Delta: Idjerhe Kingdom Refutes Alleged 14-yr-old Forced Marriage By Fulani Herdsmen, Condemns Herders’ Attacks

…Exonerates monarch from claim of financial inducement

The Royal Palace of His Majesty King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, has condemned in a strong terms the recent violent attacks by Fulani herdsmen that have left local farmers dead and communities gripped by fear.

In a strong worded statement by the Uzzi Onosia James Obriki, the Crown Otota (lyasere) of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, the palace however dismissed allegations circulating on social media reportedly made during a protests by women from Irhodo and Edeje communities that a 14-year-old girl was forcefully taken by Fulani herdsmen as a wife or to satisfy their sexual urge.

The palace, in the statement called for urgent intervention from state and federal authorities to tackle the menace Fulani herdsmen in the area, stressing the need to relocate herdsmen from Idjerhe lands to ensure peace and security of residents.

“The Palace of His Royal Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP, PhD, Udurhie 1, Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom, condemns in the strongest terms the recent unprovoked attacks and senseless killings of Idjerhe farmers by Fulani herdsmen. In light of these tragic events, we call upon the Delta State Government, the National Assembly, and the Federal Government to urgently intervene by providing relief materials and enhancing security, especially along the borders of Idjerhe communities and our neighbors in Edo State”.

Recalls protesting women had alleged that herdsmen allegedly abducted a girl in the kingdom under the watch of the monarch whom they alleged have been “financially induced to allow their kidnapping activities in Idjerhe Kingdom”.

They also claimed that the King owns cows in the custody of Fulanis in Idjerhe Kingdom.

But reacting in the statement, the palace refuted the allegations that the monarch was complicit in kidnappings or financially induced to allow Fulani activities, asserting that such claims are false and maliciously intended to sow discord.

The statement explained that during a recent community meeting, eyewitnesses provided accounts countering social media reports of kidnapping and violence, revealing that incidents were exaggerated or misrepresented.

The palace therefore condemned the derogatory remarks made by protesters, which disrespected traditional norms and the dignity of the monarchy.

“We categorically state that none of these allegations are true. They are fabricated lies aimed at causing disaffection among the peace-loving people of our kingdom. The statements attributed to some protesting women are totally fabricated and have no merit.

“Regarding the incident in question, the King’s response was prompt. Upon hearing of a man killed by Fulani herdsmen, the King instructed the Crown OTOTA to convene a meeting with the Chiefs and people of Edeje and Irhodo communities to discuss the incident. During the meeting on May 6, 2025, eyewitnesses gave accounts of their encounters with the herdsmen. One eyewitness described being accosted by Fulani herdsmen on her way back from the farm, but her account does not support the claims being made on social media and some of the Nigerian daily newspaper, especially Vanguard of 20th May, 2025.

“According to the woman, she was held and beaten with sticks and cutlasses but managed to escape when the herdsmen approached another man on a motorcycle. She hid in the bush with her 14-year-old child, and they later reunited and returned home safely. The King confirmed with the woman again and again during the meeting that her daughter was safe and in good health. Another woman reported being kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen and released after her husband paid a ransom of 5 million naira. However, she did not mention any incident involving her 15-year-old daughter being taken away.

“The Palace is surprised by the subsequent allegations and vile statements being spread on social media and in newspapers, particularly given the eyewitness accounts shared during the meeting.

“It is on record that during the protest, the women of Irhodo and Edeje communities made derogatory remarks and sang songs referencing the King in a manner that was demeaning and insulting, while the elderly and the Chiefs of both communities stood by and watch the most unfortunate desecration of Idjerhe ancestral stool. This behavior is unacceptable and should be condemned by all sons and daughters of this Kingdom.

The palace maintained; “No Fulani herder or individual/organization has provided any financial reward to induce the King into participating in shady deals or allowing kidnapping activities in Idjerhe Kingdom.

“The King does not own cows in the custody of Fulanis in Idjerhe Kingdom. These facts should be noted in response to the false allegations being spread.

“We are aware of the malicious attempts by certain individuals to blackmail His Royal Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP, PhD, in an effort to tarnish his reputation and undermine his kingship. We want to assure the public that the King’s character and integrity remain unblemished. The people of Idjerhe Kingdom stand united in condemning these baseless allegations”.

The palace emphasized its commitment to peace, unity, and the development of the kingdom, condemning attempts to tarnish the reputation of the King and calling for calm and factual discourse.