A growing Ayama Ekede Okanama dispute has emerged in Rivers State after the palace of King Obonna O. O. Ekprikpo VIII rejected claims by Mr Iko Ijok Uboonikakita that he is the community’s parallel Okanama.
In a statement dated 3 August 2026, the palace said Mr Uboonikakita had allegedly presented himself as Okanama of Ayama Ekede in Andoni Local Government Area.
The palace also accused him of attempting to dissolve community institutions, including the Ayama Ekede Community Development Committee (CDC).
However, these claims remain allegations contained in the palace statement. No independent evidence or response from Mr Uboonikakita was included in the release.
The palace said the dispute began on 1 August. It described Mr Uboonikakita as the king’s nephew and foster son.
According to the statement, his mother died when he was six. The king then adopted him, cared for him and supported his upbringing and education.
The palace said it was therefore surprised that Mr Uboonikakita had become involved in what it described as efforts to create confusion in the community.
It also blamed a suspended relative of the king and other unnamed individuals for allegedly encouraging the dispute.
The palace further stressed that King Obonna Ekprikpo VIII became Chief Ekprikpo and was crowned Okanama and Paramount Ruler of Ayama Ekede on 16 May 2026.
It said the ceremony attracted a large crowd and followed the customs and traditions of the Obolo people, as applicable in Andoni.
The palace therefore insisted that King Ekprikpo remains the recognised Okanama and Paramount Ruler of Ayama Ekede.
It urged residents and members of the public to disregard the rival claim and not recognise Mr Uboonikakita as Okanama.
The Ayama Ekede Okanama dispute highlights the importance of clear traditional leadership processes and community institutions in preventing tensions from escalating.
The palace called for the public to rely on the established leadership structure while the dispute continues.
Press statement emerging from the palace.
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