Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs in Edo State, has been stripped of her honorary chieftaincy title (Uzoyare of Ozalla Kingdom) bestowed upon her by the Onotare of Ozalla Kingdom in Owan West Local Government Area, Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, also known as Okpamen IX.
Allegations were made against her for improper conduct and disrespect towards the king after she requested him to meet her in her car upon arriving at the palace on April 12, 2024.
A press release issued by the palace spokesperson, Dr. Osumah Obaze, and released to the press in Benin on Thursday announced the immediate revocation of her title by the Onotare to set an example and prevent further disrespect to the esteemed throne.
The statement further mentioned that another title, Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom, previously conferred upon George Ohioma, has been rescinded and is now reserved solely for “Ozalla freeborns.”
According to the statement, “Among her numerous transgressions, she openly insulted the Onotare and failed to pay respects on April 13, 2024, during the Ivbamen festival in front of prominent figures such as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and the Chairman of Owan West Local Government, Dickson Ahonsi. She even boasted about ousting the traditional ruler from his position.”
“Similarly, the honorary chieftaincy title, Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom, previously held by George Ohioma, also known as Armani, was revoked by the Onotare of Ozalla, Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, for verbally and physically assaulting the Onotare and his Secretary, Ehichioya Ujuanbi, in the presence of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and the Chairman of Owan West Local Government Council, Dickson Ahonsi at the Onotare’s Palace.
“The title of Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom will now be exclusively reserved for citizens born in Ozalla Kingdom. The Onotare of Ozalla, Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, has banned and excluded Oduwa-Malaka and Ohioma from the palace effective immediately. This notification is intended for public awareness.”
Oduwa-Malaka was unreachable by phone and did not respond to attempts to reach her for comments regarding the incident, including when the press release was shared with her via WhatsApp for feedback.