The dangers of Ondonga succession
The battle for Ondonga has intensified in the last few months, and it is feared that the ongoing instability could lead to dangerous consequences if warring factions don't smoke the peace pipe.
The embarrassing standoff, which has pitted some senior headmen against the royal family, has no end in sight. The homestead of King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas is believed to be under heavy security guard in light of reports that many are not happy with the alleged interference of the king's wife in the affairs of the traditional authority.
There are serious accusations against the king's wife Secilia and her children, including allegations that they have been grabbing land and allocating it to their people. She has also been accused of making decisions on behalf of the ailing king. What is clear is that the king's wife does not support Fillemon Shuumbwa, who was earlier named Ondonga heir-apparent, to take over the throne.
The bitter infighting over King Elifas' succession seemingly reached an all-time high, because of his frail condition and most recently failed urgent application in the High Court to have him mentally evaluated to see whether he was still of sound mind and fit to discharge the Ondonga kingdom's traditional responsibilities. This again highlights the desperate infighting among the Ondonga.
The once highly respected traditional authority is clearly in a mess now and it will take great effort for the kingdom to retain its credibility.
Those involved in the succession war have now resorted to unpublishable name-calling. This has escalated quickly and even innocent bystanders have been dragged through the mud.
The succession standoff in Ondonga is no longer a friendly rivalry. The impasse could lead to dangerous consequences, which peace-loving Namibians can ill-afford. Well-meaning Namibians should condemn the infighting rocking the Ondonga kingdom for the sake of the peace and stability of our country. We need serious intervention to stop this embarrassing skirmish from escalating any further.
The embarrassing standoff, which has pitted some senior headmen against the royal family, has no end in sight. The homestead of King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas is believed to be under heavy security guard in light of reports that many are not happy with the alleged interference of the king's wife in the affairs of the traditional authority.
There are serious accusations against the king's wife Secilia and her children, including allegations that they have been grabbing land and allocating it to their people. She has also been accused of making decisions on behalf of the ailing king. What is clear is that the king's wife does not support Fillemon Shuumbwa, who was earlier named Ondonga heir-apparent, to take over the throne.
The bitter infighting over King Elifas' succession seemingly reached an all-time high, because of his frail condition and most recently failed urgent application in the High Court to have him mentally evaluated to see whether he was still of sound mind and fit to discharge the Ondonga kingdom's traditional responsibilities. This again highlights the desperate infighting among the Ondonga.
The once highly respected traditional authority is clearly in a mess now and it will take great effort for the kingdom to retain its credibility.
Those involved in the succession war have now resorted to unpublishable name-calling. This has escalated quickly and even innocent bystanders have been dragged through the mud.
The succession standoff in Ondonga is no longer a friendly rivalry. The impasse could lead to dangerous consequences, which peace-loving Namibians can ill-afford. Well-meaning Namibians should condemn the infighting rocking the Ondonga kingdom for the sake of the peace and stability of our country. We need serious intervention to stop this embarrassing skirmish from escalating any further.
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Namibian Sun
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