THE people of Umuihueze autonomous community in Akwete Ndoki, Ukwa East council area, Abia state, have staged a peaceful protest over the alleged imposition of Chief Daniel Nwauzor, as the new traditional ruler of the community.
Also, in Anioma Isu autonomous community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi state crisis is brewing following the alleged crowning of two persons as the traditional ruler-elect for the community.
The two monarchs-elect are High Chief Dr. Wisdom Okorie and Mr. John Uzo Igwe and both of them were allegedly approved by Elder James Njoku whose family is saddled with the responsibility of crowning the Igwe of the town. He was alleged to have approved and crowned Chief Wisdom Okorie first and later also allegedly approved and crowned Mr. John Igwe.
The development, SEV learned, has raised serious concern in the community as supporters of the two persons are laying claim to the throne.
Speaking on the issue, Chief Wisdom Okorie said he was surprised that after crowning him as the Igwe of the community, the same man who crowned him went ahead to also crown another person.
Chief Okorie said that after he had certified all the necessary criteria set up by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, he was crowned the Igwe of Anioma Isu autonomous community by Elder James Njoku whose family is saddled with the responsibility of crowning the Igwe of our community.
He called on the state government to wade into the matter and resolve it before the situation got out of hand.
He said: “Following the approval of the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru that the communities without traditional rulers should strive to elect theirs, the people of Anioma Isu autonomous community after some deliberations, unanimously adopted me to be their ruler.
“After much pressure, I decided to accept it since it was coming from my community but was surprised that after I was crowned Igwe, the same man that crowned me went and crowned another person. Honestly, I don’t know his reason for such an act.
Efforts to reach the other crowned as Igwe, Mr. James Uzo Igwe proved abortive as calls placed across to was not successful as he was said to be switched off.
In Abia State Umuihueze autonomous community, SEV gathered that the community has not had a traditional ruler for over 40 years. During the plebiscite, Nwauzor polled 9 votes out of 12 available votes to defeat his opponent, Chief Enyinnaya Ogbulu who scored one vote while votes from the other two villages were cancelled due to inadequate representation.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, had conducted a plebiscite in the community which produced Chief Daniel Nwauzor as the traditional ruler elected for the community.
However, some chiefs of the community alleged that they had earlier nominated Chief Augustine Enyinnaya Ogbulu as the Eze-elect of the community, awaiting government ratification.
The Palace secretary of the community, Ogbonna Chijiuche, also faulted the Commissioner’s action and accused the member representing Ukwa West/Ukwa East Federal Constituency, Chief Chris Nkwonta, of influencing the decision.
He urged Governor Alex Otti to intervene and prevent the looming breakdown of law and order.
“What must have changed from the earlier approval the community got on the matter? This move is contrary to the dynasty of succession and traditions of Umuihueze Akwete Ndoki”, the palace secretary said.
When contacted, the member representing Ukwa West/Ukwa East Federal Constituency, Chief Chris Nkwonta described the protesters as sore losers who are economical with the truth. He denied influencing the process and noted that the community has been without a monarch for over 40 years and stressed the need for the new monarch to unite the community and do things that will not affect others negatively.
Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, denied any financial inducement from the lawmaker and added that the protest cannot discredit the plebiscite.
He noted that the state government decided to conduct a plebiscite to restore peace and stability in communities that were passing through contention because of the selection of their traditional ruler and urged them to eschew bitterness and rancour, regardless of their interests.
Nwachukwu assured that the state government has no interest in who becomes the traditional ruler of any community in the state, adding that the government will always ensure orderliness in all parts of the state and urged the protesters to sheath their sword and support the new monarch. (Vanguard)