Delta Govt Suspends Monarch For Act Inimical To Its Peace Drive

The Delta State Government on Tuesday suspended the traditional ruler of Umukwata Kingdom, His Majesty, Friday Abaja, Ukwata 1.

The monarch was suspended allegedly for “acts inimical to peace, order and good governance”, a query/suspension letter signed by J.N. Egwahor, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs said.

BIGPEN ONLINE learnt the monarch was handed a six months suspension with immediate effect, within which he is expected to respond to a query letter handed to him.

The letter signed on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro read in parts: “In the exercise of its powers as stated in part IV, section 28(1) of the Traditional Rulers Council & Chiefs Law 2008 as amended, Your Majesty, Friday Abaja, Ukwata 1 of Umukwata Kingdom, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State is hereby suspended by the State Government for a period of 6 (six) months in the first instance with immediate effect”. 

The monarch was “further required to state”, in writing to the Office of the Deputy Governor, “within 7 days of receipt of this letter why a more severe sanction should not be imposed on you”.

The copy of the letter sighted by BIGPEN ONLINE was copied to the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, the Ukwuani Traditional Committee and the Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.