The Imo State Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rubby Emele has appealed to the people of Umuojisi Autonomous Community Ideato South LGA to remain calm following protests over the alleged attempt to install one Chinedu Uzoukwu as Eze of the community.
She made the appeal while addressing some group from the area who staged a protest to her office demanding that the installation move be put on hold.
The protesters appealed to the Commissioner to stop the planned coronation, informing her that the move violates the age-long tradition of the community and tends to scuttle court proceedings on the matter.
According to one of the leaders of the group, Chief Donatus Irokansi, several appeals and petitions submitted by the Eze-in-Council have not yielded results, raising fears that the dispute could degenerate.
He added that the community wants peace and not confrontation, noting that the throne has been passed down from father to son for generations.
Irokansi further added that since the issue is in court, Government should wait for judgment before taking any step like issuing a Staff of Office.
Speaking on behalf of the community’s youths, Mr. Friday Ihabotu, warned that forcing a ruler on the people could spark social unrest.
He maintained that the community already has someone who should be on the throne in the person of Uchenna Nwachukwu.
The Women’s Wing Chairperson, Mrs Elizabeth Eze, said that Uzoukwu does not belong to the Royal family and has no claim to the stool.
“Kingship in Umuojisi is hereditary. The late Eze Ernest Nwachukwu ruled until 2020. His son, Uchenna, is the one the people recognise,” she explained.
Another indigene, Onyewuchukwu Nwosu, alleged that the Staff of Office was secured through the wrong channel.
He said that succession to the throne should not be influenced by wealth and advised that tradition must be respected.
In her response the Commissioner called for calm and promised that the government would examine the matter properly.
She advised the protesters to remain law abiding and desist from actions that could raise tension in the community.
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