In a statement signed by the secretary of Ugoani -in -Council, Mr Jude Isichie, he stated that in as much as the people of Okpanam kingdom bewail the Unfortunate loss of Omu at her prime, it becomes very expedient to correct the erroneous impression still being peddled in the minds of the public that the aforementioned Omu Okpanam is a Monarch of Okpanam kingdom. She is not, he said.
According to him, the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs in April 2022 address a letter to Chief Martha Dunkwu Omu of Okpanam, where she was warned to desist from the act of using the prefix " Her Royal Majesty" as the use of same is an infringement of section 20 sub section 6 and 7 of Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chief law as amended, Otherwise risk imprisonment for two years or a fine of Twenty Thousand Naira".
He added, it might interest you to know that the issue of using the prefix " Her Royal Majesty (HRM) caused rancor between the late Omu and the good people of Okpanam, which issue was settled at the behest of members of her family before she was committed to mother earth.
" it is expected that there should be sober reflection on the part of all and sundry, instead of the promotion of recalcitrancy by her family members despite several meetings between her son, family members and the Ugoani -In- Council members on the other hand aimed for parties to be on the same page.
"Also despite the sacrifices by Ugoani and members of Ugoani - in Council to right the wrong of the past, some gullible elements are bent on dragging the kingdom into pitfall of the past which took the perfect of Okpanam sinews, include dissipation of scares resources to atone for her most unfortunate infraction"
"The truth is that only the abode of the traditional Rulers is referred to as Palace. And nowhere else in the kingdom". He stressed.