Ewu Kingdom

The Ewu kingdom is one out of the twenty three (24) kingdoms in Urhobo nation, who underscores a natural course in enthroning their kingship since about 1432 AD.

It geographical setting lies on the southern plain of the Niger Delta whose freshwater swamp is about forty eight percent (48%) of the total area. This area is covered by the constitute islands with inlets and reeves.

The battle for succession to the vacant throne of the Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State presents a very disturbing picture of imminent crisis that may truncate the peace being enjoyed by the people of the agrarian settlement with long history of peaceful and harmonious co-existence.

The late Monarch of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Jabin Onesa Ogaga JP, the Okpo R’Ufuoma 1, who joined the ancestors three years ago, left a united and peaceful kingdom without any inkling of the unfolding battle of succession that has almost torn the people apart.

As at the last count, three different claimants to the throne have been crowned by different tendencies in the Kingdom.

Those who have been crowned in the last one month include Prince Bernard Ivumevwerhaye Awarieta, Chief Gabriel Owhodje Macauley and Prince Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo.

The three children of the late king are presenting valid claims to the throne, marshalling points to buttress their stand and why they are best qualified for the revered throne. But, the fact remains that there is only one throne and all three claimants cannot be on the throne at the same time.

Ewu Kingdom is made up of three ruling houses including, Uwheruvwe Ruling House, Okpor Ruling House and Ekade Ruling House.

The departed Monarch was from the Okpor ruling house and in line with the rotation arrangement in place; the next ruling house to produce the successor to Okpor R’Ufuoma 1 is Ekade ruling house. That much is not in dispute.

The question that has torn the Kingdom apart is who within the Ekade ruling house should ascend the throne?

The Ewu Kingdom is structured in such a way that besides the Spokesman ‘Unu’ of the entire Kingdom, every ruling house also has an ‘Unu’ vested with the responsibility of coordinating affairs within any ruling house.