Okorodudu Emerges New Otota of Olomu Kingdom, To be Installed September 19th

By Gabriel Awodeha

The Executive Director of Projects at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu, has been announced as the new ‘Otota’ (Spokesman) of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, bringing to a close a protracted chieftaincy dispute that had polarised the kingdom since August 2023.

Okorodudu was announced during the royal visit of His Royal Majesty, Albert Akpomudje (SAN) Eyavwie Alaka I, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, to Okpavuerhe Olomu community, a suburb of the kingdom, on Friday, 4th September, 2026.

In a dramatic turn of events, Okorodudu, who received the traditional kola nut presented to the monarch and his entourage, declared his assumption of the role while announcing himself on behalf of the King, stating, “our king has approved the appointment of an Otota which he has decided to present to you today. And the person that is the new Otota is the one talking to you right now. I’m now the Otota of Olomu Kingdom” Okorodudu said to the gathering of chiefs, elders, and community members.

The new spokesman disclosed that his formal installation as Akpile will take place on 11th September, 2026, while his ceremonial installation as Otota will follow on 19th September, 2026.

A palace source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that Okorodudu’s approval followed the withdrawal of a suit that had challenged his emergence as the Akpile of the kingdom, a dispute that had its roots in a significant controversy in August 2023 when media reports indicated that Okorodudu had defeated Olorogun John Oguma, Chairman of Obakpor Engineering, in a contest for the Akpile position.

However, Oguma had vehemently contested the reports, claiming he never participated in any election and that due process was not followed, a disagreement that subsequently escalated to the courts and created a cloud of uncertainty over the traditional institution.

With the legal hurdle now cleared, Okorodudu’s emergence signals a potential rapprochement within the kingdom’s traditional hierarchy, and the Otota position, which holds immense significance in the Olomu traditional system as the kingdom’s official spokesman and custodian of its communication with external bodies, government agencies, and other traditional institutions, is expected to be filled with competence as Okorodudu brings to the role a blend of public sector experience and traditional leadership credentials.

His dual responsibilities as a top government official and now the kingdom’s spokesman are expected to strengthen the relationship between Olomu Kingdom and the Delta State Government, and members of the royal entourage who graced the occasion expressed confidence in Okorodudu’s ability to effectively project the kingdom’s interests and foster unity among its people.