The village head of Ngo Town in Andoni Local Council of Rivers State, Dr Ujeile Ngere, alongside community members, has condemned an order restricting movement and banning businesses in the area, describing it as vexatious and unlawful.
The restriction order, allegedly issued by Mr Matthew Ogwuokwa of the Uwuile family, is set to take effect from February 28 to March 1, 2025. It mandates the closure of the Ngo main market and prohibits public ceremonies, marriages, burials, and other events in preparation for the burial of the late King Job William Okuruket, a former traditional ruler of Ngoland.
The Guardian learnt that Ogwuokwa, Chairman of the Burial Central Working Committee, issued directives to all residents of Ngo Town. These included cleaning their surroundings, closing the Ngo Daily Market, and flying chieftaincy flags at half-mast from February 24 to March 2, 2025.
However, in a press conference held in Port Harcourt yesterday, Ngere denounced the order as “malicious, inciting, and provocative.” He warned that it could lead to a communal crisis in Ngo Town, which serves as the headquarters of Andoni Local Council and comprises four major families: Egweoke Royal, Uwuile, Arong, and Enyeket.
Meanwhile, in response, Ogwuokwa accused Ngere of being an impostor and fabricating false claims. He alleged that Ngere had been dethroned following a Supreme Court judgment and was no longer recognised as a traditional ruler by the state government.
“The burial is a government-sponsored event, and Ngere has no capacity to disrupt it. His claims should be disregarded,” Ogwuokwa stated. He added that the late King Okuruket, a first-class traditional ruler, was being honoured with full support from the state’s Council of Traditional Rulers, and urged the people to disregard Ngere’s position.
But Ngere argued that Ogwuokwa lacks the customary or legal authority to impose such restrictions, which he described as an affront to the powers of the Rivers State Governor.
“The purported order issued by Mr Matthew Ogwuokwa is a direct affront and an attempt to usurp the powers of the Executive Governor of Rivers State. I, therefore, call on the state government and relevant security agencies to hold Mr Ogwuokwa and the entire Uwuile family responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Ngo Town during this period,” Ngere stated.
He urged the public to dismiss the order and advised residents to proceed with their lawful activities. Despite being excluded from the burial planning, Ngere encouraged residents to attend the burial and honour the late king.
Also, representatives of Ngo youths and women also criticised the restriction. Youth leader John Bibo John questioned Ogwuokwa’s authority, urging youths to maintain peace and support Ngere. Similarly, Mrs Anita Alick, representing women, encouraged them to continue their businesses, dismissing Ogwuokwa’s directive.
