The Rumueme Kingdom Council of Traditional Rulers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has warned the public against attending or supporting a planned New Yam Festival scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026. The Council said the event is not authorised by the recognised traditional authority of the Kingdom.
In a statement jointly signed by Nyenwe-Eli Larry Azunda-Nsirim, Nyerisimba Larry Nyeche and Nyerisimba Dike Ovunda Sam-Wobo, the Council alleged that invitations and social media publications for the event identify Timothy Nsirim as the Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom. It said this was contrary to a September 25, 2024 High Court order in Suit No. PHC/3052/CS/2024, which the Council said restrained Timothy Nsirim from presenting himself as the traditional ruler of the Kingdom.
The Council acknowledged Timothy Nsirim’s right to cultivate, harvest, sell and celebrate his personal agricultural produce, but maintained that such rights do not confer traditional leadership authority on him. It urged the public not to recognise, sponsor or participate in the ceremony in a manner that could amount to recognising him as Nyenwe-Eli.
The traditional body said Larry Azunda-Nsirim remains the customarily recognised Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom, having been installed by the Rumueme Kingdom Council of Traditional Rulers. It also called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and relevant government authorities to take lawful measures to prevent possible impersonation, public disorder or breach of peace, while urging residents to avoid actions capable of escalating the controversy.
