The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, has lost the honorary chieftaincy (Uzoyare of Ozalla Kingdom) given to her by the Onotare of Ozalla Kingdom in Owan West Local Government Area, Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, the Okpamen IX.
She was alleged to have behaved improperly and shown disrespect to the king by requesting him to meet her in the car when she arrived at the palace on April 12, 2024.
A press release issued by the palace spokesman, Dr Osumah Obaze, and shared with journalists in Benin on Thursday, stated that the Onotare had ordered the immediate revocation of her title to serve as a warning to others who might dishonor the esteemed throne.
The statement also indicated that another title, Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom, bestowed upon George Ohioma, has also been withdrawn and is now exclusively for “Ozalla natives.”
The statement mentioned, “Her various wrongdoings include openly insulting the Onotare and not paying respects to him on the 13th of April, 2024, during Ivbamen festival in the presence of the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and Chairman, Owan West Local Government, Dickson Ahonsi, and openly boasting of removing the traditional ruler from office.
“In the same vein, the Onotare of Ozalla, His Royal Highest, Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, also withdrew the honorary chieftaincy title, Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom, given to George Ohioma alias Armani, for openly insulting and physically assaulting the Onotare and Secretary to the Onotare, Ehichioya Ujuanbi, in the presence of the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and the Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Dickson Ahonsi at the Onotare’s Palace.
“The title Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom is now exclusively for the descendants of Ozalla Kingdom, The Onotare of Ozalla, His Royal Highest Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai has banned/ostracized Oduwa-Malaka and Ohioma from the palace with immediate effect. This is for the information of the general public.”
Oduwa-Malaka could not be contacted by phone, and she did not respond to inquiries about the development, including when the press release was sent to her Whatsapp number for response.
