He Is Not One Of Us’ — Idjerhe Kingdom Debunks Ties To Igho America Israel

The Great Idjerhe Kingdom has distanced itself from Chief Igho America Israel, the man recently convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for allegedly staging his own kidnap to extort money from his wife and family, insisting that he has no connection with the kingdom.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Crown Otota Byasere of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom, UZZI Onosia James Ofriki, on behalf of the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, JP, PhD, Udurhie I, the traditional institution expressed concern over a recent publication on Oasis Magazine which, it said, could create the impression that the convicted individual is associated with Idjerhe Kingdom.

While acknowledging the role of the media in reporting judicial proceedings and matters of public interest, the kingdom stressed that Chief Igho America Israel is neither an indigene, a traditional chief, nor a resident of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Chief Igho America Israel is not an indigene of the Great Idjerhe Kingdom. He is neither a traditional chief of Idjerhe Kingdom nor a resident of the Kingdom,” the statement read.

The council maintained that any suggestion linking the convicted individual to the kingdom is false, misleading and capable of tarnishing the reputation of the traditional institution and its people.

According to the statement, Idjerhe Kingdom is founded on the values of integrity, hard work, accountability, honour and respect for the rule of law, and does not condone criminality, fraud or unlawful enrichment.

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The kingdom further described its people as industrious and law-abiding, noting that it has earned a reputation for dignity, peace and community development over the years.

Consequently, the traditional institution called for a public clarification to correct any impression that may associate the convicted individual with the kingdom, stressing that such action is necessary to prevent misinformation and protect its integrity.

The council also urged members of the public, media organisations and stakeholders to disregard any insinuation linking Chief Igho America Israel or his criminal conviction to the Great Idjerhe Kingdom.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice, unity and sustainable development, the kingdom stated that the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom remains dedicated to preserving the values and traditions that have distinguished the kingdom through the years.

The statement concluded with a call for accuracy, fairness and responsibility in media reporting, particularly on issues capable of affecting the reputation of traditional institutions and communities.