PLANNED ILLEGAL CONFERMENT OF ODOGWU OF IBUSA TITLE ON CHARLES OKONKWO BY THE OBUZOR — Blocked Petition to Delta State Deputy Governor His Excellency Chief Monday John Onyeme
Nwankwo T. Nwaezeigwe, PhD, Odogwu of Ibusa
Below is the Petition by my Solicitor A. Sawyer Associate addressed to His Excellency the Deputy Governor of Delta State His Excellency Chief (Sir) Monday John Onyeme in his capacity as the Supervising Officer for Chieftaincy Affairs, Delta State, in respect of the planned illegal conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa chieftaincy title on Mr. Charles Okonkwo (alias Charlie Coupe) by the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi, which Obi (Prof) Nwoboshi has paid some officials of Deputy Governor’s office to stop from reaching the Deputy Governor.
In 2023, the same Charles Okonkwo was illegally conferred the same Odogwu of Ibusa title by the Senior Diokpa of Ibusa Onowu Paul Ijeh, which was deemed illegal in Ibusa Native Law and Custom. The question is what makes the illegality of Senior Diokpa’s conferment different from the illegality of the planned conferment of the same Odogwu chieftaincy title on the same Mr. Charles Okonkwo by the Obuzor Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi?
Like in the case of Ibusa, under common Anioma Native Law and Custom, conferment of Odogwu Chieftaincy title is a ritual process that takes several days to months to complete, of which under Ibusa Native Law and Custom and, as provided by Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as Amended, neither the Senior Diokpa of Ibusa nor the Obuzor of Ibusa is involved, either in part or in whole. Most importantly, the conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa title is guided by a Declaration by CHIEFTAINCY COMMITTEE OF ANIOCHA DISTRICT COUNCIL under Midwest State.
I declare hereunder that as the substantive Odogwu of Ibusa conferred in accordance with Ibusa Native Law and Custom and as provided by extant Sections of the Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as Amended, I, Dr. Nwankwo Anthony Okoboshi Nwaezeigwe will resign my Odogwu title if the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi is able to contradict one-tenth of the facts of my petition to the Deputy Governor in respect of the illegality in Ibusa Native Law and Custom and, as provided by Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Edict 1989 as Amended, of his planned conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa title on Mr. Charles Okonkwo.
His Excellency,
The Deputy Governor
Delta State
Your Excellency,
PETITION AGAINST THE OBUZOR OF IBUSA HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS OBI (PROF) LOUIS C. NWOBOSHI FOR THE SCHEDULED ILLEGAL CONFERMENT OF ODOGWU OF IBUSA TITLE ON MR. CHARLES OKONKWO ON FEBRUARY 7, 2026 AGAINST IBUSA NATIVE LAW AND CUSTOM AND DELTA STATE TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL AND CHIEFS EDICT 1998 AS AMENDED
We humbly bring this petition on the above subject matter on behalf of our client Dr. (Chief) Nwankwo Tony Okoboshi Nwaezeigwe, BA Hon, MA, PhD, who is the substantive Odogwu of Ibusa according to Ibusa Native Law and Custom since September 15, 2005, in accordance with Section 25(2) of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended.
This petition is brought in pursuant to Part III, Section 22 (3) of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended and, supported by the following declarations:
1. It is our client’s humble prayer that the conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa title on Mr. Charles Okonkwo by the Obuzor of Ibusa His Royal Highness Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi scheduled on February 7, 2026 be suspended pending the determination of this petition. The notice of the conferment ceremony is attached herewith.
2. It is our position that the said planned illegal conferment of another Odogwu of Ibusa is an action conceived in bad fate arising from conflict between our client Dr. Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe and Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi over our client’s refusal to support his bid in conjunction with Senator Ned Nwoko, to force Delta North Senatorial District into Southeast Geopolitical Zone.
