Thugs and cultists have attacked the convoy of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, on Friday.
The monarch is the brother of the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The WTO’s brother was crowned after his father and the former king, His Royal Majesty, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, who ascended the throne in 2007, died in Lagos at age 91.
A statement from the palace said the traditional ruler and his convoy had survived the cultists attack during their visit to Otulu Ogwashiku-Uku, Delta State where he went to offer prayers.
The Delta State Government in October 2019, approved the appointment of Ifechukwude Chukwuka Okonjo II as the new Obi of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South local government area of the state.
The spokesperson of the palace, Prince Greg Okwumbu, said “the Obi and members of the Council of Ogwashi-Uku visited Otulu Ogwashi-Uku Friday, September 17, 2021. The visit was largely successful and the Obi met members of the community, prayed with them and discussed with them about the issues.
“At the end of the visit and when the Obi was departing, cultists and thugs imported into Otulu who was aware of the visit attacked members of the entourage who were at the rear of the convoy. The thugs also attempted to forcefully seize a gun belonging to a law enforcement member who escorted the Obi on the visit.
“It is important to note that members of the press accompanied the Obi on the visit. Also law enforcement agents from the Office of the Area Commander and the Brigade Command in Asaba were also there at the visit and witnessed everything that happened.”
He said the “people who sponsored the thugs are known to us and will be brought to justice.”
There was no immediate statement from the state police command over the incident yet.
