The Ubulu-Uku Traditional Council has dismissed reports circulating on social media regarding the suspension of Chief James Asika Onwordi, the Onishe of Ubulu-Uku, describing the claims as baseless and without merit.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Council—led by the Obi-in-Council—declared that it had no hand in the alleged suspension, stressing that due process and tradition were not followed.
“The Onishe has been at the forefront of piloting the affairs of the kingdom, making great sacrifices for Ubulu-Uku without support, all for the greater good of the community. At the very least, he deserves commendation rather than this purported indefinite suspension on social media,” the statement read.
The Council explained that the principal reason cited for the supposed suspension—his alleged refusal to attend an online meeting convened by His Royal Majesty, Obi Noah Chukwuka Akaeze—was unfounded. It noted that no notice of such a meeting was sent to Chief Onwordi, who had been resident in Ubulu-Uku for more than four weeks to ensure the smooth running of the kingdom before briefly travelling to Abuja.
The Council further emphasised that the traditional procedure for suspending a high chief, particularly the Onishe who ranks as second-in-command, requires the involvement of both the Umu-Ozim and Umu-Obi royal families, as well as consultation with the Idime (high chiefs). None of these processes, it said, were observed.
“It is improper for uncles and brothers of the Obi to usurp the functions of the Onishe and the Obi-in-Council by attempting to rule over the kingdom. From the records, the Onishe has not engaged in any act of insubordination against His Royal Majesty. On the contrary, he has consistently sought audience with the Obi, but His Majesty has declined to grant him such opportunities,” the Council maintained.
As a mark of protest, the Obi-in-Council announced that it would, for the time being, withdraw from palace activities. It urged His Royal Majesty, Obi Noah Chukwuka Akaeze, to return home to personally oversee the affairs of the kingdom, rather than leaving them in the hands of relatives.
“We appeal to His Royal Majesty to resolve this matter promptly so that we may live together in harmony and peace for the growth and progress of our great kingdom,” the statement concluded.
The communiqué, signed by 17 chiefs and accompanied by a group photograph, was copied to both the Umu-Obi Royal Family and the Umu-Ozim Royal Family. It was issued from the Office of the Secretary of the Ubulu-Uku Traditional Council.