3. It is important to emphasize that Mr. Charles Okonkwo whom Obi (Prof) plans to illegally confer the Odogwu title hails from Umuwai Kindred which is customarily excluded from taking Odogwu title on account of their customary role as the custodians of yam fertility medicine (Ogwu Ji), which they customarily provide Ibusa in conjunction with the people of Okpanam. It is on account of this role that Ibusa and Okpanam celebrate New Yam Festival on the same day, with Okpanam taking the lead in morning, followed by Umuwai kindred in the afternoon as the sources of the yam medicine, before the rest Ibusa proceed in the evening, in line with the custom that the maker of the yam medicine must taste the yam first before others. It is based on this role that Umuwai is excluded from Odogwu title, since it is believed that someone who provides medicine for yam fertility should not soil his hand with the blood of human beings, being that the Odogwu is the chief warrior of Ibusa.
4. The traditional chieftaincy title of Odogwu of Ibusa is recognized and registered under the Second Schedule Section 39 (2) Page A173 of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979 of Bendel State of Nigeria No. 16 of 1979, as applicable to Delta State of Nigeria.
5. The conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa traditional title is subject to Part III Sections 22 (1) and 23 (1) of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended and, as such not subject to the jurisdictions of whoever represents Ibusa as the Prescribed Authority.
6. The conferment of Odogwu Ibusa title is guided by the provisions of Midwest State Government Declaration on the selection, appointment and conferment of the title of Odogwu of Ibusa applicable to Delta State, made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law, 1959 of Western Region of Nigeria. A certified true copy of the Declaration is hereby attached.
7. Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi’s attempt to rely on paragraph 8(vii) of the “Delta State Government Views on the Report of the Administrative Commission of Inquiry into the Traditional Rulership System (Clan Head) of Ibusa in Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State (Official document no. 2, 1995)”, which included among other functions, be responsible “for Chieftaincy matters such as conferment or recommendation for conferment whichever is appropriate” is not supported in law. A recommendation cannot be a substitution for a Government Declaration which is defined as law according to Part I Section 2 and Part III section 23(2) of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended.
8. So the scheduled conferment of the title of Odogwu of Ibusa on Mr. Charles Okonkwo is an illegality, abuse of Ibusa native law and custom and flagrant disregard of the extant provisions of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended.
9. In accordance with Ibusa native law and custom and, the provisions of the Midwest State Government Declaration on the Selection, Appointment and Conferment of the title of Odogwu Ibusa, our client was selected on August 2, 2005 by Ezukwu/Anyalaobum Ruling House and, subsequently appointed by the sole kingmaker and Diokpa of Ezukwu/Achalla Quarters (Anyalaobum) Onowu F. A. Ajufo. A copy of the letter of the appointment by Diokpa F. A. Ajufo and co-signed with the Ikwelle of Ibusa Chief Patrick Emordi dated 2nd August, 2005 attached.
10. Our client was subsequently conferred the title of Odogwu of Ibusa on September 15, 2005 by the Ikwelle of Ibusa, Chief Patrick Okeibunor Emordi after a rigorous initiation process that lasted about forty-five days, which included, public oath ritual, eight-day Iba na Nzu, twenty-five-day Ogbuu initiation seclusion, two-day Mwucha Otu Ogbo ceremony and fourteen-day initiation rituals into the mandatory Ohene Iyi-Oboshi and Ohene I]yi-Oji. The official conferment was followed by additional eight-day seclusion rituals, which was terminated by the customary oath of allegiance to the new Odogwu by the entire members of Otu Ogbuu Warrior Cult Society of Ibusa led by the Uwolo and Iyase of Ibusa.
11. In line with Ibusa native law and custom, our client was subsequently presented to the Senior Diokpa of Ibusa His Royal Highness Obi Stephen Okonma for his customary blessing. The photo of the presentation ceremony is hereby attached.
12. The Odogwu of Ibusa title rotates between the two Ruling Houses of Ezukwu/Anyalaobum and Omeze/Umueze Quarters and can only move to next Ruling House on the death of a subsrantive incumbent; hence where the incumbent is appointed as a regent, removed on account of a given offence or willingly abdicates, his Ruling House is required to present a replacement.
13. For instance, Chief Adigwe Nwoda from Ezukwu/Anyalaobum Quarters who became Odogwu in 1967 was forced to resign in 1971 by Ibusa community following accusation of sleeping with a widow undergoing traditional mourning rites. Ibusa ordered Ezukwu/Anyalaobum Quarters to present a replacement. Thereafter Chief F. C. Nwanze then a civil servant with East Central State was selected, appointed and conferred in replacement of Chief Adigwe Nwoda.
