Movement for the Right of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) Condemns False Accusations Against His Imperial Majesty, Pere Zaccheus Doubra Egbunu (JP) Esq, Agadagba of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom

The Movement for the Right of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) has vehemently condemned what it described as baseless accusations leveled against His Imperial Majesty, Pere Zaccheus Doubra Egbunu (JP) Esq, Opukutu III, the Agadagba and paramount ruler of the Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom, by some persons parading themselves as members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) media team of Awodikuro.

In an official statement made available to our correspondent, MRAI expressed deep outrage over allegations that the Agadagba had instructed the Amananawei of Awodikuro to mobilize the people to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in the forthcoming Ondo State election. The group categorically refuted this claim, branding it a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of their revered traditional leader.

According to the MRAI, the self-acclaimed Awodikuro PDP media team is notorious for its erratic behaviour, often leaping into the media with unsubstantiated claims. The statement further described their recent outburst as “nonsensical” and called for their immediate arrest, accusing them of disrespecting the sacred throne of the Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom.

The MRAI has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to these self-acclaimed Awodikuro PDP media team, demanding a public apology and the immediate retraction of the defamatory statements. The group further stressed the importance of safeguarding the integrity of traditional institutions, urging swift punitive action to prevent such incidents from recurring. “This faceless media team must be put in its place and taught to respect our kingdom’s throne,” the statement read.

It is important to note that His Imperial Majesty, Pere Zaccheus Doubra Egbunu (JP) Esq, is a highly respected first-class traditional ruler, known for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the development of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom. He was recently honoured with the prestigious award of “Most Unique Royal Father” by Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters in recognition of his tireless efforts to uplift the kingdom and foster unity among its people. Their unguided write-up is not only an insult to our revered traditional institution and the Kingdom, but also the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). They need to be told that PDP or APC in Ondo State are not known for dragging the name of traditional rulers to the mud. PDP has no such irresponsible subsidiary in Awodikuro and whatever group parading themselves as Awodikuro PDP Media needs to thread with caution. Insulting a paramount ruler is the most recklessly conceived erratic behaviour.

Political Parties in Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom are known for politicking with mutual respect, and hiding under the auspices of PDP Media Team to insult a traditional ruler is not healthy for our cultural polity and mutual co-existence. Their erratic posture has potential in sowing seed of discord among the political parties in the Kingdom.

E-signed:

Hosea T. Ebikontei
Coordinator, MRAI

Bomi Stanley Proten
Secretary, MRAI