The Egrangbene Autonomous Communities in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have announced the death of their Pere-elect, Henry Ambakederemo Okrikpa, who passed on while awaiting official recognition from the state government.
Okrikpa, also known as Egbine-Agbe, Daufa I of the proposed Egrangbene Kingdom, reportedly died at the age of 70 after a brief illness.
His demise was disclosed in a statement signed by the Okruzi of the Egrangbene Autonomous Communities, Chief Felix Krokeme Maku, and made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the monarch-elect is survived by three children, grandchildren and other family members.
The communities have declared a period of general mourning pending the announcement of funeral arrangements.
It added that details of the burial rites would be made public in due course by the Regent of the proposed Egrangbene Kingdom, Chief Oboye Omonibeke.
Okrikpa was elected and crowned on September 16, 2009, but his ascension was trailed by a protracted kingship dispute within the community.
Despite his coronation, the Delta State Government withheld formal recognition over controversies surrounding his selection.
He died this year with the issue of his recognition still unresolved.