Family forced into exile over throne dispute

A Nigerian family has reportedly been forced into exile following alleged threats to their lives arising from a bitter dispute over traditional succession rites in a Delta State community.

According to reports made available to journalists, Chuks, whose father served as a traditional ruler and shrine custodian in a community near Asaba, was long expected to inherit the position of “Umu” of the kingdom following his father’s passing.

Sources disclosed that Chuks had been regarded as the rightful successor since childhood; however, his Christian beliefs led him to reject the rituals, sacrifices, and customary practices required to assume the throne.

Following his father’s death on September 2, 2020, community elders reportedly granted Chuks a three-year grace period to return home and perform the necessary rites. These ceremonies allegedly included ritual sacrifices and traditional cleansing rites involving his wife, Lucy, which the family maintains are contrary to their religious convictions.

Upon his refusal to comply, Chuks reportedly went into hiding with his family. After the three-year window expired, some community members concluded that his rejection of the throne was permanent, sparking fears of violent reprisals.

The elders allegedly declared that specific sacrifices involving Chuks and his family were mandatory to avert calamities, curses, and misfortunes believed to be threatening the kingdom due to the vacant position.

The threats reportedly extended beyond Nigerian borders, with accounts suggesting that elders visited Lucy’s relatives in Kenya to issue warnings connected to the dispute.

Lucy specifically fears being subjected to forced circumcision and other harmful traditional rites should she return to the community. Consequently, the family fled into exile and remains in hiding to ensure their safety.

A visit to the community by our correspondent confirmed the ongoing tensions surrounding the succession.

Family sources and community leaders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged that active threats remain against Lucy, Chuks, and their children due to their refusal to participate in the kingdom’s ancestral cultural rites.