14. Similarly, in 1985 Chief F. C. Nwanze, following protracted conflicts between him and his Roman Catholic Church over his roles as Odogwu of Ibusa abdicated the title. Ezukwu/Anyalaobum Ruling House was instructed again by Ibusa to provide a replacement. A sworn affidavit on oath in Suit No AKU/41/2009 at High Court of Justice, Akwukwu-Igbo dated 11th May, 2009 by Chief F. C. Nwanze is herewith attached.
15. However, following series of disqualifications of various candidates presented by Ezukwu/Anyalaobum Quarters, it was agreed that a regent, defined in Ibusa native law and custom as “Okwo”, be appointed from a non-ruling kindred within Ezukwu/Anyalaobum Ruling House pending the availability of a qualified candidate for substantive Odogwu of Ibusa. Chief Clement Nwanze from Umuobifugo Kindred was subsequently appointed as regent. For that reason he was never conferred officially by the Ikwelle of Ibusa, neither did he undergo the mandatory ritual initiation processes.
16. Under Ibusa Native Law and Custom, some kindred within the two Ruling Houses are excluded from taking the title of Odogwu of Ibusa. These are Idumu Ikwelle and Umuobifugo Kindred in Ezukwu/Anyalaobum, Umuwai, Umuochie and Umunwina in Omeze/Umueze Quarters.
17. Chief Clement Nwanze affirmed on oath that he was never conferred the Odogwu title according to the provisions of the Midwest State Government Declaration on the Selection, Appointment and Conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa title. So he was never a substantive Odogwu of Ibusa. The “Reply to Amended Statement of Defence of 3rd Defendant” dated February 24, 2010 in Suit No. A/133/2005: Chief Clement Nwanze—Plaintiff and 1. Diokpa F. A. Ajufo 2. Chief P. O. Emordi 3. Dr. N. Tony Nwaezeigwe—Defendants, is attached herewith. We further attach copy of a sworn affidavit on oath in Suit No AKU/41/2009 at High Court of Justice Akwukwu-Igbo dated 11th May, 2009 by the late Uwolo of Ibusa Chief W. U. Ikolodo affirming that Chief Clement Nwanze was never a substantive Odogwu of Ibusa.
18. Our client affirms that initially Chief Clement Nwanze accepted the request by Ezukwu/Achalla Ruling House to step down as Okwo (regent) to give room for the appointment of a substantive holder, but the Obuzor ordered him to disregard the order. That was how the dispute began, that saw Chief Clement Nwanze suing the Diokpa of Anyalaobum Onowu F. A. Ajufo, the Ikwelle of Ibusa Chief Patrick O. Emordi and our client for libel. This led to the intervention of the Lagos State-based Anyalaobum (Ezukwu/Achalla Development Association, which facilitated a General Assembly of Ezukwu/Achalla Community on August 13, 2005 to look into the matter. The General Meeting subsequently released a Communique jointly signed by Diokpa F. A. Ajufo, Chief P. O. Emordi, Chief Clement Nwanze and our client; which the Obuzor Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi again ordered Chief Clement Nwanze to disregard. A copy of the Communique is attached. Also attached is a copy of a sworn affidavit on oath in Suit No AKU/41/2009 at High Court of Justice Akwukwu-Igbo dated 11th May, 2009 by the then President General of Anyalaobum Development Association (ADA) Onowu Okouwai (Okwuwa) Nwanze.
19. Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi’s position was that the long period of time Chief Clement Nwanze served as regent was enough reason to convert him into substantive Odogwu. But the position cannot be defended in Ibusa native law and custom because there is no specific time limit for regency in Ibusa native law and custom.
20. Against the decision of Anyalaobum General Assembly Chief Clement Nwanze on the instruction of the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi refused to withdraw the libel instituted against Diokpa F. A. Ajufo, Chief P.O. Emordi and our Client during which period the two others died, leaving our client to continue with the case in Suit No A/133/2005. A judgment of one million naira was eventually entered against our client which he was in the process of appeal before he was forced to flee the country as a result of the legal action he took against the Federal Government on the issue of Christian Genocide and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
21. Still not satisfied, the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi caused the Nigerian Police to arrest our Client, the Diokpa of Anyalaobum Onowu F. A. Ajufo and the Ikwelle of Ibusa Chief Patrick Okeibunor Emordi, who were subsequently arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court Ibusa on alleged crimes bordering on the selection, appointment and conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa title on our client.
