Olona Kingship: Prince Odoh escapes from Delta with his life

Influential grassroots player and youth leader in Onicha-Olona, Delta State, Prince Augustine Odoh, has sounded the alarm over plot to eliminate him.

Odoh, who has gone underground, cited the ongoing communal clashes in his community leading to loss of life and property, arising from the contest for the stool of Obi of Onicha-Olona and his decision to switch allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

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Onicha-Olona is a semi-urban community located about 35km northwest of the Delta State capital, Asaba, and approximately 13km north of Issele-Uku town, the headquarters of Aniocha-North LGA.

Odoh, who enjoys large followership especially among the youths, following his penchant for sponsoring youth empowerment programmes, said the ongoing royal succession dispute in his community was already degenerating, similar to what led to the death of his father and those before him.

According to him, “I am from Ogbe-Obi, a royal family and one of the six quarters in Onicha-Olona community in Aniocha-North LGA of Delta State.

“Others are Umuolo, Ishiekpe, Idumuje, Ogbekenu, and Agba.

“All along, kings have emanated from Ogbe-Obi and Ishiekpe.

“We have ascended the throne substantially two times. My great great grandfather, (6th generation), Obi Nwanchi, who was a king, was mysteriously hit and killed by a cannon gun.

“My great grandfather, Obi Odoh, was in line for coronation when an adversary pointed a gun at him from behind. But, luckily, someone around unnoticed emerged and disarmed the killer.

“My father, Chief Augustine Obi Odoh, a first class chief, who was the direct son of Obi Donatus was a potential successor. He also suffered gun violence.

“My mother who fought vehemently to ensure her husband’s legacies were appropriately acquired, transferred, and inherited was also threatened and compelled to renounce her claims at gun point twice.

“All these had political undertone as each actively participated in politics.

“As of the time my father died, there had been a serious contention over his legacy.

“The current Obi of Onicha-Olona, HRM Obi Christopher Uzumefune Diji, is presently late with a lot of groups jostling for the coveted seat, leading to the latest communal clashes in the community.

He continued: “I need to mention that before the enthronement of the late Obi who is yet to be buried, there was fierce and protracted battle for succession, a reflection of both violent and non-violent contest for the seat.”

Odoh, who said his recent decision to switch allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) appeared to have exposed him to more danger in the community, with keen watchers of the events advising him to leave the scene if he must dismantle the culture and history of gun violence that had claimed those before him.

According to Odoh, “I think my case became complex because I was also seen as a revolutionary, activist, rather than a seasoned politician which didn’t go down well with stalwarts who wanted the status quo to remain”