The Ovie of the Great Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Wilson O. Oharisi III, JP, has denied issuing any directive restricting movement within Ughelli Kingdom or Ughelli metropolis, dismissing circulating social media reports as false and misleading.
The clarification was issued in a statement on behalf of the monarch by Olorogun Peter Tobore Akpofure, the Otota of the Great Ughelli Kingdom, who described the viral publication as fake news with no connection to the palace.
“I hereby state that the King of Ughelli has nothing to do with, nor has issued, the publication circulating on social media regarding restrictions of movement in Ughelli Kingdom,” the statement said.
The palace further reassured residents that Ughelli remains peaceful, emphasizing that the kingdom is safe for residents to live, conduct legitimate business, and contribute to the development of Delta State.
According to the statement, responsibility for maintaining law and order rests solely with the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory security agencies, who operate independently and are not under any instruction from the Ovie of Ughelli.
“The Police and other security agencies have their own modalities and lawful procedures for maintaining peace and order,” the Otota said, adding that the monarch has not directed or influenced their operations in any way.
Residents of Ughelli Kingdom, particularly those within Ughelli metropolis, were urged to remain law-abiding and to disregard the false social media post purportedly issued in the name of the king concerning free movement.
The statement was formally signed by Olorogun Peter Tobore Akpofure, B.Sc (Hons), MBA, ARICS, MNIS, Otota of the Great Ughelli Kingdom.
