)
Trust Youdeowei (AKA Odumegu)
Ayakeme Sunday (AKA Prapra)
John Lawyer
Theophilus Francis
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the customs, unity, and dignity of Seimbiri Kingdom, insisting that the voice of the people must remain central in determining who ascends the traditional stool.
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