Ebonyi community protests alleged plot to impose monarch
The Ohaisu Autonomous Community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has protested the alleged plot by some government officials to impose a traditional ruler on them. The
The Ohaisu Autonomous Community in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has protested the alleged plot by some government officials to impose a traditional ruler on them.
The matter has caused a division between the Ohaisu Traditional Council of Elders and some political figures on who becomes Ezeogo of Ohaisu II.
The first traditional ruler, Ezeogo Isuoha I, was selected in April 2001, after the creation of the autonomous community in 2000.
Members of the Traditional Council insist that the selection must follow due process in tandem with the Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities Law of 1999 (Law 34) and Constitution of Ohaisu Autonomous Community adopted on May 4, 1999.
But, some elders prefer the use of population size as the factor for choosing the next monarch.
Sources allege that the push for the population-based formula is linked to one of the contenders for the stool whose wife is a senior official in the state civil service.
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Members of the Traditional Council, however, said as the custodians of their customs due process should be followed.
The Ezeogo Electoral Committee, put in place by the elders is headed by Chief Godwin Ogbonnia Isu, and Chief Ewa Ifeanyichukwu Madukaibe as secretary. It cleared three candidates who are in the race: Dr. Okoro Francis Ekuma from Amangballa village, Gabriel Egwu Ude from Amachi village, and Mr. Patrick Idam Isu from Ngodo village.
This did not go down well with some members of Amangballa village who petitioned the Afikpo North Local Government, insisting that the population be considered for selecting the king.
The council Chairman, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, suspended the selection but later allowed it to resume after the petitioners withdrew their complaint.
Despite the withdrawal, the controversy has reigned.
In a petition to Governor Francis Nwifuru, two elders, Ichie Innocent Akpunwoke and Ichie Patrick Ologwu Eluu, accused some government-linked individuals of attempting to hijack the selection.
They alleged that Chief Hyacinth Ekuma Ikpor of the Southeast Development Commissionand Coordinator of Afikpo North Development Centre, Raphael Okoronkwo, were using their influence to manipulate the succession and urged the governor to ensure that the selection follows laws and customs.
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The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Stephen Igwe, reportedly denied claims that the government was trying to impose a monarch.
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“I have advised all parties to follow the law. Government is not interfering,” Igwe said, adding that his priority was ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining law and order.
Ikpor said the process must be guided by law.
“The law stipulates procedures for selecting Ezeogo. Population and seniority should guide the process. Dr. Francis Okoro Ekuma has the right to contest, and government involvement is irrelevant,” he said.
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But, Okoronkwo denied taking sides, saying he had maintained neutrality.
“I am impartial and have only advised adherence to the law. Disputes over zonal rotation are part of the contention, but the elders should resolve them according to tradition,” he stated.
A socio-cultural group, the Afikpo Patriotic Front, has warned against imposing a monarch on the people.
Its leader, Chief Nnabuike Nnachi, called on Governor Nwifuru to ensure that government officials do not interfere in traditional matters.
“The selection of our traditional ruler must follow our customs and the laws guiding the community. Any attempt to impose a monarch will be resisted,” he said.
