…Seeks Oborevwori’s intervention

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BURUTU — The leadership of Oboro community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in the succession process to the traditional stool of Sembiri Kingdom.

The appeal followed the reported coronation of a new monarch in the kingdom on Sunday, September 27, 2026, amid an ongoing court case concerning the succession to the throne.

The stool became vacant following the death of the Pere of Sembiri Kingdom, HRM (Dr.) Charles Ayemi-Botu, also known as The Lion of the Niger, on October 5, 2023. His death was formally announced by the Sembiri Council of Chiefs on January 5, 2024.

In a statement on Monday signed by the Chairman of Oboro community, Mr. Selebi Tarebi, the community said the reported coronation had taken place while the succession issue was before the Bomadi High Court in Suit No. HCB/11/2026.

The community said it had approached the court over the succession process and maintained that the matter should be allowed to run its course.

It also referred to an order which it said restrained parties to the suit and their agents from selecting, appointing or crowning a Pere of Sembiri Kingdom pending the hearing of a motion filed by the claimants.

The community further stated that, under the 1979 Chieftaincy Gazette, Sembiri Kingdom comprises Enekorogha, Okpokunou, Oboro, Edegbene and Dunou-Ogusu communities.

It said the Sembiri Traditional Council has a role in the process of constituting the Clan Selection Committee responsible for selecting and recommending a candidate to the state government.

The community therefore urged the state government to ensure that the succession process complied with the applicable laws, regulations and traditional procedures.

It also appealed to Governor Oborevwori to intervene in the matter and help maintain peace among the communities in the kingdom.

The community said its position was intended to ensure that the succession process was handled through the appropriate legal and traditional channels.