Post by Ogba Heritage TV (@Heritagetv)
HERITAGE EDITORIAL
When Tradition Is Challenged: The Ohiauga Chieftaincy Dispute and the Supremacy of Custom
Traditional institutions are among the oldest pillars of African civilisation. Long before modern systems of governance emerged, our ancestors established customs that regulated leadership, succession, justice, and communal harmony. These traditions have endured because they were built not around individuals, but around principles.
It is against this backdrop that the reported chieftaincy dispute in Ohiauga Community, Igburu Clan of Ogbaland, deserves thoughtful reflection.
According to reports circulating in the public domain, the dispute centres on the revered Eze-Ali traditional stool of Ohiauga.
It is alleged that the descendants of Egburu (Umu-Ebe) are the founding lineage and original custodians of Ohiauga Community and that, by long-established custom, they possess the traditional right to produce the Eze-Ali of the community.
The reports further allege that Prince Obuah Bestman, a descendant of the Egburu lineage, is the rightful heir to the traditional stool but that his installation has remained stalled following the emergence of a parallel chieftaincy institution.
According to the same reports, Chief Bright Abali allegedly created and assumed the title of "Ukela Ukwu I, Ochi-Oha of Ohiauga," a development that has reportedly generated sharp divisions within the community.
It is also alleged that many members of Ohiauga rejected the parallel stool, insisting that it lacks the customary authority required under the traditions of the land.
The reports further allege that Elder Godfrey Igwela, recognised as the oldest man in the community and traditionally entrusted with coronation responsibilities, declined to participate in the installation after questions reportedly arose over its customary legitimacy.
Despite these reported objections, it is alleged that Chief Bright Abali was crowned Ukela Ukwu I, Ochi-Oha of Ohiauga on 4 May 2022.
The controversy, however, reportedly extends beyond competing claims to traditional authority.
It is alleged that community water projects and health facilities were appropriated for personal control, community funds were diverted, documents supporting traditional authority were forged, and Prince Obuah Bestman has faced repeated threats after challenging these developments and bringing them to public attention.
These are serious allegations which, if established through the appropriate processes, strike at the very foundation of communal trust.
But beyond the personalities involved lies a far greater issue.
A Traditional Stool Is Not Personal Property
One of the greatest misconceptions in modern times is the belief that a traditional throne belongs to whoever is influential enough to occupy it.
It does not.
A traditional stool belongs to the community.
It belongs to history.
It belongs to the ancestors.
It belongs to generations yet unborn.
Those who occupy it are merely custodians.
Their legitimacy flows not from wealth, influence, popularity, or political connections, but from the customs and traditions that created the institution in the first place.
When custom speaks, personal ambition must remain silent.
If the customs of Ohiauga prescribe a particular lineage, process, or authority for succession, then that process deserves the highest respect.
The true strength of any traditional institution lies not only in the individual who wears the crown but also in the integrity of the process that places the crown upon his head.
Custom Must Remain Supreme
Throughout Ali-Ogba, every community possesses customs carefully preserved over generations.
Those customs are not obstacles to progress.
They are the constitutional foundation of our traditional institutions.
Whenever succession becomes a contest of influence rather than a product of recognised custom, communities inevitably become divided.
History has shown repeatedly that disputes over traditional leadership are best resolved not through intimidation, propaganda, or parallel institutions, but through elders, kingmakers, recognised traditional authorities, and the customs handed down by our forefathers.
Our ancestors entrusted us with institutions that have survived for centuries.
We dishonour them when we allow personal interests to supersede communal tradition.
Peace Is the Greatest Victory
No traditional stool is worth the blood of an indigene.
No crown should become the reason neighbours become enemies.
If, as alleged, threats have been made against individuals connected to this dispute, then such actions deserve unequivocal condemnation.
Leadership should inspire confidence, not fear.
Communities flourish where dialogue replaces hostility, where truth overcomes suspicion, and where justice is pursued without violence.
The people of Ohiauga have lived together for generations.
Whatever differences exist today should never be allowed to erase centuries of memory
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