Culture is about where you are from-Prince Edward Okwuchukwu Ofulue

Culture is about where you are from-Prince Edward Okwuchukwu Ofulue

November 1, 2011

Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State is currently divided between two brothers over claims of who should rightly ascend the throne following the demise of Obi Edward Ofulue, the King of the community in 2008. Prince Edward Okwuchukwu Ofulue one of the two claimants is a Journalist and former BBC reporter whose mother, Florence is a Briton. He recently returned from Britain to lay claim to the kingship stool presently occupied by Obi Akaeze Ofulue as his birthright. After a long hunt and wait, accompanied with very severe persuasion, Prince Edward Okwuchukwu Ofulue in this rare interview, reveals to EMEKA ESOGBUE the actual situation in the once peaceful community and why he considers himself the legal inheritor to the monarch of the Ubulu-Uku Kingdom and the importance of culture to a people. Excerpts.

Esogbue: We are so happy to finally catch up with you after this long hunt. A lot of your admirers have described you as an advocate of tradition and culture, they further say you won their hearts because of your love for culture, how did you come to love culture so much in spite of the fact that you reside in Britain?

Ofulue: Culture is about where you are from so I have always taken an interest in our culture. It so happens that we are blessed to be endowed with a rich and beautiful culture which is world renowned.

Esogbue: Did you over the time allow yourself to fall in love with Ubulu-Uku culture or it is just intrinsic in you?

It's instinctive, it's natural don't you think?

Esogbue: The media has widely reported the current dispute between you and your brother, Obi Akaeze Ofulue over which of one of you should occupy the kingship stool of Ubulu-Uku following your father’s departure, the late Obi Edward Ofulue about three years ago. What is the situation like at the moment?

Many people seem to have an opinion on this question. We are looking for answers to a lot of questions at the moment which a lot of people have. I hope we can find these answers. I suppose really it's down to integrity and truth in finding these. It all started when people from our area started to contact me with concerns that our traditions and procedures had not been followed - for example I was contacted as an acknowledged eldest son to announce the whereabouts of my father. I have two full brothers before Akaeze both of whom were born resulting from my father's marriage to my mother. Incidentally, I also have an elder sister from the same relationship.

Esogbue: But a number of people have blamed your silence while the coronation of your younger brother Obi Akaeze Ofulue lasted as responsible for this logjam, do you think that a timely intervention on your part in a way could have avoided this kingship imbroglio?

It wasn't silence we were not informed about the coronation: those who were around us from our community in London, even though we were in contact, could not, or would not, articulate what was happening. Even though we were more than willing to return home and pay our respects to our father we were told that our junior brother had succeeded to the title within days giving us the impression that this was the will of those who were empowered to oversee such processes.

Esogbue: Have you ever had the opportunity to discuss this matter at hand one on one with your brother (Obi Akaeze Ofulue) either because you simply walked up to him or he invited you to the palace to find a lasting solution to the disturbing situation?

I have never had the opportunity to discuss this matter with my brother.

Esogbue: Recently you told media men that your late father, the former Obi in 1985 initiated you into the position of crown prince which bestowed you with the traditional recognition of heir apparent to the throne of Ubulu-Uku which indeed is a step in the right direction but why was this important rite not pursued afterwards to ultimately crown you the Obi of the community? 

Regarding crowning I think you should refer this question to the councils involved in overseeing this process don't you?

Esogbue: The position of Chief Emeka Ojih, the Chief, information Committee Chairman of Umu-Ozim (kingmakers) was reported by Daily Sun in which he said “We have initiated him (that is you) as the rightful person to take over the kingship. He is now the Umogwu, the next ceremony will be crowning him the king and he can now be greeted “Agwu” (lion). Yes, he is the king. He is the first son of the late king. From time immemorial, it is not contestable the first son takes over when the king joins his ancestors”. How do you hope to achieve it considering the situation on ground?

Ofulue: With respect, I am not responsible for what others say. I am mindful of their opinions and advice though. I am not out to make statements which will inflame an already emotional topic. I am confident that rightful processes will prevail and calmness will be restored to the beautiful land of Ubulu-Uku.

Esogbue: In response to the position of Chief Emeka Ojih, Obi Akaeze Ofulue has reportedly told Daily sun that “It is true that the first son takes over when the king dies but that is when the king and the mother of the first son were legally married. My elder brother’s mother was not legally married to my father”. This seems to be the point of variance between you two on the situation on ground. To the best of your knowledge, do you think that in the tradition of Ubulu-Uku, this is a major criterion in ascending the throne?

Ofulue: All I can say is that there exists a legal marriage between my mother and father which is certified. Who would or could dispute this as not being legal?

Esogbue: We are surprised that the same Umu-Ozim who installed your brother are seeking to remove him then install you. What is the missing link?

I think you should refer this question to the Umu-Ozim

Ofulue: Have you officially reported this issue to the Delta State Governor and what was his response?

Ofulue: The Delta state Governor is aware of the situation.

Esogbue: In this whole issue now, how would you appraise the reaction of Ubulu-Uku indigenes?

Ofulue: Many indigenes have voiced their opinion on this issue and the overwhelming number who have contacted me have expressed a wish to see this matter resolved within the traditions laid down by our culture and forefathers. More importantly, resolved by those who are living and in a position to articulate and say what is right and integral to the situation we find ourselves in.

Esogbue: Iwu festival was witnessed in Ubulu-Uku after about six years of inaction but critics allege that it was a far cry from what it used to be in the past as many strange things happened such as indiscriminate rubbing of native chalks by the youths and angry looking young men looking to disrupt the peaceful celebration among others. Why do you think these people rather than celebrate this festival went loose?

Ofulue: That's where my love of culture comes from

Esogbue: One would have thought that other members of your family will intervene in this matter with a view to bringing a lasting settlement. What is really the position of the family in this whole issue?

Ofulue: As you probably know families are complex and there are different opinions that prevail. Let me ask you, when have you known a whole family to sing from the same song sheet. It's never truer the saying  “you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family." Strangely, I am constantly being reminded that the family is all you really have in life.

Esogbue: Finally, what is the relationship with your brother now?

The relationship with my brother? We will always be brothers I guess.