A Nigerian artist, Azuka Nnabuogor, has hurriedly fled, following threats to his life after he rejected a traditional title bestowed on him by his community in Delta State.
Nnabuogor, 50, was chosen as the head of the autonomous Agba Royal Clan in a community in Delta state, a title he rejected due to his strong Christian faith, young age and what he considers a bright prospect in the arts.
Attempts to forcefully crown him as the clan head against his wishes were contained in a series of notifications communicated to him earlier, to which he responded, resulting in the threats he continued to receive as he was faced with no choice but to flee.
A notice sent to Nnabuogor, dated January 7, 2023 had read in part: “This is to notify you that the Agba Royal family-in-council met on December 28 2022 and after due consultations with the Chief Priest of Umuogba Shrine, the oracle has chosen you, AZUKA OGWUEJIOFFOR NNABUOGOR, as the new Spiritual/Clan Head of the Agba Royal Quarters.
“Kindly note that this also serves as a notice that November 2 2023, has been fixed for the formal traditional ritual rites for your coronation as the new head.
“You are expected to be present earlier to prepare for the D-day.”
However, the artist replied in a letter to the community, dated January 12 2023, declining the offer and demanding how the oracle had arrived at his choice.
“It came as a big surprise to me that the oracle has chosen me for the title. I would love you to explain to me how the process was arrived at as I am still confused,” he said in his response.
The artist was subsequently informed in the clan’s response to his query, saying: “It is noteworthy to know that your grandfather, the late Diokpa Nnabuogor Ogboko, assumed this spiritual
role on April 4, 1973 and before his passing in 1980, he nominated you as his successor anytime the role rotated to the Nnabuogor family. You were seven years old then when he performed the necessary rituals on your behalf.
“Your late father was aware of this and we assumed he informed you.
“Please be calm, there is nothing to fear. Thank you.”
But the artist reiterated that his christian faith and beliefs had motivated his rejection of the traditional title.
“Thank you for this explanation but I must say this that as a Christian, it is against my beliefs and wishes to assume such a role. I want to state it clear here that I am really not interested and therefore, I am declining this offer. Please, let it pass on to the other family that is in line to receive the title.”
The community responded afterwards in another letter, saying: “We are shocked and disappointed at your last letter. You do not have the right to question the constituted authorities on their choice and pronouncement of the Agba Chief Priest, it is a taboo.
“There will be severe consequences if you maintain this position.
“Agba-in-council met to deliberate on this matter on February 2, 2023 and your decision not to attend the meeting without any reason was considered a slight to the council.
“The following are the resolutions reached at the meeting:
“ The Agba community will not move the title to another family as it is Nnabuogor’s turn and our tradition must be respected.
“ The date for the spiritual and traditional rites remains November 2, 2023.
“ If you insist on your position, the oracle will have to choose your youngest male child. The choice will be communicated to before the next meeting.”
According to the embattled artist, his male child in question is six years old.
“I weighed the whole of this situation with utmost gravity and this particularly led me to take the decision to leave because the safety of myself and my family comes first,” he said.
