Katjiua installed as Ovaherero chief

This happened despite a splinter group within the OTA, led by Ovitoto chief Vipuira Kapuuo, asserting that the nomination and designation of Katjiua as the Ovaherero chief was not procedural.

The splinter group assert that Kapuoo, as the OTA chairperson, should have been the acting chief.

The two factions, one led by Katjiua and the other led by Kapuoo, have taken each other to court regarding the chief”;s appointment.

Meanwhile, Katjiua yesterday said there should be no doubt that he is the paramount chief.

The infighting follows the death of chief Vekuii Rukoro on 18 July 2021.

“The Ovaherero Chiefs Council has nominated, designated and elected me following an established process,” he said.

Katjiua said the symbol of power would be handed to him at Okahandja between 15 and 17 July.

During the same weekend, the OTA will be paying homage to their heroes during the annual Ovaherero commemoration at Okahandja. This is a practice, according to Katjiua, which has been done since 1923, after the interment of the remains of the second paramount chief Samuel Maharero.

The OTA will on have the tombstone unveiling of the late Rukoro next week Sunday.

This move also saw lawyers being roped in after Kapuuo and 16 others initiated the process of organising the tombstone unveiling.

As a result, the spouse of the late Rukoro, Dina Rukoro, through lawyers Kamuhanga Hoveka Samuel Inc wrote to the Ovitoto chief to say that they “have resolved to designate the OTA, under the leadership of chief Katjiua, with the authority and responsibility of organising, overseeing and being in charge of the tombstone unveiling of the late chief Rukoro, for any date or as planned for the period of 15 to 17 July 2022.”

The lawyers demanded that the individuals, which also include Tjazirapi Hange, Obed Tumbu, Benestus Rukero, Usiel Kambirongo, Ebson Kuhanga and Immanuel Kuhanga, stop involving themselves in the organisation, overseeing and/or conducting of the tombstone unveiling.

“You are, however, free to attend and pay your respects as [a] spectator/s,” the law firm noted. Should the request not be heeded, they will approach the court for interdictory relief on an urgent basis.