Oba Danesi II Declares: ‘I Remain the Uncontested Traditional Ruler of South-Ibie
The Aidonogie of South-Ibie, Oba Aliyu Kelvin Danesi II, has urged residents of the community to remain calm and dismiss rumors regarding his status as the traditional ruler. He reaffirmed that he is still the paramount leader of South-Ibie.
During a press conference at his palace in Etsako West Local Government Area, Danesi addressed the recent appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the community’s traditional ruler by the Edo State government, which he claims is politically motivated. He stated that he had previously filed a legal suit seeking to restrain the state and relevant officials from disrupting his position and demanded the restoration of his entitlements.
Danesi revealed that he had also secured an Exparte Order to prevent the state government from taking any actions that might harm his interests, which will remain in effect until his case is resolved in court.
“I was shocked to learn about the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru by the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,” he said. “I am still alive, and there is no legal basis for removing me from the throne.”
With over 40 years of legal experience, Danesi emphasized his commitment to the rule of law. “I am the defacto Aidonogie of South-Ibie, and no court has ever ruled against my position since I ascended the throne on May 22, 1999.”
He criticized the state government’s actions as a violation of judicial principles and clarified that Umoru was not involved in any court proceedings related to the throne until the government sought to appoint him.
Danesi also referenced a 2003 Appeal Court ruling affirming that the Danesi lineage has the rightful claim to the throne. He explained that while he was initially nominated by the kingmakers of the Danesi family, a subsequent ruling determined he was not the eldest surviving son of the last clan head.
He continued, “The Appeal Court recommended an amendment to the law to prevent future disputes over succession. I subsequently approached the Supreme Court to assert that the Danesi family should be free to choose its candidate for the throne, as these decisions belong to the family and not to individuals.”
Danesi highlighted that former Governor Chief Lucky Iginedion acted on the court’s recommendation by sending a bill to the Edo State House of Assembly to amend the law, which was approved and enacted on December 27, 2006, to prevent similar cris
es in the future.
