The Rumueme Kingdom Council of Traditional Rulers in Rivers State has raised concerns over the alleged impersonation of the traditional ruler of the kingdom by Timothy E. Nsirim.
The development has reportedly heightened tension in Rumueme following the circulation of invitations and publicity materials for a purported New Yam Festival scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, which allegedly identify Nsirim as the monarch of the kingdom.
In a statement signed by Nyenwe-Eli Larry Azunda Nsirim, Nyerisi Mbam Larry A. Nyeche, OparaEze VII, Traditional Prime Minister of Rumueme Kingdom and Chairman of the Rumueme Kingdom Council of Traditional Rulers, and Nyerisi Mbam Dike Ovunda Sam-Wobo, Eketa VIII, the council alleged that Timothy Nsirim had been presenting himself publicly and on social media as “His Royal Majesty, Amb. Timothy E. Nsirim, DSSRS, JP, Nyenwe-Eli/Apiti 2nd of Rumueme Kingdom.”
The statement, obtained by SaharaReporters, said Nsirim’s alleged claim to the traditional title contradicted a subsisting order of the High Court of Rivers State restraining him from presenting himself as the Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom.
According to the council, the order was issued on September 25, 2024, in Suit No. PHC/3052/CS/2024, involving H.R.M. Nyenweli Ndamzi Nsirim (JP), described in the suit as the Nyenweli of Rumueme Kingdom, against Kingsley Wobo and five others.
The council said its concern was heightened by the widespread circulation of invitations and promotional materials for the proposed New Yam Festival, which allegedly referred to Timothy Nsirim as the Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom.
It warned that such representations could create confusion and further aggravate tensions arising from the longstanding dispute over traditional leadership in the kingdom.
The council clarified that while Timothy Nsirim, like any other individual, had the right to cultivate, harvest, sell and celebrate his agricultural produce, including yam, such activities did not confer on him the title, authority or privileges of the traditional ruler of Rumueme Kingdom.
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It therefore advised residents, members of the public, corporate organisations, government agencies, security agencies and traditional institutions to exercise caution and avoid actions that could be interpreted as recognising Nsirim as the kingdom’s traditional ruler.
The council also urged individuals and organisations not to support, sponsor, endorse or participate in the proposed ceremony in any manner that could be construed as conferring such recognition on him.
The council identified Nyenwe-Eli Dr. Larry Azunda Nsirim as the customary traditional ruler recognised by the Rumueme Kingdom Council of Traditional Rulers, stating that the council duly installed him.
“NYENWE-ELI DR. LARRY AZUNDA NSIRIM is the customarily recognised Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom,” the council stated, insisting that he was currently the only person entitled to be recognised and addressed by the title.
It further called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Rivers State Government, relevant local government authorities and other security and regulatory agencies to take note of the situation and ensure compliance with the subsisting court order.
The council urged the authorities to take appropriate lawful measures to prevent any breach of peace, public disorder or other unlawful conduct that might arise from the proposed festival.
“Our position is aimed at protecting peace, unity, traditional values and law and order in Rumueme Kingdom, while we urge residents, indigenes and other stakeholders to refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions,” the council said.
“We advise the public to disregard any contrary representation or publicity regarding the identity of the recognised Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom and to allow the relevant authorities and courts to address the underlying dispute.”
However, when contacted, Timothy E. Nsirim dismissed the council’s position and urged members of the public not to take the comments of his younger brother seriously.
Nsirim maintained that the New Yam Festival would go ahead as scheduled and insisted that he remained the legitimate traditional ruler of Rumueme Kingdom.
