A traditional ruler in Delta State, Sampson Ogugu I, the Osuvie of Agbarho kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area, who was deposed illegally in December 2018 by a factional group in the kingdom regained the throne on Monday amidst tight security.
Irate youths had in 2018 chased the monarch out of the palace and installed Chief William Onokpite as king, but he did not enjoy recognition from the Delta State Government.
Sources said that as early as 5 am on Monday, police operatives mounted barricades on all the roads around the popular 5Junction in Agbarho leading to the king’s palace while most of the corporate organisations adjoining the palace remained closed for business throughout the day.
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Amidst the tension-soaked atmosphere, the monarch drove in a motorcade to the palace as he was cheerfully applauded by an ecstatic waiting crowd.
The monarch who could not hide his joy, thanked the Commissioner of Police for Delta State Command, CP Ari Mohammed Ali, for providing security just as he affirmed his resolve to promote peace and the common good of the kingdom.
The monarch ordered the crowd to take out all pieces of furniture in the palace, stressing that new ones would be procured.
Consequently, some clergymen moved and offered special prayers for the sanctification of the throne just as they visibly destroyed objects suspected to be charms littering the palace.
However, a handful of women loyalists to a rival group made spirited efforts to protest against the monarch but were stopped from getting close to the palace.
The monarch accompanied by some police patrol vehicles, drove in convoy out of the palace to an unknown destination, leaving behind battle-ready policemen guarding the complex apparently to forestall any resistance to the new order.
