The ruling house of Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, has announced the demise of the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Obi (Prof) Chukwuka Okonjo.
The monarch, who died at the age of 91 in the United States of America, was the father of the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Obi Okonjo, a professor of mathematics before he ascended the throne in 2007, after a protracted royal tussle, was said to have joined his ancestors a while ago but kept from public knowledge in line with traditional rites.
But with his demise, Ogwashi-uku kingdom is no longer at ease as his younger brother, Barr Patrick Okonjo had gone to court to challenge the installation of the late monarch’s third son, Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo as successor.
Barr Patrick Okonjo, Daily Trust learnt had contended for the stool with the late professor but was stepped down by the kingmakers.
Besides, the Ezediunor Royal Family, ancestral kith and kin of the now Okonjo ruling house still insists the stool and staff remain non-transferable and reside with them.
Meanwhile, Ifechukwude, a financial management expert and CEO of Chevy Chase Consulting, was installed midnight Thursday and presented Friday morning as the new Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.
According to the kingmakers, the ascension of Ifechukwude Okonjo followed the passing of his father Okonjo at the age of 91 and the completion of necessary traditional rites.
The processes include the new Obi’s endorsement and presentation by the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku and the traditional chalking and crowning ceremonies conducted by the Ikelike and Agidiehi Kingmakers in Ogwashi-Uku.
The new Obi, who also worked for Halliburton Nigeria, attended Federal Government College, Enugu.
He obtained his A levels as an external student of the University of London before proceeding to United States of America where he bagged two bachelors degrees in Economics and History from University of Maryland, College Park and an MBA from University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration from University of Paris, in France.
