Seimbiri Kingdom: Edegbene Ruling House Tipped to Produce Next King, Council Urged to Uphold Rotational Tradition,

SEIMBIRI KINGDOM: EDEGBENE RULING HOUSE TO PRODUCE NEXT KING, TRADITIONAL COUNCIL URGED TO UPHOLD ROTATIONAL SYSTEM

Bomadi, Delta State – The Seimbiri Kingdom, a prominent Ijaw community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, is at a crucial juncture in its kingship succession following the passing of its revered monarch. As tradition dictates, the kingship rotates among the gazetted ruling houses, and it is now the turn of the Edegbene ruling house to produce the next king. However, concerns have arisen regarding individuals attempting to disrupt this established process, prompting calls for swift and decisive action by the kingdom’s traditional council.

Seimbiri Kingdom operates under a rotational kingship system entrenched in its traditions and recognized by law. The ruling houses in the rotational cycle are as follows:

1. Enekorogha

2. Oboro

3. Okpokunou

4. Edegbene

5. Donou-Ogusu

Historically, Oboro, Enekorogha, and Okpokunou have successfully produced kings, and it is now the turn of Edegbene to ascend to the throne. This process ensures equity and fosters unity within the kingdom.

Recent developments indicate attempts by certain individuals from outside the Edegbene ruling house—and even from different kingdoms—to disrupt this sacred tradition. These individuals have previously contested kingship in other Ijaw kingdoms, such as Tuomo in Esuku Kingdom and Operemor Kingdom, and are now claiming eligibility for the Seimbiri throne. Such actions are viewed as an affront to the integrity of the kingdom’s traditional system.

The Seimbiri kingship is a cultural and spiritual institution, not a political one. While the state governor traditionally issues the staff of office to the elected king, the process itself remains rooted in Ijaw customs and should not be influenced by political ambitions or external interference.

Concerned stakeholders, including cultural advocates and traditional leaders, are urging the Seimbiri Kingdom Traditional Council of Chiefs to:

Enforce the rotational system and ensure only eligible candidates from the Edegbene ruling house participate in the selection process.

Prevent external interference from individuals attempting to usurp the process, thereby safeguarding the kingdom’s peace and traditions.

Ensure transparency and fairness in the kingship selection process, reinforcing public confidence in the council's leadership.

Mingo, a vocal advocate for peace and development in the Ijaw nation, emphasized the need for fairness and equity in the succession process. He warned against actions that could lead to confusion and unrest within the kingdom, urging the traditional council to protect the cultural heritage and integrity of the Seimbiri throne.

“The Seimbiri Kingdom is not a political kingdom. It is a well-recognized traditional institution guided by a gazetted system that ensures fairness and stability. Let us uphold this legacy by respecting the rightful claim of the Edegbene ruling house to produce the next king,” Mingo said.

The Seimbiri Kingdom stands at a pivotal moment. By upholding the rotational system and ensuring the rightful ascension of the Edegbene ruling house, the traditional council can preserve the peace, unity, and traditions that have long defined this illustrious Ijaw kingdom. It is a call to duty for all stakeholders to protect the sanctity of the throne and foster progress for the kingdom and its people.