The last may not have been heard about allegations of extortion against the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, HRM Obi Osedume, by his subjects as fresh allegations and outcries continue to emerge.
This is following a new statement signed by Dr. Charles Ego, CPA, National President, IDU North America, Pastor Matthew Ojeh, National Vice President, IDU North America and Engr./Pastor Emmanuel Uzuyem, Chapter President, IDU North America.
The trio alleged that, “Many of us in Igbodo clan have fallen victim to Obi Osedume’s concocted, illegal and arbitrary pronouncements and “fines”.
The monarch of Igbodo Kingdom located in Ika North East Local Government of Delta State, was recently fingered in allegation of extortion by one Chief, Dr. Obiajulu Sunday Uzuh, the Isichitumugo I of Igbodo, who demanded on December 31, 2023, that the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, HRM Obi Osedume should return the N530, 000 he extorted from members of his family.
According to the statement, “We, the under listed concerned Igbodo indigenes in Ika North East local government of Delta State Nigeria, hereby state that we are solidly in support of Chief, Dr. Obiajulu Sunday Uzuh, the Isichitumugo I of Igbodo, who demanded on December 31, 2023, that the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, HRM Obi Osedume should return the N530, 000 he extorted from members of his family.
“We frown at how a widow in Chief Uzuh’s family was targeted and frightened to pay a “fine” on behalf of Chief Uzuh to settle malicious and controversial pronouncements, without fair hearings. The widow was threatened, and under duress paid the fine.
“Several of us that pay our dues and contribute to the development of the community from the diaspora have been made to pay extorted money when we return home to participate in social and community related ceremonies. These concocted fines range from goats, drinks, cows, to cash.
“For example, the President of Igbodo Development Union in USA, Dr. Charles Ego, was fined 9 goats, 9 cartons of beer, and 2 cows for hosting meetings / convention of Igbodo indigenes in USA. Igbodo Development Union National Patron, Chief/Dr. Obiajulu Sunny Uzuh was also fined two cows, kola nuts and drinks, as well as others, without any fair hearing.
“These are examples of his unfair and unreasonable, illegal, ultra-micromanagement-based declarations. We vehemently abhor such illegality and untoward behavior of a ruler, who is supposed to rule with love, fairness and compassion. The extortion scheme is detrimental to the well-being of Igbodo community because the proceeds of such extortions are not benefiting the people of Igbodo.
“The people of Igbodo deserve to live in peace and be treated fairly as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the constitution of Igbodo community. Thus, we hereby publicly request that HRM Obi Osedume should desist from extorting money from targeted indigenes of Igbodo (home and abroad).” The statement read.
The Intercept reached out to the monarch for his response. He did not respond to message nor call.
