Rumueme Kingdom Rejects Gov Fubara’s Recognised Traditional Ruler 

The Rivers State Government’s recognition and presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majestic, Ndamzi Nsirim, as the new Nye Nwe Eli of Rumueme Kingdom has caused friction among some subjects, who have rejected the government’s choice.

Aside from the rejection, Andrew Nsirim, His Royal Majesty Ndamzi Nsirim’s younger brother, has claimed that the newly recognised Nye Nwe Eli Rumueme is not the biological son of his late father, His Royal Majesty Omunakwe Nsirim, also known as OCC.

Andrew Nsirim revealed the information during a press briefing on Wednesday, claiming that his late father, Omunakwe Nsirim, informed him that Ndamzi is not his biological son.

He vowed to go to court to prove his majesty’s paternity after pleading with Ndamzi to conduct a DNA test, which he refused.

Andrew Nsirim stated that the state government’s actions brought shame to his father’s lineage, emphasising that the Rumueme Kingdom has chosen Timothy Nsirim as its king and will proceed with it.

Nsirim, speaking on behalf of the Rumueme people, stated that the three families of Rumukpakani, who traditionally select the Nye Nwe Eli, chose Prince Timothy Nsirim following Rumueme Kingdom customs and traditions.

Chief Asor Owhonda, who represents the Owhonda family, stated that what the Rivers State government has accomplished will lead to a crisis in the kingdom.

According to him, Rumukpakani traditionally selects their king and presents him to the entire Rumueme Kingdom, which has already been done but is awaiting the second burial of the late king Omunakwe Nsirim, as well as the burial of the Kingdom’s oldest man, before beginning the coronation of Chief Timothy Nsirm.

They went on to say that the state government has no right or power to choose who their king becomes and that they will not support or participate in such a shameful display.

On Tuesday afternoon, September 10, 2024, Governor Fubara presented certificates of recognition and staff of office to two first-class traditional rulers: His Majesty, Marcus Oduma Woyike, JP, Nye Nwe-Ali, Elele Okinali/Elele Alimini in Ikwerre Local Government Area, and His Majesty, Ndamzi Nsirim, Nye Nwe-Eli Rumueme Kingdom in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.