The paramount ruler of Emohua Kingdom, Sergeant Awuse, has announced that his palace is now off-limits to anyone not supporting Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This move has sparked outrage among those loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and raised concerns about the role of traditional institutions in Nigerian politics.
The political situation in Rivers State has been increasingly fraught as various factions vie for control and influence.
In a video statement recorded within the confines of his palace, Awuse instructed his subjects to support Wike and warned that those who do not comply would be barred from entering his palace.
The reaction to Awuse’s declaration has been swift and severe. Supporters of Governor Fubara have criticized the monarch’s actions, accusing him of using his traditional role to advance political interests and threaten those who do not share his views.
Prince Charles E.O. Beke, a prominent leader among Fubara’s supporters in Emohua, has condemned the monarch’s decision. Beke described the declaration as a “recipe for disaster” and a “bad development” that could exacerbate the existing tensions in Emohua.
In a statement, Beke said, “With all due respect to His Majesty, this declaration is unfortunate and a clear recipe for disaster.
“All over the world, the traditional institution acts as the centripetal force which unites and brings the people together despite their perceived differences. The institution is both non-political and non-partisan.”
Beke emphasized that the palace should serve as a neutral ground for all subjects, irrespective of their political affiliations. “The palace of the Paramount ruler is the home of all his subjects.
“Thus, the declaration of non-supporters of Wike in Emohua as persona non grata to his palace is a bad development,” he added.
Beke also made it clear that while Awuse is free to engage in political activities, he should not use his traditional position to impose political views on the people. “We have utmost respect for the traditional stool of Emohua Kingdom and we will not denigrate that institution by smearing it with politics.
“His Majesty, Sir Ohna Sergeant Awuse DSSRS, is at liberty to descend into the political arena and take sides if he so wishes. But he cannot dictate to the people where their own loyalty should lie,” Beke stated.
He further assured that the supporters of Governor Fubara would not be intimidated or coerced into changing their political allegiance. “Members of the SIMplified Movement in
Emohua will neither be intimidated nor blackmailed into abandoning the righteous cause of supporting the Governor that all of us took pains to vote for just a year ago.
“That we are able to distinguish between our political loyalty and our obligations to the traditional stool of Emohua. We will never merge both nor allow anyone to use that stool to dictate our political conduct,” Beke concluded.
The incident raises important questions about the role of traditional institutions in Nigerian politics. Traditionally, monarchs and other traditional leaders are expected to serve as unifying figures who rise above political fray to foster peace and unity among their people.
However, Awuse’s decision to align himself publicly with Wike and exclude those who support other political figures challenges this perception and could potentially undermine the traditional institution’s role in conflict resolution.
Rivers State has long been a hotbed of political activity and conflict, with various factions and political leaders vying for dominance. The rivalry between supporters of Wike and Fubara reflects broader political dynamics in the state, where allegiances and enmities often shift in response to changing political landscapes.
