The Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, has been stripped of the honorary chieftaincy title (Uzoyare of Ozalla Kingdom) conferred on her by the Onotare of Ozalla Kingdom, Nathaniel Igelugbo Omogbai, the Okpamen IX. The revocation of her title follows allegations of misconduct and disrespect towards the king.
According to a press statement signed by the palace spokesman, Dr. Osumah Obaze, and released to journalists in Benin, Oduwa-Malaka was accused of requesting the king to meet her in her car when she drove into the palace on April 12, 2024. Additionally, she allegedly insulted the Onotare during the Ivbamen festival and openly boasted about removing the traditional ruler from office.
In response to these allegations, the Onotare of Ozalla revoked Oduwa-Malaka’s honorary title and banned her from the palace with immediate effect. Another individual, George Ohioma, who held the title of Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom, also had his title revoked for insulting and physically assaulting the Onotare and his secretary.
The statement emphasized that the title of Ozemevboya of Ozalla Kingdom is now exclusively reserved for freeborns of Ozalla Kingdom. Oduwa-Malaka and Ohioma have been ostracized from the palace, according to the decree issued by the Onotare.
Despite attempts to reach Oduwa-Malaka for comment, she could not be reached via phone, and she did not respond to inquiries about the development. The press statement was sent to her WhatsApp number for response, but there was no reply.