22. In the course of the criminal trials, Diokpa F. A. Ajufo then aged 96 years and Chief P. O. Emordi then aged 87 years died, leaving our client to continue with the criminal matter; which was first transferred to Chief Magistrate Court Illah, before finally being transferred to Akwukwu Igbo under His Worship S. C. Okebu Esq. in Charge No. AKM/4c/2009 (Commissioner of Police vs Dr. Tony Nwaezeigwe. Our client was eventually discharged and acquitted on February 4, 2010, thus confirming his rightful claim to the title. A copy of the Charge Sheet and the certified copy of the judgment are herewith attached.
23. It is therefore the position of our client that Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi’s attempt to illegally confer the Odogwu of Ibusa on Mr. Charles Okonkwo is a fragrant disobedience of a lawful court order which could lead to contempt charges.
24. Our client avers that Chief Clement Nwanze not being satisfied with the decision of Anyalaobum Development Association Lagos-sponsored General Assembly of Anyalaobum community, appealed to Otu Odogwu Clan headed by His Royal Highness Obi Stephen Okonmah from Omeze/Umueze Quarters. A letter titled: “Dispute Over Odogwu Title” addressed to Diokpa Anyalaobum Obi Ogbogu Enuha dated 6th July, 2006 and signed by Onowu Anielizea Ogbogu as Secretary to Diokpa Otu Odogwu conveying the notice of meeting over the Odogwu dispute is attached herewith.
25. Our client avers that to ensure equity, fairness and justice over the dispute, His Royal Highness Obi Stephen Okonmah mandated Ibusa Traditional Council to look into the dispute instead. The letter constituting the Peace Committee dated 25th August, 2006 and signed by Diokpa Ibusa His Royal Highness Obi Stephen Okonma and his Secretary Pastor Augustine Egbochionye with relevant Delta State Government agencies notified is attached herewith.
26. Our client avers that the Peace Committee constituted by the Senior Diokpa of Ibusa His Royal Highness Obi Stephen Okonma in its report on the dispute over Odogwu title declared him the substantive Odogwu of Ibusa. An extract of the report of the Peace Committee is attached herewith.
27. Our client avers that the report of the Peace Committee was accordingly forwarded to the Delta State Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by a letter dated November 23, 2006 and received on November 27, 2006 and jointly signed by Chief W. U. Ikolodo (Deceased Uwolo of Ibusa), Obi V. C. Okonkwo (Deceased Diokpa of Ogboli Quarters), Chief P. C. Okolie (Deceased Ochubadikeosha of Ibusa) and, Onowu G. Eze Onianwa (Secretary to Ibusa Traditional Council,). A copy of the letter is attached herewith.
28. Our client avers that upon his declaration as the substantive Odogwu of Ibusa by Ibusa Peace Committee and, following the refusal of the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi to comply with Sections 22(4) 25(1) of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict b1998 as amended, he was accordingly presented to the Delta State Government for formal registration by a letter dated 19th August, 2006, and received by the offices of the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on 29th August, 2006. A copy of the letter is attached herewith.
29. Our client avers that instead of receiving a positive response from Delta State Government and without attempting to diligently look into the matter, the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs Mr. Mike Abua Okoha issued our client a letter dated November 8, 2006 and titled: “Odogwu of Ibusa Chieftaincy Dispute” in which he warned our client that he was not recognized by Delta State Government without advancing the process of looking into the Dispute. The letter is attached herewith.
30. The said warning however without initiating the process of dispute settlement was viewed as being at variance with Section 25(2) of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended which states: “The conferment of a Chieftaincy title shall be valid from the date of conferment.” Moreover, there is no specific period of validity between the date of conferment and the date of registration by the State Government assigned by law. Having been presented to the Government for registration, the onus therefore lies on the Government to decide when to issue the registration notice.
