By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Tension has gripped Ute-Okpu Kingdom in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State as the planned funeral of late Sir Chamberlain Dunkwu, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, descended into controversy, forcing local youths to intervene and halt what they described as an “unauthorized interment.”
The Daily Crucible reports that Sir Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, President of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), passed away Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, day a swimming young talent discovery competition, tagged “Swim to the future,” was scheduled to commence inside package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja.
Widely regarded as a passionate advocate for aquatic sports development, late Dunkwu was known for his tireless commitment to nurturing young talents and repositioning swimming and other water sports in Nigeria. His leadership brought renewed energy to the federation, with initiatives aimed at grassroots development, athlete support, and stronger institutional partnerships, according to the leadership of the NAqF.
His final rites of passage as planned by the immediate family commenced Thursday, April 16, 2026 with service of songs at St. Matthew Church, Maitama, Abuja and was to be followed by another round of service of songs scheduled for April 23, 2026 at late Chamberlain Dunkwu’s residence, Ibiegwa Quarters Ute – Okpu, Delta State.
The remains of the late President of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) were to be interred at his residence on Friday, April 24, 2026 immediately after a funeral service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Ute – Okpu, Delta State.
However, in a bewildering twist through a strongly worded press release on Saturday, the Ute-Okpu National Youths Association (UNYA) declared that it had taken “decisive and lawful steps” to stop the burial of late Dunkwu, citing violations of both customary traditions and legal procedures governing funerals in the community.
The youths also summoned his widow, Lady Joy Dunkwu, to appear before the palace on or before Monday(tomorrow) in compliance with community mandatory procedures, even as they demanded the full autopsy report of the late NAqF in the interest of transparency and accountability.
According to the group, the action followed credible reports that certain individuals were attempting to carry out burial rites without obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant family authorities and community leadership structures.
The youths maintained that burial practices in Ute-Okpu are deeply rooted in tradition and must be strictly adhered to, warning that any attempt to sidestep these norms could spark unrest and undermine communal harmony.
“Our intervention was not arbitrary,” the statement read. “It was guided by long-standing customs and the need to preserve order, respect for lineage, and due process.”
Sources within the community revealed that disagreements over the deceased’s lineage and burial rights had been brewing for days, with factions laying competing claims. The situation escalated when one group allegedly moved to proceed with the burial in defiance of ongoing consultations.
UNYA emphasized that its actions were also backed by legal considerations, noting that unauthorized burials could trigger disputes with far-reaching consequences, including litigation and breakdown of peace.
The association called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and submit to established dispute resolution mechanisms, including engagement with traditional rulers and elders.
As of the time of filing this report, the burial had been put on hold, with efforts underway to resolve the impasse through dialogue.
Community leaders are expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the dispute and chart a path forward, as residents watch closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has exposed deep cracks within the kingdom. 
•THE PRESS RELEASE IN FULL
*UNAUTHORIZED BURIAL ACTIONS HALTED IN UTE-OKPU: YOUTHS INVOKE CUSTOMARY AND LEGAL AUTHORITY*
Date: April 18, 2026
Location: Ute-Okpu Kingdom, Delta State
The Ute-Okpu National Youths Association (UNYA), the duly recognized umbrella body of youths in Ute-Okpu Kingdom, has taken decisive and lawful steps to halt ongoing burial preparations for the late Hon. Chamberlain Dunkwu, following actions deemed inconsistent with established customary law, community governance, and applicable Nigerian legal provisions.
This intervention followed credible reports that a grave was being dug at the residence of the deceased without prior consultation or approval from the family, the community, and the constituted traditional authority.
Acting in defense of public order and cultural integrity, the youths immediately suspended the activity and formally reported the matter to His Royal Majesty, Obi Solomon Chukwueka I, for further directive.
*LEGAL AND CUSTOMARY FRAMEWORK*
The Association wishes to state unequivocally that its actions are grounded in both customary law and statutory legal principles, including:
*Recognition of Customary Law:*
Under Nigerian jurisprudence, customary law remains a valid and enforceable source of law, provided it is not repugnant to natural justice, equity, and good conscience (as upheld *in Section 315(3)* of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and various judicial precedents).
*Maintenance of Public Order:*
The intervention aligns with provisions of the Criminal Code Act, particularly:
*Section 249 (conduct likely to cause a breach of peace)*
*Section 263 (unlawful interference with burial rites)*
Public Order Regulations:
Actions capable of disturbing community peace fall within the scope of the Public Order Act, which empowers communities and authorities to prevent disorder and maintain lawful conduct.
Judicial Recognition of Customary Authority Over Burial Rites:
Nigerian courts have consistently affirmed that families and communities retain primary rights over burial decisions, subject to customary practices (e.g., Ogundipe v. Ogundipe and similar authorities).
*RESOLUTIONS AND DIRECTIVES*
Following consultations, the Association hereby issues the following binding resolutions:
1. Immediate Suspension of Burial Activities:
All burial-related activities at the residence of Late Hon. Chamberlain Dunkwu are to remain suspended forthwith.
2. Closure of Unauthorized Grave Site:
The grave currently being dug must be covered immediately, pending lawful approval from the community and traditional authorities.
3. Demand for Autopsy Disclosure:
The full autopsy report of the deceased must be made available in the interest of transparency and accountability.
4. Mandatory Appearance Before the Palace:
The wife of the deceased is required to appear before the palace on or before Monday next week in compliance with community procedures.
5. No Approved Burial Date:
The public is hereby notified that no burial date has been approved by the Ute-Okpu Kingdom.
*NOTICE OF LEGAL CONSEQUENCES*
All persons are hereby placed on notice that:
Any continued attempt to carry out burial arrangements outside recognized customary and lawful processes may constitute a breach of peace and unlawful conduct.
Such actions may attract traditional sanctions and possible civil or criminal liability under applicable Nigerian laws.
The community reserves the right to seek law enforcement intervention and judicial remedies where necessary.
The Association urges all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and respectful of both traditional authority and the rule of law, while this matter is being addressed through proper channels.
The Ute-Okpu National Youths Association remains steadfast in its duty to uphold justice, due process, cultural heritage, and public order, and will take all necessary steps within the law to protect the collective interest of the Kingdom.
Signed:
His Royal Majesty
Obi Solomon Chukwueka I
Chairman, Ute-Okpu National Youths Association
Comr. Armstrong Onyeibe
@highlight #fypシ #fypシ゚ #houseofrepresentatives #Tajudeenabbas #REPS
