Delta monarchs demand legal reforms to end kingship disputes

Traditional rulers from across Anioma nation in Delta North have called for observance of customs, stronger legal protections and removal of partisan politics from traditional institutions, as key steps to end recurring kingship disputes and succession conflicts in their communities.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the inaugural Delta North Traditional Rulers Peace Symposium, organised by Anioma Peace Advocacy and Development Initiative.

The gathering brought together monarchs, community leaders and other stakeholders to examine practical solutions for preventing and resolving succession-related disputes.

Speaking at the opening session, President and Convener of the initiative, Prince Nath Obiokolie, said several communities in Anioma land had continued to witness avoidable conflicts over traditional stools, citing Egbudu-Akah and others as examples.

He said the symposium was designed to generate ideas that would improve dispute management and help produce legislative measures to regulate kingship succession in Delta State.

The event also featured keynote and scholarly presentations by legal and academic experts.

Professor Emeka Chianu of the University of Benin delivered a keynote address on male-preference primogeniture as a possible mechanism for peaceful succession. Uche Oboko of Dennis Osadebay University spoke on the role of community and religious leaders in sustaining peace, while David  Efevwerhan of the Nigerian Law School, Bayelsa Campus, addressed customary law and statutory safeguards in succession matters.

After deliberations, participants resolved that succession processes must follow established customs in each community, whether based on primogeniture or rotational systems.

They stressed that such rules should be respected regardless of the educational qualifications or social standing of contenders.

The symposium further stated that traditional rulers must be accorded due respect as custodians of culture and symbols of authority.

It also called for transparency and integrity in the selection process, urging kingmakers to remain impartial and resist undue influence from powerful interests.

Participants warned against the growing politicisation of traditional institutions, insisting monarchs must remain neutral in order to preserve their credibility and maintain peace in their domains.

They said partisan interference often deepens divisions and weakens confidence in customary leadership structures.

The gathering also advocated a review and strengthening of existing laws governing traditional institutions in Delta State.

It proposed the creation of an independent succession monitoring body to ensure fairness, transparency and due process in the emergence of traditional rulers.

On conflict resolution, the symposium identified dialogue as the most effective tool for settling disputes and encouraged sustained engagement among all parties whenever disagreements arise.

It also raised concerns over the current practice of presenting staff of office to monarchs, recommending a policy review to ensure legitimacy remains rooted in indigenous customs.

The communiqué highlighted the need for discipline within traditional institutions, including the adoption of oath-taking processes for chiefs, to promote loyalty and accountability.

It further called for continuous peace advocacy, cultural orientation for younger generations and documentation of traditional practices through by-laws to guide dispute resolution.

In what participants described as a progressive step, the symposium urged greater inclusion of women in traditional governance.

It called for stronger recognition of the role of the Omus as leaders of women and stakeholders in community decision-making.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue, collaboration and advocacy aimed at preserving the sanctity of traditional institutions and promoting lasting peace and unity across Anioma communities.

The communiqué drafting committee was chaired by Comrade Celestine Afokobah, while Comrade Patrick Ochei served as secretary.