31. Furthermore, in response to the warning letter to our client, the Anyalaobum Community in a letter dated 21st November, 2006 protested against the non-registration of our client as the substantive Odogwu of Ibusa. The letter is attached herewith.
32. Our client avers that his present absence from Nigeria which the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi is currently taking advantage of was as a result of threats to his life arising from his legal action against the Federal Government at the Federal High Court Asaba in Suit No. FHC/ASB/CS/11/2016 over the still on-going Christian Genocide and Islamization policy which began with President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. A copy of the originating summon including a letter to the Court by his Counsel Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, are attached herewith.
33. Our client further avers that his absence from Nigeria has not in any manner impeded his role as Odogwu of Ibusa both for the particular interest of his town Ibusa and the wider Delta State, citing as an example his dogged role in resisting the attempted colonization of the people of Delta North Senatorial District by the Southeast in the name of common language through the agitation for the creation of Anioma State; the major reason he fell out with Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi. Before then Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi had commended our client for his active positive role in the land dispute between Ibusa and Ogwashi Uku over the site of Admiralty University of Nigeria.
34. Our client equally avers that there is no section of Ibusa native law and custom that restricts the base of Odogwu of Ibusa’s operation to his hometown in modern age. Precedents are found in the cases of Chief F. C. Nwanze who was respectively a civil servant in both East Central and Midwest States while holding the Odogwu title; Chief W. U. Ikolodo who was living in Lagos State while holding the Uwolo title, and both Chiefs H. Nwanze and Zanta Nwuli who respectively held the Iyase title while working outside Ibusa.
35. In conclusion, our client avers that he remains the authentic and substantive Odogwu of Ibusa, selected, appointed and conferred in accordance with Ibusa Native Law and Custom and as provided by the Government Declaration on the selection, appointment and conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa traditional Chieftaincy title and, the extant provisions of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended.
36. Our client therefore humbly request you sir to suspend the slated conferment of Odogwu of Ibusa title on Mr. Charles Okonkwo by the Obuzor of Ibusa Obi (Prof) Louis C. Nwoboshi on February 7, 2026, pending the determination of this petition, as the action amounts to illegality in law, abuse of Ibusa customary law and tradition as well as a flagrant disregard of the provisions of Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict 1998 as amended.
Dated this Day of January 29, 2026,
Anthony Sawyer, Esq.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
1. Notice of Odogwu conferment ceremony on Mr. Charles Okonkwo
2. A certified true copy of the Declaration
3. Copy of the letter of the appointment by Diokpa F. A. Ajufo and co-signed with the Ikwelle of Ibusa Chief Patrick Emordi dated 2nd August, 2005
4. The photo of the presentation ceremony to Senior Diokpa of Ibusa Obi Stephen Okonma
5. A sworn affidavit on oath by Chief F. C. Nwanze
6. Reply to Amended Statement of Defence of 3rd Defendant by Chief Clement Nwanze
7. Copy of a sworn affidavit on oath by Chief W. U. Ikolodo late Uwolo of Ibusa
8. Copy of the Communique by Anyalaobum (Ezukwu/Achalla General Assembly
9. Copy of a sworn affidavit on oath by Onowu Okouwai (Okwuwa) Nwanze
10. Copy of Charge Sheet
11. Certified copy of the judgment of Chief Magistrates Court Akwukwu Igbo
12. Letter titled “Dispute Over Odogwu Title” to Diokpa Anyalaobum Obi Ogbogu Enuha
13. letter constituting the Peace Committee dated 25th August, 2006 and signed by Diokpa Ibusa His Royal Highness Obi Stephen Okonma and his Secretary Pastor Augustine Egbochionye
14. Extract of the Report of the Peace Committee constituted by the Senior Diokpa of Ibusa Obi Stephen Okonma
15. Copy of the letter forwarding the Report of the Peace Committee to Delta State Government
16. Copy of the letter of presentation to Delta State Government for formal registration as Odogwu of Ibusa
17. Letter on Odogwu of Ibusa Chieftaincy Dispute from Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs
18. Anyalaobum Community Protest Letter against the non-registration of our client as Odogwu
19. Originating Summon for Suit No. FHC/ASB/CS/11/2016
20. Letter to the Court by his Counsel Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN
